A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and takes clozapine. Which of the following findings is a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
- A. Nausea
- B. Random blood glucose 130 mg/dL
- C. Heart rate 104 per minute
- D. Sore throat
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sore throat. A priority finding to report with clozapine is agranulocytosis, which presents with symptoms like sore throat. This is crucial to detect early to prevent severe infection. A: Nausea is a common side effect of clozapine but not a priority over potential agranulocytosis. B: Random blood glucose of 130 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not an immediate concern. C: Heart rate of 104 per minute may be a side effect but is not as critical as agranulocytosis. Reporting the sore throat promptly can lead to timely intervention and prevent serious complications.
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A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has panic disorder and is receiving alprazolam. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- B. Avoid activities that require alertness
- C. Stop taking the medication if dizziness occurs
- D. Take an additional dose if anxiety increases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid activities that require alertness. This is important because alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. By avoiding activities that require alertness, the client can prevent accidents or injuries.
A: Taking the medication on an empty stomach is not necessary for alprazolam.
C: Stopping the medication if dizziness occurs is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider.
D: Taking an additional dose if anxiety increases can lead to overdose and is not safe.
Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate instruction to include in teaching the client with panic disorder taking alprazolam.
A nurse is providing teaching to the daughter of an older client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following statements by the daughter indicates an understanding of the disorder?
- A. I will limit my mother’s clothing choices when she is getting dressed
- B. I will provide my mother with detailed instructions about how to perform self-care
- C. I will wake my mother up a couple of times in the night to check on her
- D. I will discourage my mother from talking about physical complaints
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will provide my mother with detailed instructions about how to perform self-care." This statement indicates an understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because individuals with OCD often struggle with performing daily tasks due to their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. By providing detailed instructions, the daughter is acknowledging the need for structured routines to help her mother manage her symptoms.
A: Limiting clothing choices does not address the underlying issues of OCD and may exacerbate anxiety.
C: Waking the mother up to check on her reinforces compulsions, which is counterproductive in treating OCD.
D: Discouraging the mother from talking about physical complaints does not address the core symptoms of OCD.
By choosing option B, the daughter shows insight into the importance of providing support and guidance in managing the challenges associated with OCD.
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. Which of the following clinical findings is the nurse’s priority?
- A. High fever
- B. Insomnia
- C. Urinary hesitancy
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: High fever. The priority finding is high fever because it could indicate a potentially serious adverse reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) associated with haloperidol use. NMS is a life-threatening condition characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt recognition and treatment of NMS are crucial to prevent complications. Insomnia (B), urinary hesitancy (C), and headache (D) are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent as high fever, which could signify a medical emergency.
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is providing discharge teaching to a client who has major depressive disorder and a new prescription for fluoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication in the morning
- B. Expect improvement within 24 hours
- C. Discontinue the medication when symptoms improve
- D. Avoid foods high in tyramine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication in the morning. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression. Taking it in the morning helps prevent insomnia, a common side effect. Option B is incorrect as improvement may take weeks, not 24 hours. Option C is wrong as stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Option D is irrelevant as tyramine interactions are associated with MAOIs, not SSRIs.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. For which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate administration of lorazepam?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Stupor
- C. Afebrile
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypertension. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including hypertension. Alcohol withdrawal often leads to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, causing elevated blood pressure. Lorazepam helps to reduce this symptom by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Bradycardia (A), stupor (B), and afebrile (C) are not indications for lorazepam administration in alcohol withdrawal. Bradycardia and stupor may require further evaluation for potential complications, while afebrile state does not directly warrant lorazepam use.