A client is admitted for a drug overdose with a barbiturate. Which is the priority nursing action when planning care for this client?
Check the client's belongings for additional drugs.
Pad the side rails of the bed because seizures are likely.
Prepare a dose of ipecac, an emetic.
Monitor respiratory function.
The Correct Answer is D
D. Barbiturates can cause respiratory depression, hypoventilation, and potentially respiratory arrest, which can lead to hypoxia and cardiac arrest if not promptly recognized and managed.
A. While it's important to assess for any additional drugs or substances that the client may have ingested, this action is not the priority when managing a client with a barbiturate overdose.
B. Seizures can occur as a result of barbiturate overdose, but respiratory depression is the more immediate and life-threatening concern.
C. Ipecac is no longer recommended for the induction of vomiting in cases of drug overdose due to the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia and delayed treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Women with a history of depression, particularly those with a previous episode of postpartum depression, are at increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression after childbirth. Other risk factors include a family history of depression, stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth, lack of social support, and hormonal fluctuations.
A. While some women with postpartum depression may experience thoughts of harming themselves or their infant, it is not the most common manifestation.
C. Postpartum depression typically begins within the first few weeks to months after delivery. The onset of symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but they commonly develop within the first three months postpartum.
D. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and severe mood disturbances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. MAOIs can interact with certain foods and other medications, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe hypertension, headache, diaphoresis, and other symptoms.
B. SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome can present with symptoms such as headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia, but it typically doesn't cause severe hypertension.
C. TCAs are another class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. TCAs can cause anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. However, TCAs are less commonly associated with severe hypertension compared to MAOIs.
D. Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While they are not typically associated with causing severe hypertension directly, they can have cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.