A client is experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal from the benzodiazepine alprazolam. What is the best initial nursing action?
Obtain a serum drug screen.
Administer naloxone per PRN protocol.
Initiate seizure precautions.
Instruct the family about withdrawal symptoms.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While obtaining a serum drug screen might be helpful in confirming the presence of benzodiazepines or other substances, it is not the most immediate concern in a client experiencing severe agitation and tremors due to withdrawal.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and would not be effective in managing withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines.
Choice C rationale
Seizure precautions should be initiated as withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Therefore, ensuring the safety of the client by initiating seizure precautions is the best initial nursing action.
Choice D rationale
While education is an important part of nursing care, in this situation, the client’s immediate physical needs take precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A firm crib mattress is crucial in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft surfaces can conform to the infant’s face and potentially block their airway, leading to suffocation.
Choice B rationale
Propping the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
Choice C rationale
Swaddling the infant in a blanket for sleeping is not the most important measure to prevent SIDS. Overheating and loose bedding are risk factors for SIDS23.
Choice D rationale
Placing the infant in a prone position whenever possible is not recommended. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS23.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reviewing serum protein levels can provide valuable information about a client’s nutritional status and liver function. However, in the context of a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness, and has a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in ascitic fluid, initiating antibiotic therapy is the priority.
Choice B rationale
Beginning abdominal girth measurements can be useful for monitoring the progression of ascites in a client with liver disease. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Choice C rationale
Initiating antibiotic therapy is the correct intervention in this case. The client’s symptoms and the high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication of cirrhosis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Assessing neurological status is important in clients with liver disease, as they are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
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