A client is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). The nurse should closely monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
Extrapyramidal symptoms.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Tardive dyskinesia.
The Correct Answer is C
Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that can cause a rare but serious skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is characterized by blisters, rash, and peeling skin. The nurse should monitor the client for any signs of skin irritation or infection and instruct the client to report them immediately.
Choice A is wrong because extrapyramidal symptoms are more common with typical antipsychotics than with atypical antipsychotics. Extrapyramidal symptoms include involuntary movements, muscle stiffness, and tremors.
Choice B is wrong because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening adverse reaction of antipsychotics that involves high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. It is not specific to clozapine and can occur with any antipsychotic drug.
Choice D is wrong because tardive dyskinesia is a long-term adverse effect of antipsychotics that involves repetitive and involuntary movements of the tongue, jaw, face, and limbs. It is also more common with typical antipsychotics than with atypical antipsychotics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.This is because grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of buspirone and cause adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
Choice A is wrong because taking this medication on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset and reduce its absorption.It is better to take buspirone with food or milk.
Choice B is wrong because optimal therapeutic effects of buspirone can take several weeks to develop.It is not a fast-acting medication like benzodiazepines.
Choice D is wrong because this medication has a low risk for dependence compared to other anti-anxiety drugs.Buspirone does not cause withdrawal symptoms or tolerance.
The normal dosage range for buspirone is 15 to 60 mg per day in divided doses.The normal blood level of buspirone is 1 to 6 ng/mL.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
You can stop taking the medication as long as you taper off gradually.
This is because lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine that can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.Tapering off the dose reduces the risk of withdrawal and rebound anxiety or insomnia.
Choice B is wrong because continuing to take the medication indefinitely may increase the risk of tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects such as sedation, confusion, and memory impairment.
Choice C is wrong because stopping the medication immediately can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, tremors, agitation, and hallucinations.
Choice D is wrong because switching to a non-benzodiazepine medication without tapering off lorazepam may not prevent withdrawal symptoms and may cause drug interactions or adverse effects from the new medication.
Normal ranges for lorazepam (Ativan) are 0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses for anxiety and 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg at bedtime for insomnia.
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