A nurse cares for four patients who are receiving clozapine, lithium, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine, respectively. For which patient should the nurse be most alert for alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity as well as fluid and electrolyte imbalance? The patient receiving:
fluoxetine (Prozac)
Lithium (Lithobid)
venlafaxine (Effexor)
clozapine (Clozari)
The Correct Answer is B
A. fluoxetine (Prozac):
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While SSRIs can have side effects, significant alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity and fluid/electrolyte imbalance are not typically associated with fluoxetine. The primary concerns with SSRIs are related to serotonin levels and can include gastrointestinal disturbances, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
B. Lithium (Lithobid):
This is the correct answer. Lithium is known to have potential side effects related to cardiac and cerebral function, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance. Monitoring blood levels of lithium is crucial to avoid toxicity, which can affect the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Lithium toxicity can lead to symptoms such as tremors, confusion, ataxia, and, in severe cases, seizures.
C. venlafaxine (Effexor):
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it can cause some cardiovascular effects, the concern for significant alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity and fluid/electrolyte imbalance is generally lower compared to lithium. The primary side effects of venlafaxine are related to serotonin and norepinephrine levels and may include increased blood pressure and heart rate.
D. clozapine (Clozaril):
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia. While antipsychotics can have side effects related to metabolic changes, significant alterations in cardiac or electrolyte imbalances are not typically associated with clozapine as the primary concern. Regular monitoring for metabolic side effects, such as weight gain and changes in lipid and glucose levels, is important with antipsychotic medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight loss: This is the correct priority nursing diagnosis. The client's significant weight loss is indicative of altered nutrition and poses a more immediate threat to their well-being. Addressing the nutritional deficit takes precedence to ensure the client's physical health and stability.
B. Altered sleep patterns R/T mania AEB insomnia for the past 3 nights: While altered sleep patterns are a concern, the priority in this scenario is the significant weight loss, which is indicative of altered nutrition. Nutritional deficits can have more immediate health consequences.
C. Knowledge deficit R/T bipolar disorder AEB concern about symptoms: While addressing knowledge deficits is important for the client's understanding of their condition, the immediate concern is the client's significant weight loss. Nutritional deficits can lead to serious health issues and should be addressed as a priority.
D. Risk for suicide R/T powerlessness AEB insomnia and anorexia: While the client's symptoms may contribute to a risk for suicide, the immediate focus should be on addressing the altered nutrition, which is a more direct threat to the client's physical health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder typically seek attention and may be overly dramatic, but self-harm as a response to perceived abandonment is not a characteristic feature.
B. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD):
People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are characterized by perfectionism, preoccupation with details, and a desire for control. Michelle's behavior, including self-harm in response to perceived rejection, aligns more closely with borderline personality disorder.
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
While narcissistic individuals may exhibit a sense of superiority and a desire for admiration, self-harm in response to abandonment is not a typical trait of narcissistic personality disorder.
D. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
This personality disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with BPD may have intense fears of abandonment and engage in impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. Michelle's perception of being disliked, her claim of superiority, and the self-harming action in response to news of the nurse's vacation are consistent with BPD.
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