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)

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "The voices talk only at night when I'm trying to sleep."

This statement does not necessarily indicate a direct threat to the patient or others. It may be a manifestation of hallucination, but it doesn't explicitly pose a danger.

B. "The voices say everyone is trying to kill me."

This statement suggests paranoid delusions and a direct threat to the patient's safety. The nurse should implement safety measures to protect the patient and others from potential harm.

C. "I hear angels playing harps."

This statement describes a positive or benign hallucination, which may not require immediate safety measures. While it might be distressing for the patient, it doesn't pose an imminent danger.

A. Dry mouth and urinary retention B. Akinesia and insomnia C. Sore throat, fever, and malaise D. Akathisia and hypersalivation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Dry mouth and urinary retention: These symptoms are not typically associated with the side effects of clozapine. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many antipsychotic medications, but urinary retention is not a typical side effect of clozapine.

B. Akinesia and insomnia: Akinesia (lack of movement) is not a common side effect of clozapine. Insomnia can occur with various antipsychotic medications but does not typically warrant immediate intervention unless severe or persistent.

C. Sore throat, fever, and malaise: These symptoms can indicate a potentially serious side effect known as agranulocytosis, which is a significant reduction in white blood cell count. Clozapine is associated with an increased risk of agranulocytosis. If a client experiences symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or malaise, it may indicate a severe drop in white blood cell count, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

D. Akathisia and hypersalivation: Akathisia (restlessness) is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications, but it is not typically associated with immediate severe medical risks. Hypersalivation is a common side effect but does not usually require immediate intervention unless severe.

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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:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which hallucination necessitates the nurse to implement safety measures? The patient says.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). Which client symptoms related to the side effects of this medication should prompt a nurse to intervene immediately?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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