A nurse in an acute mental health care facility is prioritizing care for multiple clients.
Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and is upset about a change in daily routine.
A client who is taking clozapine to treat schizophrenia and reports a sore throat.
A client who has narcissistic personality disorder and is mocking others during group therapy.
A client who has depressive disorder and requires assistance with ADLs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder being upset about a change in daily routine is concerning but does not present an immediate threat to their physical health or require urgent attention compared to a potential medical emergency like a sore throat.
Choice B rationale:
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. Sore throat could be an early sign of this serious adverse effect. Therefore, a client taking clozapine reporting a sore throat requires immediate evaluation to rule out agranulocytosis, which can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale:
A client with narcissistic personality disorder mocking others during group therapy is disruptive and inappropriate behavior but does not require immediate attention unless it escalates into a situation that threatens the safety of others or the therapeutic environment.
Choice D rationale:
A client with depressive disorder requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) needs support and care, but this does not indicate an urgent situation. While assistance with ADLs is important for the client's well-being, it is not a priority over a potential medical emergency like agranulocytosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
= Answer is... Choice B. Administer flumazenil to the client.
Choice A rationale:
In the emergency department scenario described, the client has presented with symptoms suggestive of a diazepam overdose, indicating potential suicidal behavior. However, while evaluating the client for further suicidal behavior is an important aspect of comprehensive care, it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client's lethargy and respiratory depression require urgent intervention to reverse the effects of diazepam overdose and stabilize their condition. Once the client's immediate medical needs are addressed, further assessment and intervention regarding suicidal behavior can be pursued as part of ongoing care and safety planning.
Choice B rationale:
Administering flumazenil to the client is the most appropriate next action in the management of a diazepam overdose. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, effectively reverses the sedative effects of benzodiazepines such as diazepam by competitively blocking benzodiazepine binding sites on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complex. By antagonizing the effects of diazepam, flumazenil can rapidly restore consciousness and respiratory drive in clients experiencing benzodiazepine-induced central nervous system depression, such as lethargy and hypoventilation. Prompt administration of flumazenil is crucial for preventing further respiratory compromise and potential respiratory arrest in overdose situations.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring the client's IV site for thrombophlebitis is an important aspect of nursing care during IV therapy; however, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. While maintaining IV access is essential for administering medications and fluids, including flumazenil in this case, the urgent need to reverse the effects of diazepam overdose takes precedence over monitoring for IV complications. Thrombophlebitis can be assessed and managed concurrently with the administration of flumazenil and other aspects of the client's care once their immediate medical condition is stabilized.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating seizure precautions for the client may be warranted in certain clinical situations, particularly if the client has a history of seizures or if there are concerns about potential withdrawal or rebound seizures following the administration of flumazenil. However, in the context of a diazepam overdose with central nervous system depression and lethargy, the primary focus is on reversing the effects of the overdose and restoring respiratory function. Seizure precautions can be implemented if indicated based on ongoing assessment and clinical judgment but are not the immediate next action following initiation of IV access and administration of flumazenil.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Paradoxical chest movement refers to the abnormal inward movement of the chest during inhalation and outward movement during exhalation. It is not a typical finding in pneumothorax. Instead, paradoxical chest movement is often observed in conditions such as flail chest.
Choice B rationale:
Reduced right-sided breath sounds are a common finding in right pneumothorax. Air in the pleural space can cause lung collapse, leading to decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
Choice C rationale:
High-pitched stridor is a sound heard during inspiration and indicates upper airway obstruction, often due to conditions like croup or epiglottitis. It is not a characteristic finding in pneumothorax.
Choice D rationale:
Intercostal retractions occur when the tissues between the ribs are pulled inward during inspiration. While retractions can be seen in various respiratory distress conditions, they are not specific to pneumothorax.
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