A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 3 months. The client has a temperature of 39.5* C (103.4° F), blood pressure of 150/110 mm Hg, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Akathisia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Tardive dyskinesia
Agranulocytosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.
C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.
D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Disulfiram: Disulfiram is not used to manage alcohol withdrawal. It is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol dependence to deter alcohol consumption by producing unpleasant side effects if alcohol is ingested.
B. Methadone: Methadone is primarily used in the treatment of opioid dependence as a long-acting opioid agonist. It is not indicated for alcohol withdrawal.
C. Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is also used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Like methadone, it is not used in the management of alcohol withdrawal.
D. Diazepam: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It helps alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, tremors, and seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to their ability to suppress central nervous system hyperexcitability and prevent progression to severe withdrawal symptoms and seizures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Documents medication administration prior to administering it: Documenting medication administration before actually administering it is incorrect and can lead to errors in documentation. The nurse should document medication administration after ensuring the medication is given to the client.
B. Verifies the medication against the prescription and medication label: This is a correct action. The nurse should verify the medication against the prescription and medication label to ensure accuracy before administering it.
C. Checks the provider's orders and confirmed dosage in a medication reference guide: This is a correct action. The nurse should check the provider's orders and confirm the dosage in a reliable medication reference guide to ensure accuracy before administering the medication.
D. Scans the barcode on the medication administration record and the client's armband: This is a correct action. Scanning the barcode on the medication administration record and the client's armband helps ensure the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time.
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