A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports ingesting thirty diazepam tablets 20 minutes ago.
The client is lethargic and has a respiratory rate of 10/min.
After securing the client's airway and initiating an IV, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Evaluate the client for further suicidal behavior.
Administer flumazenil to the client.
Monitor the client's IV site for thrombophlebitis.
Initiate seizure precautions for the client.
The Correct Answer is B
= 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to abstain from sexual intercourse for one month is not necessary for the management of Chlamydia trachomatis. Instead, the client should be advised to abstain from sexual activity until they and their partner(s) have completed the prescribed course of antibiotics and are no longer contagious, which is usually within 7 days.
Choice B rationale:
Administering ceftriaxone via intermittent IV bolus is not the recommended route for treating Chlamydia trachomatis. The standard treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis infection is oral antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Intravenous administration is not typically required for uncomplicated cases.
Choice C rationale:
Scheduling the client for retesting in one week is not necessary if the client has received appropriate treatment and follows the prescribed course of antibiotics. Retesting is generally recommended 3 months after treatment, especially in cases of persistent or recurrent symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Reporting the infection to the state department of health is a crucial action. Chlamydia trachomatis is a reportable sexually transmitted infection in many jurisdictions. Reporting helps public health authorities track the incidence of the disease, implement preventive measures, and allocate resources effectively to control its spread within the community. It is essential for the nurse to comply with legal and ethical obligations by reporting the infection to the appropriate health authorities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to report the client who has a prescription for compression stockings but did not receive them. This situation involves a missed intervention that is crucial for the client's health and safety. Reporting this to the nurse allows timely intervention and ensures that the client receives the necessary care.
Choice B rationale:
Consuming all the food from the meal tray is not a cause for concern and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse. It is a normal behavior and does not indicate any potential issues with the client's health or safety.
Choice C rationale:
The client's request to sit in the bedside chair while watching TV is a common and appropriate request. It does not pose any risk to the client's health or safety and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse.
Choice D rationale:
A client requesting assistance to use the bedside commode indicates a need for assistance with a basic activity of daily living. The AP should assist the client with this request as appropriate and does not need to report it to the nurse unless complications or concerns arise during the process.
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