A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of schizophrenia and a prescription for an antipsychotic medication. The nurse should recognize that which of the following indicates an adverse effect that must be reported to the provider?
The client is observed displaying a shuffling gait while walking in the hall.
The client is observed mumbling quietly while alone in the day room.
The client states, "I feel light-headed when I stand up quickly."
The client states. "Being in the sun seems to really hurt my eyes
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason
The client is observed displaying a shuffling gait while walking in the hall is the correct answer. The nurse should recognize that observing a shuffling gait in a client who is taking antipsychotic medication is an adverse effect that must be reported to the healthcare provider. A shuffling gait is a movement disorder known as parkinsonism, which can be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications, particularly first-generation or typical antipsychotics.
Parkinsonism includes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as a shuffling walk, muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It can occur as a result of blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to an imbalance in dopamine levels.
Choice B reason:
The client mumbling quietly while alone is not correct because in the day room may be related to the symptoms of schizophrenia, and it does not indicate an adverse effect of the antipsychotic medication.
Choice C reason:
The client feeling light-headed when standing up quickly is not correct and it may be related to postural hypotension, which can be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications. While it should be monitored and reported if persistent or severe, it is not as urgent as reporting a shuffling gait.
Choice D reason:
The client stating that being in the sun hurts their eyes does not necessarily indicate an adverse effect of the antipsychotic medication. It may be related to other factors or unrelated to the medication.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications.
Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.
Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.
Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.
Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because varicella, or chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicellazoster virus (VZV), which can spread through the air or by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. A negative air pressure room prevents the air from the room from circulating to other areas of the hospital, reducing the risk of transmission to other patients and staff.
Choice A is wrong because aspirin should not be given to children with chickenpox, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, which affects the brain and liver. Instead, acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever.
Choice B is wrong because droplet precautions are not enough to prevent the spread of chickenpox. Droplet precautions involve wearing a mask and gloves when in close contact with the patient, but they do not prevent the virus from traveling through the air. Airborne precautions, which include a negative air pressure room and wearing a respirator, are needed for chickenpox.
Choice D is wrong because Koplik spots are not a sign of chickenpox, but of measles, another viral infection that causes a rash. Chickenpox causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters that crust over.
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