A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse report to the provider?
Sweating and fever
Discolored urine
Decreased appetite
Hallucinations.
The Correct Answer is A
The adverse effect the nurse should report to the provider is A. Sweating and fever.
This combination of symptoms is a key indicator of Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that, while rare with buspirone alone, can occur, particularly if the client is taking other medications that increase serotonin (like SSRIs or MAOIs).
The nurse should report these signs immediately because:
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Sweating (Diaphoresis) and High Fever (Hyperthermia) are core components of the triad of symptoms for Serotonin Syndrome (autonomic instability).
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Serotonin Syndrome also involves changes in mental status (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, which is option D) and neuromuscular hyperactivity (e.g., muscle rigidity, tremors).
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This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent complications like rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure.
In comparison:
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C. Decreased appetite is a common, generally mild, and manageable side effect.
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D. Hallucinations are a serious central nervous system side effect, but when presented alongside the life-threatening systemic signs of Serotonin Syndrome (A), option A represents the more urgent and dangerous adverse reaction.
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B. Discolored urine is not a standard adverse effect and would need investigation, but is not as acutely critical as signs of Serotonin Syndrome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Personality disorders are not typically considered to be comorbidities of eating disorders. While some personality traits, such as perfectionism and obsessiveness, may be more common in individuals with eating disorders, these traits do not necessarily
constitute a personality disorder. Additionally, the presence of a personality disorder does not typically increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Depression is one of the most common comorbidities associated with eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 50% of individuals with eating disorders also experience depression. The relationship between eating disorders and depression is complex and bidirectional. Depression can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and the behaviors associated with eating disorders can also worsen depression.
Choice C rationale:
Breathing-related sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are not typically associated with eating disorders. While some individuals with eating disorders may experience sleep disturbances, these disturbances are more likely to be related to other factors, such as anxiety or depression.
Choice D rationale:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is another common comorbidity of eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 30% of individuals with eating disorders also have OCD. The symptoms of OCD, such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, can overlap with the symptoms of eating disorders. For example, an individual with OCD may have obsessive thoughts about food and weight, and they may engage in compulsive behaviors related to eating, such as calorie counting or food restriction.
Choice E rationale:
Schizophrenia is not typically associated with eating disorders. While some individuals with schizophrenia may experience disturbances in eating behavior, these disturbances are more likely to be related to other symptoms of the disorder, such as delusions or hallucinations.
Choice F rationale:
Anxiety is another common comorbidity of eating disorders. Studies have shown that up to 60% of individuals with eating disorders also experience anxiety disorders. Anxiety can contribute to the development of an eating disorder, and the behaviors associated with eating disorders can also worsen anxiety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale is a tool used to assess the severity of depression. While it can provide valuable information about the client's mental state, it is not the priority intervention in this case. The client has already attempted suicide, indicating a high level of risk. It is essential to focus on ensuring the client's immediate safety before conducting further assessments.
Rationale for Choice B:
Making a contract with the client for eating behavior can be a helpful intervention for clients with anorexia nervosa. However, it is not the priority in the immediate aftermath of a suicide attempt. The client's safety must take precedence over addressing their eating disorder.
Rationale for Choice C:
Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report can provide information about the substances the client ingested in their suicide attempt. However, this information is not necessary for determining the immediate course of action. The priority is to initiate safety measures to prevent another attempt.
Rationale for Choice D:
Initiating one-to-one continuous observation is the most critical intervention for a client who has recently attempted suicide. This level of observation ensures that the client is constantly monitored and cannot make another attempt without being interrupted. It also allows the nurse to assess the client's mental state and behaviors closely and intervene if necessary.
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