A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

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.

A. Pharmacists: Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are highly knowledgeable about medications, including their indications, dosages, contraindications, interactions, and administration routes. They play a crucial role in ensuring safe medication administration by providing accurate information and counseling to both healthcare providers and patients.

B. Published journals: Published journals contain peer-reviewed articles and research studies on various aspects of medication administration, including best practices, guidelines, new developments, and evidence-based recommendations. Healthcare professionals often refer to reputable journals to stay updated on the latest information and advancements in medication administration.

C. Physicians Desk Reference (PDR): The Physicians Desk Reference is a comprehensive reference book that provides information on prescription drugs, including their indications, dosages, side effects, and interactions. It is commonly used by healthcare providers as a reliable source of medication information to support safe prescribing and administration practices.

D. Pharmaceutical sales representatives: While pharmaceutical sales representatives may provide information about specific medications, their primary role is to promote and market pharmaceutical products. While they may offer valuable information about medication characteristics, their input may be biased toward promoting specific products rather than providing comprehensive and unbiased information about medication administration. Therefore, they are not typically considered acceptable references for safe medication administration.