A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Meaningless phrases

Refusal to eat

Substance use

Decreased energy level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Meaningless phrases are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia and can indicate a worsening of the client's psychosis. This is a significant finding because it suggests that the client's ability to think clearly and communicate effectively is deteriorating.

Prompt reporting to the provider is crucial to ensure timely assessment and intervention, which may include medication adjustments or other therapeutic measures to address the worsening psychosis.

Early intervention is essential to prevent further decline in the client's mental state and to minimize the risk of harm to self or others.

I'll provide detailed rationales for the other choices, even though they are not the priority to report:

Choice B rationale:

Refusal to eat can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is not as immediate of a concern as meaningless phrases. It's important to monitor the client's nutritional intake and address any underlying causes of the refusal to eat, but this can typically be managed through nursing interventions without requiring immediate provider notification.

Choice C rationale:

Substance use can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms and should be addressed, but it is not the priority to report in this scenario. The nurse should assess the client's substance use history and patterns, provide education and counseling on the risks of substance use, and collaborate with the provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both the schizophrenia and the substance use.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased energy level can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is also a common symptom of many other conditions. It's important to assess the client's overall health and identify any potential causes of the decreased energy level, but it is not typically a priority to report to the provider unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choicec. The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.

Choice A rationale:Giving away personal items and money can indicate impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common in manic episodes. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate physical risk to the client or others.

Choice B rationale:Hostility and sarcasm towards staff can indicate irritability and agitation, which are also common in mania. While this behavior can disrupt the therapeutic environment, it is not the highest priority unless it escalates to physical aggression.

Choice C rationale:Pacing in the hallway during the day and most of the night indicates severe hyperactivity and potential exhaustion. This behavior poses a significant risk to the client’s physical health due to the possibility of dehydration, exhaustion, and other complications from lack of rest.

Choice D rationale:Demonstrating flight of ideas is a cognitive symptom of mania where the client rapidly shifts from one idea to another. While this can affect communication and thought processes, it does not pose an immediate physical risk.

In summary, the priority is to address behaviors that pose the greatest immediate risk to the client’s physical health and safety.

A. Sexual behaviors B. Frequency of hospitalizations C. Sodium level D. Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

Choice C rationale:

Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.

Rationale for Immediate

Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.

Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.

Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.

Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.

Rationale for Immediate

Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).

Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.

Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.

Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior. Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania. Which finding is the nurse’s priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Medical History: The patient is on Naltrexone 50mg PO once daily and Fluoxetine 20mg PO every morning. The nurse has reviewed the client’s electronic health record. Which of the following client findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?