A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?

Padding side rails to prevent injury.

Applying a cooling blanket.

Administering an anticonvulsant.

Preparing for artificial ventilation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

While preventing injury is important, it is not the highest priority when the client's respiratory and neurological functions are compromised. Managing the client's breathing takes precedence.

B. Applying a cooling blanket.

While hyperthermia (high fever) is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, the immediate concern is ensuring the client's breathing and neurological stability. Cooling measures can be beneficial, but they come after addressing the more critical issues.

C. Administering an anticonvulsant.

While anticonvulsants might be used to control seizures, preparing for artificial ventilation takes priority, as the client's airway and oxygenation must be secured before addressing other symptoms.

D. Preparing for artificial ventilation.

Explanation: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the body, often resulting from interactions between medications that affect serotonin levels. Severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome can include high fever, muscle rigidity, agitation, seizures, and even coma. In cases of severe serotonin syndrome, the client's neurological and respiratory functions can be compromised, making it crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The client responds to questions with disorganized speech:

Disorganized speech is a hallmark of acute mania, often reflecting racing thoughts, pressured speech, and difficulty staying on topic.

B. The client reports that voices are telling him to write a novel:

Reporting that voices are telling the client to write a novel suggests auditory hallucinations, which can occur in various psychiatric conditions, not specifically indicative of acute mania.

C. The client's spouse reports that the client has recently gained weight:

Weight gain is not a typical hallmark of acute mania. In fact, during manic episodes, individuals might experience decreased appetite and sleep, leading to potential weight loss.

D. The client is dressed in all black:

Dressing in all black is not a specific sign of acute mania. While changes in clothing choices or appearance can sometimes be associated with mood changes, this finding alone is not indicative of acute mania.

A. Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (Brief PHQ) B. Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS) C. Mental status examination (MSE) D. Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (Brief PHQ):

The Brief PHQ is a screening tool used to assess symptoms of depression. While it may be relevant to assess mood and emotional well-being, it is not specific to evaluating cognitive functioning or cognitive disorders.

B. Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS):

The AIMS is used to assess involuntary movements, particularly in individuals taking antipsychotic medications. It is not directly related to assessing cognitive disorders.

C,. Mental status examination (MSE)

Explanation:

When admitting an older adult client with a suspected cognitive disorder, including a mental status examination (MSE) as part of the assessment is crucial. The MSE is a structured assessment of a client's current cognitive functioning, emotional state, and thought processes. It helps to evaluate memory, attention, language, perception, orientation, mood, and other cognitive and emotional domains.

D. Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS):

The SANS is used to assess negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on features such as affective blunting, alogia, anhedonia, and other negative symptoms. While it may provide important information about a client's mental state, it is not primarily used to assess cognitive disorders.

Assessing cognitive function is a key component when evaluating older adult clients for cognitive disorders such as dementia or other cognitive impairments. The MSE provides valuable information to guide diagnosis and treatment planning for these conditions.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?

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