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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "This medication may increase your blood pressure."
This statement is incorrect. Risperidone is not typically associated with significant increases in blood pressure. One of the potential side effects of risperidone is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g., standing up quickly). Therefore, this choice is not the best instruction to include in the teaching.
B. "Flu-like symptoms are an expected adverse effect of this medication."
This statement is incorrect. While risperidone can have side effects, flu-like symptoms are not commonly associated with it. Common side effects of risperidone may include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and movement disorders. Flu-like symptoms are not a typical adverse effect of this medication.
C. "Avoid becoming overheated while taking this medication."
This statement is correct. Risperidone, like many other antipsychotic medications, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to an increased risk of overheating, especially in hot weather or during vigorous physical activity. Therefore, it's important for patients taking risperidone to be cautious and avoid becoming overheated, as this could potentially lead to heat-related complications.
D. "Muscle twitches can occur the first few weeks while taking this medication."
This statement is incorrect. Muscle twitches are not a common side effect of risperidone. While it's true that some movement disorders can occur with antipsychotic medications, the statement is too specific to muscle twitches and does not accurately reflect the typical side effect profile of risperidone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "I haven't gotten my period yet, and all my friends have theirs."
While the concern about not having gotten her period yet is a valid one, it's a common experience during adolescence. Variability in the timing of puberty is normal, and addressing this concern might involve providing reassurance and education about the natural range of development.
B) "There's a big pimple on my face, and I worry that everyone will notice it."
While concerns about physical appearance are common during adolescence, they are less urgent in terms of emotional and psychological well-being. Addressing body image issues is important, but the statement about lack of social acceptance and reciprocal liking indicates potentially deeper emotional challenges.
C) "None of the kids at this school like me, and I don't like them either."
Explanation:
Adolescence is a time of significant emotional and social development. The statement about not being liked by other students and not liking them in return indicates potential social isolation and difficulties in forming positive relationships. Adolescents often seek social acceptance and peer relationships are crucial for their well-being and development.
D) "My parents treat me like a baby sometimes."
This statement suggests a common parent-adolescent dynamic where there might be conflicts about independence and autonomy. While these feelings are valid, they don't necessarily reflect a higher priority concern related to social isolation and peer relationships.
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