A nurse is collecting data from a client admitted to an inpatient mental health unit and has a new prescription for disulfiram (Antabuse). Which of the following information is most important for the nurse to obtain before administering this medication?
History of kidney disease
When the client last drank alcohol
If the client has taken disulfiram before
History of liver disease
The Correct Answer is D
A. History of kidney disease is not as critical for disulfiram administration. The primary concern is related to hepatic metabolism.
B. When the client last drank alcohol is relevant information, but it is not the most critical factor to consider before administering disulfiram. The primary mechanism of disulfiram is to inhibit the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, regardless of when the client last drank.
C. Whether the client has taken disulfiram before is important information, but it does not take precedence over the assessment of liver function. The history of liver disease is more directly related to the potential risks and adverse effects associated with disulfiram use.
D. History of liver disease is crucial to assess before administering disulfiram because disulfiram is metabolized in the liver. Patients with a history of liver disease may have impaired liver function, and the medication may not be well-tolerated or could exacerbate existing liver issues.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
The client is at risk for developing Serotonin syndrome due to the Client's intake of St. John's wort
Explanation:
St. John's wort is an herbal supplement that can interact with certain medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications that increase serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an excess of serotonin in the body.
In the given scenario, the nurse should identify:
Condition: The client's intake of St. John's wort
Client Finding: At risk for developing serotonin syndrome
This is because the use of St. John's wort, combined with medications that affect serotonin levels, increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. The nurse should monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as changes in vital signs, hyperthermia, altered mental status, and neuromuscular abnormalities. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Exploring reasons for her behavior is important for understanding the underlying issues, but the immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety.
B. Providing strategies for redirecting violent behavior is a relevant intervention, but it is not the priority in this situation. Safety concerns related to self-harm take precedence.
C. Encouraging the client to talk about her feelings is a valuable therapeutic intervention, but in the context of borderline personality disorder, the immediate priority is to address the risk of self-harm. Once the client's safety is ensured, exploring feelings and developing coping strategies can be part of the ongoing therapeutic process.
D. Protecting the client from self-harm behavior is the priority because individuals with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of engaging in self-harming behaviors,
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