A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has partial-thickness and full-thickness burns on their lower extremities. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend including in the plan of care?

Rationale for correct choices:

• Serotonin syndrome: The client presents with restlessness, abdominal pain, disorientation, and fever shortly after an increase in paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These symptoms are consistent with serotonin toxicity, which can develop when serotonergic medications are started or doses increased. Early recognition is critical because serotonin syndrome can progress rapidly and become life-threatening without prompt intervention.

• Adverse effects of paroxetine: The recent increase in paroxetine dosage to 30 mg daily places the client at risk for serotonergic adverse effects. Symptoms such as restlessness, gastrointestinal upset, and mental status changes reflect this risk. Identifying medication-related adverse effects allows the nurse to alert the provider for evaluation and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Agoraphobia: The client does not exhibit fear of public spaces or avoidance behaviors typical of agoraphobia. Current symptoms are acute and physiological rather than anxiety-driven avoidance. Therefore, this condition does not explain the presenting findings.

• Bulimia: The client does not report binge eating, purging, or restrictive behaviors. Gastrointestinal symptoms are linked to medication effects rather than eating disorder behaviors. Bulimia is inconsistent with the acute presentation and current assessment.

• Mania: Manic symptoms include elevated mood, hyperactivity, decreased need for sleep, and impulsivity. The client reports hopelessness, disinterest, and lethargy rather than hyperactive or expansive mood changes. Mania is therefore unlikely. The presentation aligns more with serotonergic toxicity.

• Hypertensive crisis: Hypertensive crisis typically presents with severe headache, elevated blood pressure, visual changes, and possible neurological deficits. The client’s blood pressure is not noted as elevated, and symptoms focus on gastrointestinal and neurological changes. Medication risk for hypertensive crisis is more relevant with MAO inhibitors, not SSRIs.

• Abdominal pain: While the client reports abdominal discomfort, it is a symptom rather than a cause of risk. Abdominal pain is a manifestation of serotonin syndrome rather than an independent risk factor. It does not identify the underlying condition requiring immediate intervention.

• Recent fall: Although a recent fall is noted, it did not result in head trauma and is unlikely related to the acute presentation. The fall is not causative for serotonin syndrome. It may warrant monitoring but does not explain current physiological changes.

• Anxiety: The client has a history of generalized anxiety disorder, but current acute symptoms (fever, disorientation, restlessness) exceed baseline anxiety levels. Anxiety alone does not account for fever or neurologic changes. The acute presentation is medication-related rather than purely psychiatric.

• Feelings of hopelessness: Hopelessness is part of the client’s underlying depressive disorder, not the acute risk factor. While it may impact overall mental health, it does not directly cause serotonin syndrome. Monitoring mood is important but secondary to physiological assessment.

A. Waste containers are lined with single bags: Using single-lined waste containers is standard practice and does not pose a significant infection risk. Properly contained waste helps maintain cleanliness and reduce exposure to pathogens.

B. Dampened cloths are used for dusting the area: Using dampened cloths prevents dust from becoming airborne and spreading microorganisms. This method reduces the risk of infection and is appropriate for immunocompromised clients.

C. Uncapped sharps are put in a puncture-resistant container: Sharps should always be capped or handled carefully, but placing them directly in a puncture-resistant container is safe and prevents needlestick injuries.

D. Soiled linens are placed on the floor: Placing soiled linens on the floor exposes them to environmental pathogens and increases the risk of cross-contamination. For immunocompromised clients, proper handling and containment of soiled linens are critical to prevent infection.