A nurse is developing a care plan for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking chlorpromazine. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
Weigh the client daily.
Monitor the client for signs of bleeding.
Monitor the client’s respirations every 4 hours.
Administer an antacid with the medication to decrease nausea.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Weigh the client daily is important because chlorpromazine can cause weight gain as a side effect. Regular monitoring of the client’s weight helps in managing and mitigating this potential adverse effect.
Choice B reason: Monitor the client for signs of bleeding is not typically necessary for clients taking chlorpromazine. This medication does not commonly cause bleeding issues. Monitoring for bleeding would be more relevant for clients on anticoagulants or medications that affect platelet function.
Choice C reason: Monitor the client’s respirations every 4 hours is not specifically required for clients on chlorpromazine. While respiratory depression can be a concern with some medications, it is not a common side effect of chlorpromazine.
Choice D reason: Administer an antacid with the medication to decrease nausea is not recommended. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of chlorpromazine, reducing its effectiveness. If the client experiences nausea, other antiemetic strategies should be considered.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: Time the duration of the seizure
Reason: Timing the duration of a seizure is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in determining the type of seizure and its severity. Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes are considered medical emergencies and may require immediate intervention to prevent complications such as status epilepticus, which is a prolonged seizure that can cause brain damage or death. By recording the start and end times, healthcare providers can assess the effectiveness of treatments and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, this information is vital for documenting the patient’s medical history and for future reference in managing the condition.
Choice B: Administer supplemental oxygen to the client
Reason: Administering supplemental oxygen is essential during a seizure, especially when the client’s oxygen saturation levels drop below the normal range of 95-100%. In the provided scenario, the client’s oxygen saturation is 86%, which is significantly low and indicates hypoxemia. Hypoxemia can lead to further complications, including brain damage due to insufficient oxygen supply. Providing supplemental oxygen helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, ensuring that vital organs, including the brain, receive enough oxygen to function properly. This intervention is critical in preventing hypoxic injuries and promoting recovery post-seizure.
Choice C: Place a tongue depressor in the client’s mouth
Reason: Placing a tongue depressor in the client’s mouth during a seizure is not recommended and can be dangerous. This outdated practice was once believed to prevent the client from biting their tongue, but it poses significant risks. The client could bite down on the depressor, causing dental injuries or even breaking the depressor, leading to choking hazards. Modern seizure management guidelines advise against placing any objects in the mouth during a seizure. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the client’s safety by clearing the area of any harmful objects and positioning them safely.
Choice D: Turn the client to the side
Reason: Turning the client to the side, also known as the recovery position, is a critical intervention during a seizure. This position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration, which can occur if the client vomits or has excessive saliva. Aspiration can lead to serious respiratory complications, including pneumonia. By positioning the client on their side, gravity helps drain fluids from the mouth, preventing them from entering the airway9. This simple yet effective measure is a standard practice in seizure management to ensure the client’s safety and comfort.
Choice E: Restrain the client
Reason: Restraining a client during a seizure is not recommended and can be harmful. Seizures involve involuntary muscle contractions, and attempting to restrain the client can lead to injuries such as fractures, muscle tears, or dislocations. Additionally, restraint can increase the client’s agitation and stress, potentially worsening the seizure. The appropriate approach is to ensure the client’s safety by removing nearby objects that could cause injury and allowing the seizure to run its course. Gentle guidance and support should be provided without applying force.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ask the client to blow his nose
Asking the client to blow his nose is not advisable in this situation. Blowing the nose can increase intracranial pressure and potentially worsen the condition by causing more cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak or even lead to further complications. Therefore, this action should be avoided.
Choice B reason: Suction the nostril
Suctioning the nostril is also not recommended. This action can introduce infection and increase the risk of further complications. It is important to handle any potential CSF leak with care to prevent infection and other issues.
Choice C reason: Notify the physician
While notifying the physician is important, it is not the immediate first step. The nurse should first confirm whether the clear drainage is CSF. Once confirmed, notifying the physician would be the next appropriate step.
Choice D reason: Test the drainage for glucose
Testing the drainage for glucose is the correct first action. CSF contains glucose, so a positive glucose test would confirm that the drainage is indeed CSF. This is a critical step in diagnosing a CSF leak, which can occur with basal skull fractures. Confirming the presence of CSF will guide further medical interventions and management.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
