A nurse is getting a client out of bed to ambulate for the first time.

The client is pale, diaphoretic, has a pulse of 100/minute, and says, “I feel weak.

Let me sit on the side of the bed for a minute.” What finding should the nurse document?

An idiosyncratic drug effect is an unpredictable and uncommon reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose, the pharmacology, or the patient’s allergy or intolerance. It may be caused by genetic factors, metabolic abnormalities, or interactions with other drugs or substances. An example of an idiosyncratic drug effect is paradoxical agitation or excitement after receiving a sedative.

B. A toxic drug effect is a harmful reaction to a drug that is related to the dose or the pharmacology of the drug. It may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, or respiratory depression. A toxic drug effect is unlikely to cause agitation after receiving a sedative unless there is an overdose or a drug interaction that increases the level of the sedative in the blood.

C. An allergic drug response is an immunological reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose or the pharmacology of the drug. It may cause symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, fever, or anaphylaxis. An allergic drug response is unlikely to cause agitation after receiving a sedative unless there is a severe anaphylactic reaction that affects the brain or the circulation.

D. An unexpected drug interaction is a modification of the effect of one drug by another drug or substance that is not predictable based on their pharmacology. It may cause an increase or a decrease in the efficacy or toxicity of one or both drugs. An unexpected drug interaction may cause agitation after receiving a sedative if there is a synergistic effect that enhances the central nervous system stimulation of another drug or substance (such as caffeine, cocaine, or amphetamines) or if there is an antagonistic effect that reduces the central nervous system depression of the sedative (such as flumazenil, naloxone, or physostigmine). However, these interactions are usually known and avoidable by checking the patient’s history and medication list.

“It wouldn’t have mattered what you had worn.” This response by a nurse is appropriate because it validates the client’s feelings and helps to reduce self-blame. It also conveys that rape is not caused by the victim’s clothing or behavior, but by the perpetrator’s violence and lack of respect.

Choice B. “The current styles are an invitation to disaster.” is wrong because it implies that the client is responsible for the rape and that she could have prevented it by dressing differently. This response is judgmental and insensitive, and may increase the client’s guilt and shame.

Choice C. “Never mind about blame.

That will be determined by the court.” is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and does not address her emotional needs.

It also suggests that the nurse does not believe the client or support her. This response may make the client feel isolated and distrustful.

Choice D. “Some people don’t have very good self-control.

We have to help them all we can.” is wrong because it excuses the perpetrator’s behavior and shifts the blame to the victim.

It also implies that rape is a result of sexual desire, rather than an act of violence and domination. This response may make the client feel powerless and helpless.