A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when setting up the sterile field?

Rationale:

Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction that results from having too much serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in mood, sleep, appetite and other functions. Some medications, especially antidepressants, can increase serotonin levels and cause serotonin syndrome. The client is taking paroxetine, which is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available.

Paroxetine can cause serotonin syndrome if taken at high doses, in combination with other serotonergic drugs, or if abruptly stopped. The client’s symptoms of restlessness, abdominal pain, disorientation and fever are consistent with serotonin syndrome. Other possible symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle twitching, rigidity, sweating and shivering. Severe serotonin syndrome can lead to seizures, coma and death. The client should stop taking paroxetine and seek immediate medical attention. Serotonin syndrome can be treated with supportive care and medications that reduce serotonin levels or block its effects. The client may need to switch to a different antidepressant or adjust the dosage under the guidance of their provider.

A. While monitoring blood pressure is essential in the overall assessment of a patient, the given blood pressure readings (112/88 mm Hg) are within the normal range. Hence, further evaluation of blood pressure may not be immediately necessary based on the provided information.
B. A temperature of 38.1°C (100.5°F) indicates fever, which can be a sign of infection or inflammatory process. Further evaluation is warranted to determine the cause of the fever and initiate appropriate treatment.
C. The heart rate of 98/min falls within the normal range for adults (60-100 beats per minute). Although heart rate abnormalities can indicate various conditions, the given heart rate alone may not warrant immediate further evaluation without additional concerning symptoms or clinical context.
D. The oxygen saturation of 98% on room air is within the normal range (>95%).

While assessing oxygen saturation is crucial, the provided value does not indicate immediate concern. Further evaluation may be needed if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress or if there is clinical suspicion of hypoxemia.

E. Recent travel to South Africa raises concerns about potential exposure to infectious diseases endemic to that region. Further evaluation is necessary to assess for travel- related illnesses or infections, such as tuberculosis or other tropical diseases.
F. A significant weight loss of 2.26 kg (5 lb) over the last week is concerning and requires further investigation. Unintentional weight loss can be indicative of various underlying medical conditions, including infections, malignancies, or metabolic disorders.
G. The report of "blood-tinged sputum" suggests hemoptysis, which can be a sign of serious underlying conditions such as pulmonary infections, pulmonary embolism, or malignancy. Further evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and initiate appropriate management.
H. The presence of a persistent cough, especially when associated with other symptoms like fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss, raises concerns for underlying respiratory or systemic conditions. Further assessment is needed to identify the cause of the cough and provide appropriate treatment.