A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client who has bipolar disorder. The client is taking lithium carbonate, haloperidol, and lorazepam. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Serotonin syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Lithium toxicity
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, are caused by dopamine antagonists, such as haloperidol. However, these symptoms are not related to the combination of medications that the client is taking.
B) Incorrect. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that results from excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system. It is caused by serotonin-enhancing medications, such as antidepressants, opioids, and triptans. None of the medications that the client is taking have this effect.
C) Correct. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious condition that occurs due to dopamine blockade in the brain and peripheral tissues. It is caused by antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol. The risk of NMS is increased when lithium carbonate is added to antipsychotic therapy, as lithium can potentiate the dopamine-blocking effect of antipsychotics.
D) Incorrect. Lithium toxicity is a condition that occurs when lithium levels exceed the therapeutic range of 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. It is caused by factors that affect lithium excretion, such as dehydration, renal impairment, drug interactions, and overdose. None of the other medications that the client is taking interact with lithium or affect its excretion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Morphine sulfate does not need to be diluted in normal saline before administration. Diluting the medication can reduce its potency and effectiveness.
B) Correct. Morphine sulfate should be injected slowly over 1 to 2 minutes to prevent adverse effects, such as hypotension, respiratory depression, and nausea.
C) Incorrect. Heparin is not indicated for flushing the IV line before and after administration of morphine sulfate. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding. The IV line should be flushed with normal saline or sterile water to prevent medication incompatibility and ensure complete delivery of the medication.
D) Incorrect. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate more frequently than every 15 minutes, as morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate before, during, and after administration of the medication, and at least every 5 minutes until the client's pain is relieved.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that can be used safely with phenytoin. However, the nurse should advise the client to limit their intake of acetaminophen to no more than 4 g per day, as higher doses can cause liver toxicity.
B) Incorrect. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be used safely with phenytoin. However, the nurse should advise the client to monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, and hematuria, as NSAIDs can inhibit platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding.
C) Incorrect. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can be used safely with phenytoin. However, the nurse should advise the client to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking diphenhydramine, as it can cause drowsiness and impair mental alertness.
D) Correct. Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that can interact with phenytoin and reduce its effectiveness. Ginkgo biloba can induce hepatic enzymes that increase the metabolism and clearance of phenytoin, leading to subtherapeutic levels and increased risk of seizures.
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