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A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sertraline to treat depression.
For which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to monitor and report immediately as indicating serotonin syndrome?

A.

Insomnia.

B.

Constipation.

C.

Dry mouth.

D.

Excessive sweating.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Insomnia is a common side effect of sertraline and many other antidepressant medications. It is not indicative of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.

Choice B rationale:

Constipation is a side effect of some antidepressant medications, including sertraline. It is not a symptom of serotonin syndrome, which presents with a combination of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and high body temperature.

Choice C rationale:

Dry mouth is another common side effect of sertraline and many other medications. While uncomfortable, it is not a sign of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are neurological and autonomic, involving changes in mental status, muscle activity, and vital signs.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, can be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. Other symptoms might include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. If a patient experiences these symptoms while taking sertraline, it could indicate serotonin syndrome and should be reported immediately for medical evaluation.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Verify the client and blood product information with another licensed nurse.

Rationale:

  1. A - This is not a correct procedure for client identification, but rather for blood compatibility. The nurse should check the client's blood type and crossmatch it against the blood product label, not the provider's orders.
  2. B - This is not a reliable method of client identification, as the client may not know or remember their blood type correctly. The nurse should use two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, to confirm the client's identity.
  3. C - This is not a relevant step for client identification, but rather for informed consent. The nurse should ensure that the client has signed an informed consent form before administering blood, but this does not verify that the blood product matches the client.
  4. D - This is the correct procedure for client identification, as it involves two licensed nurses who independently check and confirm the client's identity and the blood product information, such as blood type, Rh factor, expiration date, and serial number.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Limit each of the client's visitors to 2 hr per day."
This is incorrect. While visitors should have their exposure limited, the recommended duration is typically much shorter (around 30 minutes to 1 hour), not 2 hours. This is to reduce radiation exposure.

B. "Instruct visitors to stay 1 m (3.3 feet) away from the client."
This is correct. For clients undergoing brachytherapy with a low-dose radiation implant, visitors should maintain a safe distance, usually at least 6 feet (1.8 meters), but some guidelines may state a minimum of 3.3 feet (1 meter) for safety, depending on the specific radiation dose and facility protocols.

C. "Attach a dosimeter to the client's gown."
This is incorrect. Dosimeters are generally worn by healthcare providers, not the patient. The primary purpose is to measure the radiation exposure of healthcare workers, not the patient.

D. "Strain the client's urine."
This is incorrect. Straining urine is not necessary for a patient undergoing brachytherapy. However, it may be important to monitor the urine for signs of radiation leakage, but straining is not a routine part of care.

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