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?
Insomnia.
Constipation.
Dry mouth.
Excessive sweating.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A is correct because ginger tea is an herbal remedy that has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
B is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on breast tenderness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by hormonal changes.
C is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on headaches, which can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, stress, or caffeine withdrawal in pregnancy.
D is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on urinary frequency, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by increased blood volume and pressure on the bladder.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A child who has mononucleosis and reports severe fatigue requires medical attention, but this condition does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to acute epiglottitis. Mononucleosis is a viral infection that can cause fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. While the child should be assessed, the priority is given to the child with acute epiglottitis due to the potential for airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
A child who has Wilms' tumor and an abdominal mass also needs urgent medical evaluation. Wilms' tumor is a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children. While it requires prompt attention, acute epiglottitis poses a more immediate threat to the airway and breathing.
Choice C rationale:
A child with acute epiglottitis and drooling requires immediate assessment and intervention. Acute epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening infection that can cause severe swelling of the epiglottis, leading to airway obstruction. The child may have difficulty breathing and may present with the classic drooling sign due to the inability to swallow saliva. Prompt medical intervention, including airway management and appropriate antibiotics, is essential in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A child with a urinary tract infection and bright red blood in her urine requires medical evaluation, but this condition is not as urgent as acute epiglottitis. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can have various causes, including urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the child should receive medical attention, it does not take precedence over the immediate threat posed by acute epiglottitis, which requires urgent intervention to maintain the airway.
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