A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A: "I'm glad you called, and I want to send an ambulance to help you."

B:"You must have been feeling pretty depressed to do that."

C:"Were you trying to kill yourself by taking an overdose?"

D:"Do you know how many pills were in the bottle?"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:
In a situation where a client has ingested a potentially lethal amount of medication, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, and overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypotension, and seizures. The nurse's priority is to ensure the safety of the client by sending an ambulance. This response also acknowledges the client's cry for help and initiates prompt action.

Choice B Reason:
While it's important to recognize the emotional state of the client, this response does not address the immediate medical emergency. The client's safety is the priority, and while their feelings are valid, this choice does not facilitate the urgent care needed.

Choice C Reason:
Asking if the client was trying to commit suicide can come across as judgmental and may close off communication. It's essential to maintain an open line of communication and focus on getting medical help rather than determining intent at this critical moment.

Choice D Reason:
Knowing the quantity of medication ingested can be useful information for medical professionals; however, it is not the most immediate concern in a crisis situation. The first response should be to ensure that medical help is on its way.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are not typically indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These symptoms are more commonly associated with stimulant use or withdrawal from depressants.

Choice B Reason:
Increased energy and hyperactivity are also not indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These are symptoms that might be observed with stimulant drugs or during withdrawal from depressants.

Choice C Reason:
Excessive drowsiness and sedation are hallmark signs of sedative-hypnotic drug use. Sedative-hypnotics, which include drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in brain activity and causing drowsiness and sedation.

Choice D Reason:
While improved sleep quality and duration might be an intended effect of sedative-hypnotic drugs, they are not indicative of acute use or intoxication. These drugs are often prescribed to help with sleep; however, their misuse can lead to excessive sedation beyond normal sleep patterns.

A. Turn on a dance video so the client can burn off excess energy. B. Take the client to a calm environment and offer snacks. C. Offer the client a low-calorie snack in return for stopping the behavior. D. Observe the client closely for the development of aggressive behavior.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Turn on a dance video so the client can burn off excess energy.
This intervention might help the client to channel their energy in a safe and controlled manner. However, it might also reinforce the manic behavior, which could be counterproductive in the long term.

Choice B: Take the client to a calm environment and offer snacks.
This intervention could help to distract the client from their manic behavior and provide them with a calming and grounding experience. Offering snacks could also help to stabilize their energy levels.

Choice C: Offer the client a low-calorie snack in return for stopping the behavior.
This intervention could be seen as a form of behavioral reinforcement. However, it might not be effective if the client is not motivated by food or if they perceive it as a form of manipulation.

Choice D: Observe the client closely for the development of aggressive behavior.
This intervention is crucial for ensuring the safety of the client and others in the unit. If the client's behavior escalates to aggression, the nurse would need to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and protect everyone involved.

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A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of sedative use disorder. Which cue is indicative that a client has used a sedative-hypnotic drug?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder in an acute manic state. The client is running around the unit asking people to dance with her. After ensuring safety, which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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