A nurse on a mental health unit observes a diagnosed schizophrenic patient on antipsychotics having an impaired gait and uncontrollable tremors. The nurse should recognize that which of the following adverse effects may be occurring?
Tardive dyskinesia.
Acute dystonia.
Pseudoparkinsonism.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Pseudoparkinsonism.
Choice A rationale:
Tardive dyskinesia is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, often around the mouth, such as lip-smacking, tongue protrusion, and chewing movements. It does not typically present with impaired gait and tremors.
Choice B rationale:
Acute dystonia involves sudden, severe muscle contractions, often affecting the neck, face, and back. Symptoms include twisting movements and abnormal postures, but it does not usually cause impaired gait and tremors.
Choice C rationale:
Pseudoparkinsonism is an adverse effect of antipsychotic medications that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, tremors, and postural instability. The impaired gait and uncontrollable tremors observed by the nurse are characteristic signs of pseudoparkinsonism.
Choice D rationale:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications. It presents with symptoms such as high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g., unstable blood pressure, sweating). It does not typically present with impaired gait and tremors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: c. Document the client's verbatim statements.
Here's why the other options are wrong:
- a. Ask the client for permission to take photographs:While photographs may be collected as evidence later, it should not be the first priority. The priority is to focus on patient care and emotional well-being.
- b. Provide community sexual assault support contacts:Offering support resources is important, but documenting the details of the assault is crucial for forensic and legal purposes, and should come first.
- d. Determine any physical signs of injury:Looking for physical injuries is important, but documenting the client's account should come first. This ensures the client's narrative is captured accurately and can be referred to later.
Documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most important initial action because:
- It preserves the client's account of the assault in their own words.
- It allows for accurate reporting and investigation.
- It can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Here are some supporting points:
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):"Law enforcement will need to take a detailed statement about the assault, and a medical professional will likely perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about what happened." [1]
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline:"Law enforcement will want to get a statement from you as soon as possible after the assault. Try to remember the details of the assault as clearly as you can." [2]
In conclusion, while all the other options are important aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor, documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most critical initial action for a nurse to take in the emergency department setting.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Set limits for the relationship.
Choice A rationale:
Setting limits for the therapeutic relationship (Choice A) is an essential nursing action. Boundaries help create a safe and structured environment, ensuring that both the nurse and client maintain appropriate roles. Limits prevent overstepping boundaries that could compromise the therapeutic alliance.Setting limits for the relationship is an essential part of establishing a therapeutic relationship in a mental health setting. This helps to maintain professional boundaries and ensures that the relationship remains focused on the client’s needs and therapeutic goals.
Choice B rationale:
Engaging in affectionate interactions with the client (Choice B) is not appropriate in a therapeutic relationship. Professionalism and maintaining appropriate boundaries are crucial in psychiatric nursing. Affectionate interactions could blur the lines between the therapeutic relationship and personal relationships, potentially harming the client's progress.
Choice C rationale:
Promoting the use of transference by the client (Choice C) is not a suitable approach. Transference occurs when a client projects feelings and emotions onto the nurse based on past experiences. While it can be valuable to explore transference, actively promoting it could lead to confusion and misunderstandings in the therapeutic relationship.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client on how they should behave (Choice D) is contrary to the principles of a therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is client-centered, where the nurse supports the client's self-discovery and growth. Directing the client's behavior undermines their autonomy and inhibits their progress.
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