Forty-eight hours after starting haloperidol, the client is observed standing by the nurse’s station with his neck arched sharply backward. The nurse recognizes that the client:

Is having pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects and needs to have his medication adjusted.

Is experiencing temporary side effects that usually disappear after several days.

Needs to have the dosage increased because of psychotic behavior that is increasing.

Needs immediate treatment and is experiencing an acute dystonic reaction to the drug.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:

Pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects, also known as drug-induced parkinsonism, can occur with the use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. These side effects include symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, and postural instability. However, the description of the client’s neck arched sharply backward is more indicative of an acute dystonic reaction rather than pseudo-Parkinsonian side effects. Pseudo-Parkinsonian symptoms typically develop more gradually and do not present with such dramatic posturing.

Choice B Reason:

While some side effects of haloperidol can be temporary and may disappear after several days, the acute dystonic reaction described in the scenario requires immediate intervention. Acute dystonic reactions are characterized by sudden, severe muscle contractions that can be painful and potentially dangerous if they involve the airway. Therefore, it is crucial to address this reaction promptly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.

Choice C Reason:

Increasing the dosage of haloperidol in response to the described symptoms would likely exacerbate the situation. The client’s symptoms are not indicative of worsening psychotic behavior but rather an adverse reaction to the medication. Increasing the dosage could lead to more severe side effects and complications. The appropriate response is to treat the acute dystonic reaction and reassess the medication regimen.

Choice D Reason:

An acute dystonic reaction is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It involves sudden, severe muscle contractions, often affecting the neck, face, and back. This reaction can be distressing and requires immediate treatment with anticholinergic medications such as benztropine or diphenhydramine. Prompt intervention can relieve the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder should have any new medical complaint evaluated.

This is the correct response. Clients with somatoform disorders often experience physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by any underlying medical condition. However, it is crucial to evaluate any new medical complaints to rule out any actual medical conditions that may require treatment. This approach ensures that the client receives comprehensive care and that any potential medical issues are not overlooked.

Choice B Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder can be easily cured with medication.

This statement is incorrect. Somatoform disorders are complex and often require a multifaceted treatment approach, including psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and sometimes medication to manage associated symptoms like anxiety or depression. There is no simple cure for somatoform disorders, and treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and improving the client’s quality of life.

Choice C Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder has a real medical diagnosis for their symptoms.

While clients with somatoform disorders experience real and distressing symptoms, these symptoms are not typically linked to a diagnosable medical condition. The symptoms are believed to be related to psychological factors, and the focus of treatment is often on addressing these underlying psychological issues rather than finding a medical diagnosis.

Choice D Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder intentionally pretends to have physical symptoms.

This statement is incorrect. Clients with somatoform disorders do not intentionally fake their symptoms. Their symptoms are real to them and cause significant distress and impairment. The symptoms are not under the client’s conscious control, and they genuinely believe they are experiencing a medical condition.

A. Changes to behavior and personality B. Past history of head trauma C. Impaired judgment D. Muscle stiffness and shuffling gait E. Diagnosis of hypertension

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choices A, C, and D: Changes to behavior and personality, Impaired judgment, Muscle stiffness and shuffling gait.

Choice A Reason:

Changes to behavior and personality are hallmark symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This condition primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for behavior, personality, and language. Patients often exhibit socially inappropriate behaviors, apathy, and a decline in personal hygiene. These changes are among the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of FTD.

Choice B Reason:

While a past history of head trauma can be a risk factor for various types of dementia, it is not specifically associated with frontotemporal dementia. FTD is more commonly linked to genetic factors and specific protein abnormalities in the brain. Therefore, a history of head trauma is not a typical aspect of the medical history for FTD patients.

Choice C Reason:

Impaired judgment is a common symptom of frontotemporal dementia. The degeneration of the frontal lobes affects executive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and judgment. Patients may make poor decisions, exhibit risky behaviors, and have difficulty understanding the consequences of their actions.

Choice D Reason:

Muscle stiffness and a shuffling gait can occur in some forms of frontotemporal dementia, particularly in cases where the condition overlaps with motor neuron disease or Parkinsonism. These physical symptoms are less common than behavioral and cognitive symptoms but can still be present in some patients.

Choice E Reason:

A diagnosis of hypertension is not specifically related to frontotemporal dementia. While hypertension is a common condition that can coexist with any form of dementia, it is not a characteristic feature of FTD. The primary symptoms of FTD are related to changes in behavior, personality, and cognitive functions rather than vascular issues.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Forty-eight hours after starting haloperidol, the client is observed standing by the nurse’s station with his neck arched sharply backward. The nurse recognizes that the client:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of a somatoform disorder. Which statement does the nurse recognize as true about all somatoform disorders?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is admitted to an inpatient unit with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Which of the following aspects of a medical history would the nurse expect to see with this client? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is attempting to de-escalate a client who is becoming increasingly agitated on the unit. Which of the following interventions would be appropriate for this type of client? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

The nurse notices a client wandering in the hospital hall giggling, with bizarre behavior that is annoying and frightening other clients. A priority in caring for her is to:

A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia says to the student nurse, “The mazurkas are coming. The mazurkas are coming.” The client’s use of the word ‘mazurka’ is most likely a/an:

A client is admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) after ingesting a large amount of diazepam. Which medication would the nurse expect the ED physician to order?

The nurse calculates that a patient must receive 1.3 mL of an anti-infective agent. The dose is ordered IM. Which of the following choices demonstrates safe, evidence-based practice?

After being in the hospital for one month, a client with schizophrenia states that voices are telling them they will die tonight. The client asks the nurse if this is true. The client’s statement and question indicate that they:

An inpatient client who has a known history of violence suddenly begins to pace. Which additional client behavior should alert the nurse to escalating anger and aggression? The client: