Medical History: The patient is on Naltrexone 50mg PO once daily and Fluoxetine 20mg PO every morning.
The nurse has reviewed the client’s electronic health record.
Which of the following client findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Sexual behaviors
Frequency of hospitalizations
Sodium level
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.
Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.
Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.
Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A rationale:
Incorrect. While patients typically do sleep for a period after ECT, the duration is usually shorter, around 30-60 minutes.
Providing inaccurate information about the length of sleep can lead to confusion and anxiety for the patient.
Evidence: Studies have shown that the average recovery time following ECT is around 30-60 minutes, with most patients feeling alert and oriented within that time frame. (Source: NIH.gov) Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. While ECT can be highly effective in treating depression, it is not considered a cure. It's important to manage expectations and emphasize that ECT is a treatment option that can significantly improve symptoms but may not guarantee a complete cure.
Evidence: Research indicates that ECT has a remission rate of approximately 50-70% in patients with severe depression, meaning that many patients experience a significant reduction or disappearance of symptoms. However, relapse rates can range from 30-50%, indicating that ongoing maintenance treatment is often necessary. (Source: American Psychiatric Association)
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. Muscle relaxants, not seizure-preventing medications, are administered during ECT to protect the patient from injury during the induced seizure. It's crucial to clarify this distinction to avoid misunderstandings about the procedure's mechanism of action.
Evidence: Standard ECT protocols involve the use of a short-acting muscle relaxant, such as succinylcholine, to prevent muscle contractions during the seizure. This helps to minimize the risk of physical injury and ensure patient safety. (Source: Healthline.com)
Choice D rationale:
Correct. Temporary memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and it's essential to inform patients about this potential issue to prepare them for the experience and address any concerns they may have.
Evidence: Studies have shown that approximately 40-50% of patients experience some degree of memory impairment following ECT, primarily affecting short-term memory of events occurring around the time of treatment. However, this memory loss is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks or months for most patients. (Source: Studocu.com)
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased salivation is a common side effect of haloperidol, but it is not the most serious adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for. It can be managed with medications such as anticholinergics, and it often subsides with continued use of haloperidol. Choice B rationale:
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when haloperidol is combined with other medications that increase serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. However, it is not a direct adverse effect of haloperidol itself.
Choice C rationale:
Increased menstrual bleeding is not a known side effect of haloperidol.
Choice D rationale:
Tardive dyskinesia is a serious and potentially irreversible movement disorder that can occur as a long-term side effect of haloperidol and other antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and limbs.
The risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with the length of time that a person takes haloperidol and with the dose of the medication.
There is no cure for tardive dyskinesia, but the symptoms can sometimes be managed with medications.
It is important for nurses to monitor patients who are taking haloperidol for signs of tardive dyskinesia, so that the medication can be discontinued if necessary.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
