A client currently taking a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) comes to the clinic for evaluation. The client presents with a shuffling gait and mild tremors. Which order would the nurse expect the provider to give?
Order a direct dopamine antagonist.
Increase the dose of the antipsychotic medication.
Withhold the medication for two days.
Order an anticholinergic medication.
The Correct Answer is D
Anticholinergic medications can be used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors and shuffling gait that can occur as side effects of first-generation antipsychotics ¹².
Option A is not correct because a direct dopamine antagonist would not be used to treat EPS.
Option B is not correct because increasing the dose of the antipsychotic medication could worsen EPS.
Option C is not correct because withholding the medication for two days could lead to a relapse of the underlying condition being treated by the antipsychotic.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for the concentration of the medication in the body to decrease by half. In this case, the medication has a half-life of 2 hours and a current toxic level of 40 mEq/dL. After 2 hours, the level will decrease to 20 mEq/dL. After another 2 hours (4 hours total), the level will decrease to 10 mEq/dL, which is within the normal range. However, it will take another 21 half-lives (42 hours) for the level to reach 5 mEq/dL, which is the lower end of the normal range. Therefore, it will take a total of 25 hours (4 + 21) for the medication to reach the normal range.
Option B is incorrect because it would take much longer than 24 hours for the medication to reach the normal range.
Option C is incorrect because it would only take 2 hours for the medication to decrease by half, not reach the normal range.
Option D is incorrect because it would take longer than 4 hours for the medication to reach the normal range.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
According to web search results, the total phenytoin reference range for children and adults is **10-20 µg/mL**¹. This means that a level of 17 mcg/mL falls within the therapeutic range.
Option A is within the therapeutic range but is on the lower end.
Option B is below the therapeutic range.
Option C is above the therapeutic range and could be considered toxic.
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