A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). Which client symptoms related to the side effects of this medication should prompt a nurse to intervene immediately?

Dry mouth and urinary retention

Akinesia and insomnia

Sore throat, fever, and malaise

Akathisia and hypersalivation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Dry mouth and urinary retention: These symptoms are not typically associated with the side effects of clozapine. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many antipsychotic medications, but urinary retention is not a typical side effect of clozapine.

B. Akinesia and insomnia: Akinesia (lack of movement) is not a common side effect of clozapine. Insomnia can occur with various antipsychotic medications but does not typically warrant immediate intervention unless severe or persistent.

C. Sore throat, fever, and malaise: These symptoms can indicate a potentially serious side effect known as agranulocytosis, which is a significant reduction in white blood cell count. Clozapine is associated with an increased risk of agranulocytosis. If a client experiences symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or malaise, it may indicate a severe drop in white blood cell count, and immediate medical attention is necessary.

D. Akathisia and hypersalivation: Akathisia (restlessness) is a known side effect of antipsychotic medications, but it is not typically associated with immediate severe medical risks. Hypersalivation is a common side effect but does not usually require immediate intervention unless severe.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Disturbed sensory perception: While the client is experiencing disturbed sensory perception (auditory hallucinations), the priority is to address the potential harm to others, which is better captured by the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis.

B. Risk for violence: directed toward others: This diagnosis is the priority in this situation because the client is expressing homicidal thoughts directed toward a specific target (the president). Ensuring the safety of the client and others is the primary concern.

C. Altered thought processes: Altered thought processes may be evident in psychotic disorders, but the immediate concern is the risk of violence. Addressing altered thought processes would be part of the overall care plan, but it may not be the immediate priority in this case.

D. Risk for injury: While the client may be at risk for injury, the specific concern mentioned by the client is the potential harm to others (the president). Therefore, the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis takes precedence.

A. The voices are telling me to harm myself B. I hear Voices C. I see birds flying in the room D. The voices don't stop and continue all day

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The voices are telling me to harm myself: This statement indicates command hallucinations with a potential for harm. It suggests that the patient is receiving directives to harm themselves, which poses an immediate safety concern. Implementing safety measures, such as close monitoring, removal of harmful objects, and involving appropriate professionals, is essential to protect the patient from self-harm.

B. I hear voices: While hearing voices (auditory hallucinations) is a symptom that requires assessment and intervention, the nature of the voices is crucial in determining the level of risk. This statement, on its own, does not provide information about the content or potential harm associated with the voices.

C. I see birds flying in the room: This statement describes a visual hallucination, which, while potentially distressing, does not necessarily pose an immediate safety risk to the patient or others. Visual hallucinations may be less likely to necessitate immediate safety measures compared to command hallucinations.

D. The voices don't stop and continue all day: This statement suggests persistent auditory hallucinations, but without information about the content of the voices, it does not specifically indicate a risk of harm. While it may be distressing for the patient, the urgency for safety measures depends on the nature of the auditory content.

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A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). Which client symptoms related to the side effects of this medication should prompt a nurse to intervene immediately?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with brief psychotic disorder tells a nurse about voices telling him to kill the president. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse prioritize for this client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which hallucination necessitates the nurse to implement safety measures? The patient says.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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