A client has an order for Congentin 2 mg tablet 2x a day. The client asks the nurse for the possible side effects of this medication. (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures, primarily in children but sometimes persisting into adulthood. It manifests as distress about separation, not generalized worry across multiple situations, as described. The client’s broad, uncontrollable anxiety does not align with this specific fear-based disorder.

Choice B reason: Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape or help may be unavailable, like crowded places or public transport, leading to avoidance behaviors. The client’s symptoms of excessive, uncontrollable worry across various circumstances do not specifically indicate fear of such situations, making agoraphobia an incorrect diagnosis.

Choice C reason: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath, followed by persistent fear of future attacks. The client’s ongoing, diffuse worry without mention of discrete panic episodes does not fit this diagnosis, which is more acute and episodic.

Choice D reason: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about multiple aspects of life, such as work, health, or daily events, lasting at least six months. The client’s symptoms of pervasive anxiety and inability to control worry align directly with this disorder, reflecting its chronic, diffuse nature affecting daily functioning.

Choice A reason: Hypotension, urinary retention, and blurred vision are not primary features of serotonin syndrome. These may occur in anticholinergic toxicity or other conditions. Serotonin syndrome involves hyperactive autonomic and neurological symptoms due to excessive serotonin, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Dizziness, lethargy, and nausea are non-specific and not hallmark symptoms of serotonin syndrome. While nausea may occur, serotonin syndrome is characterized by more severe symptoms like confusion and tachycardia from serotonin overstimulation, making this choice less accurate.

Choice C reason: Serotonin syndrome, caused by excessive serotonin (e.g., from SSRI overdose), presents with confusion, restlessness, tachycardia, and diaphoresis due to overstimulation of serotonin receptors, increasing autonomic and neurological activity. These symptoms reflect the syndrome’s hyperactive state, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Hypomania, arrhythmias, and panic attacks are not typical of serotonin syndrome. Hypomania relates to mood disorders, and arrhythmias are less common than tachycardia. Panic attacks are distinct, making this choice incorrect compared to the neurological and autonomic symptoms of serotonin syndrome.