A client is receiving benztropine mesylate for drug-induced extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS). Which finding indicates that the nurse should further evaluate the client?
Decreased bowel movements.
Decreasing hand tremors.
Increased mouth movements.
Presence of a dry mouth.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Decreased bowel movements (constipation) are a common side effect of benztropine due to its anticholinergic properties, but they do not indicate worsening EPS or treatment failure. Increased mouth movements suggest persistent or worsening EPS, requiring further evaluation, making constipation less critical for immediate reassessment.
Choice B reason: Decreasing hand tremors indicate benztropine’s effectiveness in treating EPS, as it reduces parkinsonian symptoms like tremors. This is a desired outcome, not a cause for further evaluation. Increased mouth movements, suggesting tardive dyskinesia or EPS persistence, are more concerning, making this incorrect.
Choice C reason: Increased mouth movements, such as tardive dyskinesia or dystonia, suggest worsening or inadequately controlled EPS, potentially indicating benztropine’s ineffectiveness or a need for dose adjustment. This finding warrants further evaluation, aligning with psychopharmacology evidence for monitoring anticholinergic therapy, making it the correct choice.
Choice D reason: Dry mouth is a common anticholinergic side effect of benztropine, not an indicator of EPS worsening. It is expected and manageable, unlike increased mouth movements, which signal potential EPS complications. This finding does not require immediate evaluation, making it incorrect for further nursing assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hydromorphone, an opioid, is used for pain, not delirium tremens (DTs), which requires benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms like tremors and seizures. Opioids may worsen respiratory depression in alcohol withdrawal, making this incorrect for treating DTs in this client with high alcohol levels.
Choice B reason: Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, is the standard treatment for delirium tremens, as it reduces agitation, seizures, and autonomic instability in alcohol withdrawal. Its PRN use is appropriate for managing DTs symptoms, aligning with addiction medicine guidelines, making it the correct choice for this client.
Choice C reason: Prochlorperazine, an antiemetic, treats nausea but not DTs, which involves severe neurological and autonomic symptoms. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are needed to prevent seizures and calm withdrawal. This medication is inappropriate, making it incorrect for managing alcohol withdrawal complications.
Choice D reason: Chlorpromazine, an antipsychotic, may lower seizure threshold, worsening DTs. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam are first-line for alcohol withdrawal to manage symptoms safely. Chlorpromazine is not indicated, making this incorrect for treating delirium tremens in a client with alcohol-related withdrawal.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Amitriptyline does not significantly potentiate lithium toxicity; lithium’s renal excretion is the primary concern. Creatinine assesses kidney function, critical for lithium clearance, not amitriptyline interactions. This choice is incorrect, as it misrepresents the reason for obtaining a creatinine level.
Choice B reason: Changing medications may occur with high creatinine, but the primary reason for the test is to assess kidney function for lithium excretion. Creatinine directly evaluates renal clearance, making this less precise and incorrect compared to linking creatinine to lithium’s renal elimination.
Choice C reason: Creatinine measures kidney function, not liver metabolism. Lithium is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, not metabolized by the liver. This choice is incorrect, as it misattributes creatinine’s role to liver function rather than renal clearance, which is critical for lithium safety.
Choice D reason: Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and serum creatinine assesses renal function, which impacts lithium clearance. Impaired kidney function increases toxicity risk, making creatinine essential for safe prescribing, aligning with psychopharmacology monitoring guidelines, making this the correct reason for the test.
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