A client who has been taking clozapine reports experiencing a sore throat and has a temperature of 101.9° F (38.8° C). Which action should the nurse take?
Encourage Increase Intake of oral fluids.
Obtain a specimen for a complete blood count.
Complete an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).
Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Encouraging an increase in oral fluids is a general intervention but may not address the specific concern related to a sore throat and elevated temperature.
Clozapine requires monitoring for potential agranulocytosis, and an infection should be ruled out with a complete blood count (CBC).
Choice B rationale: Obtaining a specimen for a complete blood count (CBC) is crucial to assess for clozapine-induced agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening side effect. A sore throat and fever are red flags for possible infection.
Choice C rationale: Completing an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is not relevant to the current situation. A sore throat and fever require immediate attention to rule out infection.
Choice D rationale: Administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen may help reduce fever, but the priority is to investigate the potential cause of the symptoms. Obtaining a CBC is essential.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Ineffective breathing pattern is the highest priority nursing problem. Aspiration of a caustic material can lead to respiratory compromise, and ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence.
Choice B rationale: Risk for injury is important, but respiratory concerns associated with aspiration take priority in this situation.
Choice C rationale: Ineffective coping is relevant but does not take precedence over addressing immediate physiological needs such as breathing.
Choice D rationale: Impaired comfort is important, but the priority is to ensure the client's respiratory status and address potential complications of caustic material aspiration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Asking the client about recent substance use is essential in assessing potential intoxication or withdrawal, which could contribute to the client's confused state. However, performing a mental status exam is the most important action to take.
Choice B rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take is to perform a mental status exam. This will help the nurse to assess the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, attention, mood, affect, thought process, and judgment. The mental status exam will also help the nurse to identify any signs of psychosis, delirium, dementia, or other mental disorders that may explain the client's behavior. Choice C rationale: Assessing the client from head-to-toe is a general nursing action but does not address the immediate need related to potential substance use. Choice D rationale: Determining the number of previous hospitalizations is relevant but does not address the current concern of substance use contributing to confusion.
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