A client with dementia who was taking olanzapine was recently prescribed chlorpromazine for hiccups. The client is currently experiencing high fever, unstable blood pressure, increased confusion, and rigidity. What does the nurse suspect?
Accelerated dementia
Infection
Aspiration
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
The Correct Answer is D
The client's symptoms of high fever, unstable blood pressure, increased confusion, and rigidity are consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) ⁴. NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to neuroleptic or antipsychotic medication ⁴. In this case, the client was taking olanzapine and was recently prescribed chlorpromazine, both of which are antipsychotic medications that can cause NMS ⁴.
Option A is incorrect because accelerated dementia would not cause the sudden onset of these symptoms.
Option B is incorrect because an infection would not explain the sudden onset of these symptoms after starting a new medication.
Option C is incorrect because aspiration would not cause rigidity or unstable blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An accidental administration of a dose greater than recommended can result in toxicity. This means that the medication reaches harmful levels in the body and can cause damage to organs or other adverse effects.
Option A is incorrect because an overdose is more likely to increase side effects rather than decrease them.
Option B is incorrect because a lowered therapeutic threshold means that a lower dose of medication is needed to achieve the desired effect, which is not related to an overdose.
Option D is incorrect because an overdose can increase the effectiveness of the medication to dangerous levels, rather than decrease it.
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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