A client with emphysema who is receiving a bronchodilator reports to the practical nurse (PN) feelings of jitters and dry mouth. Which finding should the PN record as a measure of the medication’s effectiveness?

Choice A reason: Restlessness, tachycardia, fever, and hypertension suggest serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening paroxetine side effect due to excessive serotonin. Withholding the dose and contacting the provider prevents further serotonin accumulation, allowing urgent assessment and intervention to stabilize the client’s neurological and cardiovascular status.

Choice B reason: A cooling blanket addresses fever but is not the first action for serotonin syndrome. Withholding paroxetine and consulting the provider are critical to stop the syndrome’s progression, as fever is a symptom, not the cause, making this choice secondary to halting the drug.

Choice C reason: Taking the client to a quiet area may reduce stimulation but does not address serotonin syndrome’s physiological cause. Paroxetine’s serotonin excess drives symptoms, requiring drug cessation and medical intervention, not just reassurance, as this condition can rapidly worsen, making this choice inadequate.

Choice D reason: Administering benzodiazepine and acetaminophen is premature without provider guidance, as serotonin syndrome requires specific treatments, like cyproheptadine. Paroxetine must be stopped first, and the provider consulted to confirm diagnosis and manage symptoms, making this choice unsafe and reactive.

Choice A reason: Avoiding grapefruit juice is correct, as it inhibits CYP3A4, an enzyme metabolizing itraconazole, potentially increasing drug levels and toxicity. This shows understanding, as grapefruit juice can alter the drug’s pharmacokinetics, leading to adverse effects. No additional instruction is needed for this statement.

Choice B reason: Taking itraconazole with antacids reduces its absorption, as it requires an acidic stomach environment for optimal bioavailability. Antacids neutralize gastric acid, decreasing drug efficacy. This statement indicates a misunderstanding, necessitating further instruction to ensure effective antifungal treatment.

Choice C reason: Monitoring stool color changes is reasonable, as itraconazole can cause hepatotoxicity, potentially altering stool appearance due to liver dysfunction. This shows awareness of side effects, requiring no additional instruction, as it aligns with monitoring for adverse hepatic effects.

Choice D reason: Reporting breathing difficulty is appropriate, as itraconazole may rarely cause pulmonary side effects or exacerbate heart failure. This indicates understanding of serious adverse effects, requiring no further instruction, as it reflects vigilance for critical symptoms needing medical attention.