A male client with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder starts a prescription for clonazepam. One week later, the nurse observes that his speech is slurred and he has an ataxic gait. Which action should the nurse implement?
Explain the need to refrain from alcohol use while taking the drug
Document the client's continued seizure activity.
Advise the client to discontinue the medication immediately.
Report these side effects to the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Explain the need to refrain from alcohol use while taking the drug: Although avoiding alcohol is very important when taking clonazepam due to increased central nervous system depression, the client’s current symptoms of slurred speech and ataxia are concerning side effects that must be addressed first through immediate clinical intervention rather than just education.
B. Document the client's continued seizure activity: Slurred speech and ataxia are not typical signs of seizure activity; they are more indicative of central nervous system depression or toxicity from clonazepam. Simply documenting the symptoms without further action could delay critical treatment adjustments.
C. Advise the client to discontinue the medication immediately: Abruptly stopping clonazepam can lead to withdrawal seizures and other serious complications. Medication discontinuation should always be managed carefully under the direction of the healthcare provider to prevent additional risks.
D. Report these side effects to the healthcare provider: Slurred speech and an ataxic gait suggest clonazepam toxicity or overdose. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider allows for dosage adjustment or possible medication change, which is essential to prevent worsening central nervous system depression and maintain patient safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Promotes stomach emptying and prevents gastric reflux: Sevelamer does not influence gastric motility or act on the lower esophageal sphincter. It is not used to treat reflux or alter the rate of stomach emptying, so this explanation would be inaccurate.
B. Buffers hydrochloric acid and prevents gastric erosion: Sevelamer is not an antacid and does not buffer stomach acid or directly protect the stomach lining. Its action is specifically targeted toward phosphate binding, not gastric pH balance.
C. Prevents indigestion associated with ingestion of spicy foods: Sevelamer is not intended to manage symptoms of indigestion or dyspepsia from spicy foods. It plays no role in modifying digestive comfort related to specific dietary triggers.
D. Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption: Sevelamer is a phosphate binder prescribed for clients with CKD to prevent hyperphosphatemia. It must be taken with meals to bind dietary phosphorus in the gut, thereby preventing its absorption into the bloodstream and helping maintain normal phosphate levels.
Correct Answer is ["2.5"]
Explanation
Identify the desired dose.
- Desired dose = 1 mg
Identify the drug concentration on hand.
- Concentration on hand = 0.4 mg/mL
Use the formula to calculate the volume to administer.
- Volume to administer (mL) = Desired dose (mg) / Concentration on hand (mg/mL)
= 1 mg / 0.4 mg/mL
= 2.5 mL
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