A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 3 months. The client has a temperature of 39.5* C (103.4° F), blood pressure of 150/110 mm Hg, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

Akathisia

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Tardive dyskinesia

Agranulocytosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.

B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.

C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.

D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach."

Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Instructing the client to take it on an empty stomach would be incorrect.

B. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea."

Diarrhea is not typically a reason to stop lithium therapy. However, persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect lithium levels. It's essential for the client to report persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

C. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication."

A low-salt diet is not typically recommended with lithium therapy. In fact, lithium can cause sodium depletion, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate salt intake unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

D. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."

This statement is correct. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure the medication's effectiveness and prevent toxicity. Initially, frequent monitoring is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage and assess for any signs of toxicity. Weekly blood level checks during the first month of therapy are common practice.

A. Disulfiram B. Methadone C. Buprenorphine D. Diazepam

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Disulfiram: Disulfiram is not used to manage alcohol withdrawal. It is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol dependence to deter alcohol consumption by producing unpleasant side effects if alcohol is ingested.

B. Methadone: Methadone is primarily used in the treatment of opioid dependence as a long-acting opioid agonist. It is not indicated for alcohol withdrawal.

C. Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is also used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Like methadone, it is not used in the management of alcohol withdrawal.

D. Diazepam: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It helps alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, tremors, and seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to their ability to suppress central nervous system hyperexcitability and prevent progression to severe withdrawal symptoms and seizures.

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A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for 3 months. The client has a temperature of 39.5* C (103.4° F), blood pressure of 150/110 mm Hg, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

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