A nurse in an outpatient mental health facility is preparing to administer phenelzine to a client who has been taking this medication for several years. The client reports eating a grilled cheese sandwich and a banana for lunch and is feeling dizzy. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse assess first?
Blood pressure
Respiration
Pulse
Temperature
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that can interact with certain foods containing tyramine, such as cheese, leading to hypertensive crisis. The client's report of dizziness after eating a grilled cheese sandwich could indicate a spike in blood pressure. Therefore, assessing blood pressure is the priority to check for this potential adverse reaction.
Choice B reason: While respiration is important, it is not typically the first vital sign affected by the dietary interaction with phenelzine. However, if blood pressure is elevated, it could lead to respiratory changes, so it should be monitored if blood pressure is abnormal.
Choice C reason: Pulse may be affected by changes in blood pressure, but it is not the most direct indicator of a hypertensive crisis. After assessing blood pressure, the nurse should also check the pulse for any irregularities.
Choice D reason: Temperature is not directly related to the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis caused by MAOI interactions with tyramine-rich foods. It is unlikely that the client's dizziness is related to a change in body temperature.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Witnessing an informed consent is a legal process that typically requires a licensed nurse or healthcare provider to ensure that the client fully understands the procedure and its risks. It is not appropriate to delegate this task to assistive personnel.
Choice B reason: Explaining the benefits of light therapy involves providing health education, which should be done by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider who has the necessary knowledge and training to ensure accurate information is conveyed.
Choice C reason: Discussing the adverse effects of medications is part of medication education and should be conducted by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider. Assistive personnel are not trained to provide this level of detailed medical information.
Choice D reason: Participating in solitary activities does not require clinical judgment and can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves engaging the client in activities that can help manage their mania and provide a therapeutic environment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assisting the client to use new coping strategies is an important part of managing bipolar disorder, but it is not the first action a nurse should take when establishing a nurse-client relationship. Coping strategies will be more effective once a trusting relationship has been established and the client feels secure in sharing personal information.
Choice B reason: Establishing confidentiality guidelines with the client is the first and most crucial step in forming a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. It sets the foundation for trust and openness, ensuring the client understands that their personal information will be protected and shared only with those directly involved in their care.
Choice C reason: Helping the client to make behavioral changes is a goal in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, before any interventions can be planned or implemented, the nurse must first establish a rapport and trust with the client, which begins with ensuring confidentiality.
Choice D reason: Sharing information with the client about their disorder is essential for their understanding and participation in care. However, this should occur after establishing a relationship in which the client feels comfortable and secure, knowing their privacy is respected.
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