A nurse is assessing a client who has Parkinson's disease and is taking levodopa/carbidopa. The nurse observes that the client has tremors and twitching.
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering?

Choice A rationale

Disulfiram is an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It works by blocking the metabolism of ethanol, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which produces unpleasant physical reactions when alcohol is consumed. It has no pharmacological effect on benzodiazepine overdose.

Choice B rationale

Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that rapidly reverses the sedative and other central nervous system effects of benzodiazepine overdose. It acts by binding to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complex, thereby displacing benzodiazepines and restoring normal neurological function.

Choice C rationale

Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist primarily used to reverse opioid overdose. It competitively binds to opioid receptors, particularly mu receptors, thereby blocking the effects of opioid agonists and reversing respiratory depression and other opioid-induced central nervous system depression. It does not affect benzodiazepines.

Choice D rationale

Dantrolene is a direct-acting skeletal muscle relaxant primarily used in the treatment of malignant hyperthermia and spasticity. It works by interfering with calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells, reducing muscle contraction. It has no role in reversing benzodiazepine overdose.

Choice A rationale

Dry mouth can be an anticholinergic effect of some medications or a symptom of dehydration, but it is not a direct, priority adverse effect associated with ketorolac, which is an NSAID. While uncomfortable, it does not indicate immediate life-threatening organ dysfunction.

Choice B rationale

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which can lead to adverse renal effects. Prostaglandins play a crucial role in maintaining renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Oliguria (urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/hr or < 400 mL/24 hr) indicates potential acute kidney injury, a serious and life-threatening complication that requires immediate reporting to the provider.

Choice C rationale

Nausea is a common gastrointestinal adverse effect of NSAIDs, including ketorolac, due to direct irritation of the gastric mucosa or central effects. While it can cause discomfort and impact client well-being, it is generally not a life-threatening symptom and does not take priority over signs of organ damage.

Choice D rationale

Altered taste, or dysgeusia, can be an idiosyncratic drug reaction but is not a common or priority adverse effect of ketorolac. While it can affect appetite and client satisfaction, it does not signify acute organ damage or a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention.