A nurse is assisting in the care of a client in an outpatient mental health clinic.
Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client is experiencing adverse effects of the medication. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Nurses' Notes
Today:
Client states, "I'm feeling much better." They report less fatigue, even though they have difficulty sleeping. Client reports they are not sad anymore but are experiencing more frequent headaches. Client continues to deny any suicidal ideation.
Vital Signs
Today:
Blood pressure 169/91 mm Hg
Heart rate 78/min
Respiratory rate 18/min
even though they have difficulty sleeping
experiencing more frequent headaches
Blood pressure 169/91 mm Hg
Client continues to deny any suicidal ideation
Heart rate 78/min
Respiratory rate 18/min
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
- Frequent headaches: Phenelzine, an MAOI, can cause hypertensive crisis, with one of the earliest signs being persistent or worsening headaches. Frequent headaches must be treated as a possible warning of dangerously elevated blood pressure and require immediate provider notification.
- Elevated blood pressure (169/91 mm Hg): The significant rise in the client's blood pressure compared to baseline indicates new-onset hypertension. This is a serious adverse effect associated with MAOIs and signals the potential development of a hypertensive crisis, which must be urgently addressed.
- Difficulty sleeping: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia is a common side effect of phenelzine and other antidepressants. Although not life-threatening, insomnia can impair recovery if untreated and should be documented and discussed with the provider to adjust management if needed.
- Feeling much better: Improvement in mood and reduced fatigue are intended therapeutic outcomes of phenelzine treatment. These findings are positive signs and do not indicate an adverse reaction that needs intervention.
- Heart rate 78/min and respiratory rate 18/min: Both values are within normal ranges and do not suggest immediate concerns related to cardiovascular or respiratory function. They should continue to be monitored but do not require urgent action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E","F","G"]
Explanation
- Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
- Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
- Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
- Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
- Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
- Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Report of menstrual cycle (absent for 3 months): The nurse’s notes state that the client has not had a menstrual period for three months. In hyperthyroidism, menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea are common due to hormonal imbalance. This supports hyperthyroidism based on the client's current symptoms..
- Weight change (unplanned weight loss): The client reports experiencing unplanned weight loss over three months despite having a good appetite. This suggests an increased metabolic rate, which is consistent with hyperthyroidism. Unintentional weight loss despite normal eating is a key indicator.
- Skin condition (warm and moist): The client's skin is described as warm and moist during physical assessment. Hyperthyroidism causes increased blood flow and sweat gland activity, leading to this type of skin condition. It reflects the body's accelerated metabolic processes.
- Neck exam (goiter visualized): The nurse notes the presence of a visible goiter on neck examination. A goiter indicates thyroid gland enlargement, which occurs in hyperthyroidism due to overstimulation and overproduction of thyroid hormones. This is a major physical finding.
- Laboratory results (T3, T4, TSI ordered): The provider orders tests for T3, Free T4, and TSI to evaluate thyroid function. These specific labs are ordered when hyperthyroidism is suspected, particularly TSI which is associated with Graves’ disease. The decision to order them aligns with the findings.
- Eye appearance (exophthalmos noted): Exophthalmos, or outward bulging of the eyes, is noted by the nurse. This finding is strongly associated with hyperthyroidism, especially Graves' disease. It occurs due to inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eyes, worsening as thyroid dysfunction progresses.
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