A nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a suspected stimulant overdose. Which of the following nursing priorities should the nurse implement first?

A: Administer activated charcoal to the client.

B: Obtain a urine sample from the client for drug testing.

C: Initiate seizure precautions for the client.

D: Monitor vital signs frequently.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason:
Administering activated charcoal can be a treatment option in some overdose cases, particularly when the substance ingested is known to be adsorbed by charcoal. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the substance and the timing of administration post-ingestion. In the case of a stimulant overdose, activated charcoal is not the first-line treatment, especially when the specific stimulant and time of ingestion are unknown.

Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a urine sample for drug testing is important for confirming the type of stimulant ingested and can guide further treatment. However, this is not the immediate priority in an acute overdose situation where the patient's life may be at risk.

Choice C Reason:
Initiating seizure precautions is important in the management of stimulant overdose due to the risk of seizures¹. However, this is a precautionary measure and not the first action to take. The initial focus should be on assessing and stabilizing the patient's vital functions.

Choice D Reason:
Monitoring vital signs is the most critical initial step in managing a suspected stimulant overdose. Stimulants can cause severe hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and arrhythmias. Frequent monitoring allows for the early detection of life-threatening conditions and the initiation of appropriate interventions to stabilize the patient's condition.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Aspirin is not used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce pain and fever, but it does not have the capability to counteract opioid effects.

Choice B reason: Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It does not have the properties to reverse opioid overdoses and is not an antidote for opioids.

Choice C reason: Naloxone is the correct medication to reverse the effects of opioids. It is an opioid antagonist that can quickly restore normal breathing in a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Naloxone binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.

Choice D reason: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Like aspirin and acetaminophen, it does not reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

In conclusion, naloxone is the medication that is used to reverse the effects of opioids in the case of an overdose. It is a critical drug in emergency situations involving opioids and can save lives by reversing life-threatening respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Healthcare providers should be prepared to administer naloxone and provide appropriate follow-up care after its use.

A. Missing a dose of medication that increases serotonin levels B. Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication C. Taking serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) as directed D. Combining medications that increase serotonin levels

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Missing a dose of medication that increases serotonin levels does not typically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. In fact, missing a dose may lead to lower levels of serotonin in the body, which is contrary to the condition of serotonin syndrome that arises from an excess of serotonin.

Choice B reason:

Taking MAOI medication alone does not inherently increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. However, combining MAOIs with other medications that affect serotonin levels can significantly increase the risk. It is crucial to avoid taking MAOIs and other serotonergic drugs concurrently without medical supervision.

Choice C reason:

Taking SNRIs as directed by a healthcare provider generally does not increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. These medications are designed to be taken regularly to manage conditions like anxiety and depression. However, any changes in dosage or frequency should be done under medical guidance to avoid any adverse effects.

Choice D reason:

Combining medications that increase serotonin levels is the primary risk factor for developing serotonin syndrome. This can occur when a patient takes multiple serotonergic drugs, such as combining an SNRI with an SSRI, certain pain medications, or even some over-the-counter drugs and supplements that increase serotonin levels. This combination can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin in the body, triggering the symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a suspected stimulant overdose. Which of the following nursing priorities should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client after an overdose of OxyContin. The nurse anticipates an order for which medication to reverse the effects of the opioids?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Duloxetine, are used for generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following increases the risk for the client developing serotonin syndrome?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action for this client?

A client commits suicide in an acute mental health facility. Which of the following is the priority intervention for staff on the unit as a follow-up to this incident?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder in an acute manic state. The client is running around the unit asking people to dance with her. After ensuring safety, which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following points should the nurse include in the discussion as a health risk of heroin use?

A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the nurse's priority action for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawing from a stimulant. Which of the following should be prioritized for safety in a client with stimulant withdrawal?

A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who is receiving treatment following a situational crisis. Which of the following assessments by the nurse is the highest priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a suspected stimulant overdose. Which of the following nursing priorities should the nurse implement first?