A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking quetiapine for 1 week and reports dizziness. The client asks the nurse if the dizziness indicates an allergic reaction to the medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Take your medication with a meal to decrease the onset of dizziness."
"Dizziness typically indicates an allergic response, so the medication should be stopped immediately."
"Take your medication first thing in the morning, and it will not cause as much dizziness."
"Dizziness is a common adverse effect of the medication and is related to low blood pressure."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Taking quetiapine with a meal can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, but it does not specifically address dizziness. Dizziness is more commonly related to the medication's effect on blood pressure rather than its interaction with food.
Choice B reason:
Dizziness is not typically an indicator of an allergic reaction to quetiapine. Allergic reactions usually present with symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. Therefore, stopping the medication immediately due to dizziness alone is not warranted.
Choice C reason:
Taking quetiapine in the morning might not necessarily reduce dizziness. The timing of medication administration is usually based on the specific instructions from the healthcare provider and the patient's overall treatment plan. Dizziness is more related to the medication's pharmacological effects rather than the time of day it is taken.
Choice D reason:
Dizziness is a common adverse effect of quetiapine and is often related to orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up). This side effect is well-documented and usually occurs when starting the medication or increasing the dose. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client and provide strategies to manage this side effect, such as getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
An apology from the client for their prior behavior, while it may be a positive step towards recovery, does not necessarily indicate that they have regained control over their actions or that they no longer pose a risk to themselves or others. The decision to discontinue restraints should be based on current behavior and risk assessment rather than past actions.
Choice B reason:
The primary goal of using physical restraints is to prevent harm to the patient or others when less restrictive interventions are not effective. If the client demonstrates control over their actions, it suggests that they are no longer at immediate risk of harm, and therefore, discontinuing restraints could be considered³⁴⁵. This aligns with guidelines that advocate for restraint use to be continually assessed and reduced or discontinued as soon as possible.
Choice C reason:
While a request to be released from restraints indicates a desire for freedom, it does not provide enough information about the client's current mental state or risk of harm. The healthcare team must assess whether the client's condition has improved to a point where restraints are no longer necessary.
Choice D reason:
Signing a behavioral contract is a positive step towards establishing trust and setting expectations for behavior. However, it is not an immediate indication that the client can safely have restraints removed. The effectiveness of such contracts depends on the individual's ability to understand and adhere to the agreed-upon behaviors.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Choice A: Alcohol Withdrawal
Reason: Alcohol withdrawal occurs when a person with a history of heavy and prolonged alcohol use suddenly stops or significantly reduces their intake. Symptoms can range from mild (e.g., anxiety, tremors) to severe (e.g., seizures, delirium tremens). Given the client’s long history of alcohol use disorder and recent heavy drinking, they are at high risk for withdrawal symptoms.
Choice B: Delirium Tremens
Reason: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that includes symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and severe autonomic hyperactivity. It typically occurs 48-72 hours after the last drink. While the client is at risk for DTs, it is a specific subset of alcohol withdrawal and not the most immediate concern.
Choice C: Seizures
Reason: Seizures can occur as a complication of alcohol withdrawal, usually within 24-48 hours after the last drink. The client’s high blood alcohol level and history of heavy drinking increase this risk. However, seizures are a symptom of alcohol withdrawal rather than a separate condition.
Choice D: Hallucinations
Reason: Hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal, particularly in severe cases like delirium tremens. They are a symptom rather than a standalone condition. The client’s history of heavy drinking and current intoxication make hallucinations a possibility, but they are part of the broader alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Choice E: History of Alcohol Consumption
Reason: The client’s long history of alcohol use disorder and recent relapse are critical factors in assessing their risk for alcohol withdrawal. This history indicates a high likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms if alcohol intake is suddenly reduced or stopped.
Choice F: Recent Bereavement
Reason: Recent bereavement, such as the loss of close family members, can be a significant emotional stressor and may contribute to relapse in individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder. However, bereavement itself is not a direct cause of alcohol withdrawal but rather a contributing factor to the client’s relapse.
Choice G: High Blood Alcohol Level
Reason: A high blood alcohol level (BAC) indicates recent heavy drinking, which can increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms once the alcohol level begins to drop. The client’s BAC of 310 mg/dL is significantly above the normal range (0 to 50 mg/dL), indicating severe intoxication.
Choice H: Unemployment
Reason: Unemployment can be a significant stressor and may contribute to the client’s relapse into heavy drinking. However, like bereavement, it is not a direct cause of alcohol withdrawal but rather a contributing factor to the client’s overall situation.
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