A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse report to the provider?

Sweating and fever

Discolored urine

Decreased appetite

Hallucinations.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The adverse effect the nurse should report to the provider is A. Sweating and fever.

This combination of symptoms is a key indicator of Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that, while rare with buspirone alone, can occur, particularly if the client is taking other medications that increase serotonin (like SSRIs or MAOIs).

The nurse should report these signs immediately because:

Sweating (Diaphoresis) and High Fever (Hyperthermia) are core components of the triad of symptoms for Serotonin Syndrome (autonomic instability).
Serotonin Syndrome also involves changes in mental status (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, which is option D) and neuromuscular hyperactivity (e.g., muscle rigidity, tremors).
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent complications like rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure.

In comparison:

C. Decreased appetite is a common, generally mild, and manageable side effect.
D. Hallucinations are a serious central nervous system side effect, but when presented alongside the life-threatening systemic signs of Serotonin Syndrome (A), option A represents the more urgent and dangerous adverse reaction.
B. Discolored urine is not a standard adverse effect and would need investigation, but is not as acutely critical as signs of Serotonin Syndrome.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Initiating vomiting and applying an enema is not the first action to take when finding an unconscious person. This could potentially cause more harm, especially if the person is unconscious as they could choke. It’s also important to note that inducing vomiting is not a recommended procedure for drug overdoses as it can lead to aspiration, which can cause more harm.

Choice B rationale: Checking pupil size and reflexes is important in assessing a patient’s neurological status. However, it is not the first action to take. The first action should always be to ensure the patient has a patent airway to allow for adequate oxygenation.

Choice C rationale: Establishing a patent airway is the correct first action when finding an unconscious person. This is because maintaining a patent airway is crucial for oxygenation and ventilation. Without a patent airway, the person could suffer from hypoxia, which could lead to brain damage or death.

Choice D rationale: Administering IV fluids fast is not the first action to take when finding an unconscious person. While IV fluids may be necessary later on in the management of the patient, the first action should always be to ensure the patient has a patent airway.

A. Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale. B. Making a contract with the client for eating behavior. C. Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report. D. Initiating one to one continuous observation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale is a tool used to assess the severity of depression. While it can provide valuable information about the client's mental state, it is not the priority intervention in this case. The client has already attempted suicide, indicating a high level of risk. It is essential to focus on ensuring the client's immediate safety before conducting further assessments.

Rationale for Choice B:

Making a contract with the client for eating behavior can be a helpful intervention for clients with anorexia nervosa. However, it is not the priority in the immediate aftermath of a suicide attempt. The client's safety must take precedence over addressing their eating disorder.

Rationale for Choice C:

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report can provide information about the substances the client ingested in their suicide attempt. However, this information is not necessary for determining the immediate course of action. The priority is to initiate safety measures to prevent another attempt.

Rationale for Choice D:

Initiating one-to-one continuous observation is the most critical intervention for a client who has recently attempted suicide. This level of observation ensures that the client is constantly monitored and cannot make another attempt without being interrupted. It also allows the nurse to assess the client's mental state and behaviors closely and intervene if necessary.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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