A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.

B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.

C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.

D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.

A. The client demonstrated an allergic response to the medication: While allergic reactions to disulfiram can occur, severe nausea and vomiting after taking the medication are more likely due to its interaction with alcohol rather than an allergic response.

B. The client consumed alcohol while taking the medication: Disulfiram is used to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant reactions when alcohol is ingested. Severe nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects of consuming alcohol while on disulfiram.

C. The client took an overdose of the medication: An overdose of disulfiram could potentially lead to severe adverse effects, but nausea and vomiting alone are not typically indicative of an overdose.

D. The client experienced a common side effect of the medication: While nausea and vomiting are common side effects of disulfiram, they are typically experienced in response to alcohol consumption rather than as direct effects of the medication itself.