A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention?
Padding side rails to prevent injury.
Applying a cooling blanket.
Administering an anticonvulsant.
Preparing for artificial ventilation.
The Correct Answer is D
While preventing injury is important, it is not the highest priority when the client's respiratory and neurological functions are compromised. Managing the client's breathing takes precedence.
B. Applying a cooling blanket.
While hyperthermia (high fever) is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, the immediate concern is ensuring the client's breathing and neurological stability. Cooling measures can be beneficial, but they come after addressing the more critical issues.
C. Administering an anticonvulsant.
While anticonvulsants might be used to control seizures, preparing for artificial ventilation takes priority, as the client's airway and oxygenation must be secured before addressing other symptoms.
D. Preparing for artificial ventilation.
Explanation: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the body, often resulting from interactions between medications that affect serotonin levels. Severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome can include high fever, muscle rigidity, agitation, seizures, and even coma. In cases of severe serotonin syndrome, the client's neurological and respiratory functions can be compromised, making it crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.75"]
Explanation
To calculate the volume (ml) of haloperidol decanoate needed for a dose of 75 mg, you can use the following formula:
Volume (ml) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/ml)
Given:
Dose = 75 mg
Concentration = 100 mg/ml
Plugging in the values:
Volume (ml) = 75 mg / 100 mg/ml
Volume (ml) = 0.75 ml
Rounding to the nearest hundredth:
Volume (ml) = 0.75 ml
So, the nurse should administer 0.75 ml of haloperidol decanoate for the dose of 75 mg.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Lithium: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings and prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes.
B. Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that has been found effective in managing mood swings in bipolar disorder. It can help stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes.
C. Valproate (Valproic acid or Divalproex sodium): Valproate is another anticonvulsant medication that is used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. It can help control manic and mixed episodes.
The following options are not used to treat bipolar disorder:
D. Paroxetine: SSRIs, including paroxetine, carry a risk of inducing mania or hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder. This risk is why these medications are usually avoided or used cautiously, always in conjunction with a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproate, or atypical antipsychotics. Before initiating paroxetine, it’s crucial that the client is stabilized with a mood stabilizer to minimize the risk of mood switching (i.e., moving from depression to mania or hypomania).
E. Donepezil: Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is not used to treat bipolar disorder.
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