A nurse is providing teaching to a client diagnosed with schizophrenia and is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You may experience dizziness upon standing while taking this medication.”
"This medication will decrease your symptoms of OCD.”
"You can stop taking the medication if the side effects are bothersome.”
"This medication may cause excessive salivation.”
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A: "You may experience dizziness upon standing while taking this medication."
Choice A rationale:
This choice is the correct answer because haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which leads to dizziness upon standing. Antipsychotic medications often affect blood pressure regulation and can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing. This explanation provides essential information to the client to help them understand potential side effects and take necessary precautions.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Haloperidol is not indicated for treating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Providing false information about its indications is not appropriate and may lead to confusion.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Clients should never stop taking antipsychotic medications abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider. Discontinuing such medications can lead to withdrawal effects and a worsening of symptoms. Encouraging the client to stop the medication if side effects are bothersome is not appropriate and could potentially jeopardize their well-being.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is partially correct but not the best answer. While haloperidol can cause excessive salivation (sialorrhea) as a side effect, the primary concern in this situation should be related to orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing. Mentioning excessive salivation would be helpful, but it's secondary to the risk of falls associated with orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answers are choices A. Depression, B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, E. Anxiety.
Choice A rationale:
Depression commonly coexists with eating disorders. The individual's distorted body image, feelings of low self-worth, and dietary restrictions can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often occurs alongside eating disorders. The obsessions and compulsions seen in OCD can overlap with behaviors related to food, eating rituals, and body image, reinforcing the eating disorder pathology.
Choice C rationale:
Schizophrenia is not typically considered a comorbidity of eating disorders. Schizophrenia involves disruptions in thought processes, emotions, and perceptions, which are distinct from the cognitive distortions and behaviors associated with eating disorders.
Choice D rationale:
Breathing-related sleep disorder is not a commonly recognized comorbidity of eating disorders. While sleep disturbances might occur in individuals with eating disorders due to physical discomfort or anxiety, a specific link to breathing-related sleep disorder is less established.
Choice E rationale:
Anxiety is a well-recognized comorbidity of eating disorders. Anxiety often accompanies the intense fears, worries, and preoccupations related to body weight, shape, and eating behaviors that are characteristic of eating disorders.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer is d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings.
a. Identify other housing options and sources of transportation: While it is essential to address practical needs such as housing and transportation for clients who have experienced a crisis like a house fire, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in acute emotional distress. In this scenario, the client is expressing emotional distress and may not be ready to focus on practical solutions. Therefore, addressing the client's emotional needs should take precedence over addressing practical concerns.
b. Notify the facility chaplain to request scheduling an appointment: While spiritual support can be beneficial for individuals coping with trauma or loss, it should not be the immediate response when a client is in acute emotional distress. While the chaplain's support may be sought later as part of the client's holistic care, it should not precede addressing the client's immediate emotional needs.
c. Confirm that everything will be all right because belongings can be replaced: This option is incorrect because it offers false reassurance and dismisses the client's feelings about their loss. While it is true that belongings can be replaced, the emotional impact of losing possessions, especially in a traumatic event like a house fire, should not be trivialized. The client's feelings of distress and uncertainty are valid and should be acknowledged and addressed by the nurse.
d. Maintain eye contact with the client and summarize the client’s feelings: Correct. This action demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is crucial in providing an atmosphere of support and safety for the client. Maintaining eye contact shows empathy, support, and advocacy, indicating to the client that their feelings are being heard and validated. Summarizing the client's feelings allows the nurse to demonstrate active listening and understanding, fostering trust and rapport between the nurse and client. By prioritizing the client's emotional needs, the nurse can help the client begin to process their feelings and move towards coping and problem-solving.
In summary, the correct answer is d because maintaining eye contact with the client and summarizing their feelings demonstrates therapeutic communication, which is essential in providing support and validation for the client's emotional distress. This approach allows the nurse to establish rapport and trust with the client, facilitating further therapeutic interventions and support.
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