A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has schizophrenia and a new prescription for haloperidol. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid taking which of the following medications?

A. Tingling sensation. A mild tingling or paresthesia is a common side effect of sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive action. While it should be monitored, it is not typically harmful and does not require immediate medical intervention.

B. Hypertension. Sumatriptan works by constricting blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms, but it can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Severe hypertension can lead to complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. This is the priority finding that requires immediate reporting to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events.

C. Dizziness. Dizziness can occur due to sumatriptan’s vasoconstrictive properties or from the migraine itself. While it can be uncomfortable, it is not an immediate threat to the client’s safety unless it is severe or associated with other neurological symptoms.

D. Flushing. Facial flushing is a known side effect of sumatriptan and is generally harmless. It occurs due to transient vasodilation in the skin and does not indicate a serious adverse reaction. Monitoring is appropriate, but it does not require urgent intervention.

A. The nurse monitors the client for over sedation. Monitoring for over sedation is an essential nursing responsibility when caring for a client using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Opioid medications used in PCAs can cause respiratory depression, drowsiness, and decreased level of consciousness, so frequent assessments are necessary to ensure client safety.

B. The nurse reassures the client that the PCA device will not cause an overdose. PCA devices are programmed to deliver a controlled dose of medication at set intervals, reducing the risk of overdose. Educating the client about this built-in safety feature helps alleviate anxiety and encourages appropriate pain management. However, the nurse should also instruct the client to report symptoms of over sedation or inadequate pain relief.

C. The nurse asks the client to demonstrate dose delivery. Encouraging the client to demonstrate how to use the PCA device ensures they understand how to properly self-administer medication. This reinforces client education, promotes effective pain management, and minimizes unnecessary delays in pain relief due to improper use.

D. The nurse administers a PCA dose for the client. Only the client should press the PCA button to self-administer medication. This prevents accidental overdose or over sedation that could occur if the client is too sedated to recognize their own need for pain relief. If the client is unable to use the PCA properly, alternative pain management strategies should be considered, rather than allowing a nurse or family member to press the button.