A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a 50-year-old male client who has schizophrenia in an inpatient mental health facility
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Blood glucose level
WBC count
Temperature
Blood pressure
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale: Blood glucose level
A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL is elevated, suggesting possible hyperglycemia. Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause metabolic effects, including insulin resistance, leading to diabetes. This warrants further evaluation by the provider to determine if glucose monitoring or treatment adjustments are needed.
Choice B rationale: WBC count
A WBC count of 4,800/mm³ is low, which is concerning because clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a severe condition where white blood cells drop significantly, increasing the risk of infection. Since the client is on clozapine, the provider must be informed to assess the need for additional lab monitoring or medication adjustments.
Choice C rationale: Temperature
A temperature of 37.8°C (100.0°F) may indicate a mild fever, which is concerning in the context of a low WBC count. Since clozapine increases infection risk due to potential agranulocytosis, this temperature should be reported to rule out an underlying infection.
Choice D rationale: Blood pressure
A blood pressure of 110/68 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not warrant immediate intervention. It is not concerning in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Insomnia
Withdrawal from stimulants like methamphetamine often leads to insomnia, agitation, and restlessness. The body's central nervous system experiences difficulty regulating sleep due to prior overstimulation, making restful sleep challenging.
Choice B rationale: Hypothermia
Hypothermia is not a typical withdrawal symptom of heroin or methamphetamine. Instead, opioid withdrawal more commonly causes hyperthermia (increased body temperature) due to autonomic instability.
Choice C rationale: Hyperreflexia
Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) is often seen in stimulant withdrawal, including methamphetamine withdrawal, due to neurological overactivity as the body adjusts to the absence of stimulants.
Choice D rationale: Diaphoresis
Profuse sweating (diaphoresis) is a classic symptom of heroin withdrawal, as the body struggles to regulate temperature and autonomic function after stopping opioid use.
Choice E rationale: Slurred speech
Slurred speech is more common in intoxication rather than withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal generally results in restlessness, anxiety, and muscle aches rather than speech impairment.
Choice F rationale: Anxiety
Anxiety is a significant withdrawal symptom for both heroin and methamphetamine, as withdrawal disrupts neurotransmitter balance, particularly dopamine and serotonin regulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with a normal range of 7 to 56 U/L for females and 10 to 70 U/L for males, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with a normal range of 5 to 40 U/L for both sexes, should be reviewed before administering valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, and pre-existing liver dysfunction is a contraindication or requires careful monitoring.
Choice B rationale
A chest x-ray is primarily used to assess the lungs and heart. It is not directly relevant to the potential side effects or contraindications of valproic acid therapy.
Choice C rationale
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used to screen for prostate cancer in men. It is not related to the potential adverse effects of valproic acid. The normal range for PSA is generally less than 4 ng/mL, but this can vary with age.
Choice D rationale
A urine culture is used to detect urinary tract infections. While important for overall health assessment, it does not directly assess for contraindications or potential organ-specific side effects associated with valproic acid administration. .
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