A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for sertraline to treat depression.
For which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to monitor and report immediately as indicating serotonin syndrome?
Insomnia.
Constipation.
Dry mouth.
Excessive sweating.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Insomnia is a common side effect of sertraline and many other antidepressant medications. It is not indicative of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is a side effect of some antidepressant medications, including sertraline. It is not a symptom of serotonin syndrome, which presents with a combination of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and high body temperature.
Choice C rationale:
Dry mouth is another common side effect of sertraline and many other medications. While uncomfortable, it is not a sign of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are neurological and autonomic, involving changes in mental status, muscle activity, and vital signs.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, can be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. Other symptoms might include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. If a patient experiences these symptoms while taking sertraline, it could indicate serotonin syndrome and should be reported immediately for medical evaluation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should include the statement, "Use a product with DEET on your skin and clothes when you are walking in a wooded area," in the educational program on Lyme disease. DEET is a widely used insect repellent effective against ticks. It is recommended to prevent tick bites in wooded and grassy areas. The rationale behind this choice is to educate the public about practical measures to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. DEET repels ticks, reducing the chances of tick attachment and, consequently, the transmission of Lyme disease.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "Symptoms of Lyme disease appear 2 days after being bitten by an infected tick," is incorrect. The incubation period for Lyme disease can vary from 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days but can take longer to manifest. Providing inaccurate information can lead to misunderstanding and inadequate preventive measures.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "Remove embedded ticks by squeezing the body with tweezers," is incorrect. Improper removal of ticks, such as squeezing the body, can lead to the injection of tick fluids into the host, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The correct method for tick removal is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. This helps ensure the tick is removed entirely and reduces the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "If bitten by a tick, testing for Lyme disease should occur within 2 weeks," is incorrect. Testing for Lyme disease immediately after a tick bite is not recommended because it takes time for the body to produce antibodies detectable by the tests. Testing too early can yield false-negative results. Healthcare providers may recommend testing if symptoms develop, but waiting for a few weeks after the bite increases the accuracy of the test results.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement implies that the nurse attempted the dressing change but was unsuccessful. However, the information about the dressing not being soiled is irrelevant to the incident report. The key issue is the omission of the prescribed procedure.
Choice B rationale:
This statement acknowledges the omission but lacks specificity. It does not state the nature of the omission or the potential consequences, making it less informative for future prevention strategies.
Choice C rationale:
This statement clearly and concisely states the situation, indicating that the prescribed dressing change was omitted. It provides essential information for understanding what happened, allowing for appropriate investigation and preventive measures.
Choice D rationale:
This statement confirms the completion of the incident report but does not provide details about the incident itself. Without specific information about the omission, this statement is insufficient for understanding the nature of the error and implementing preventive actions.
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