A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A: "I'm glad you called, and I want to send an ambulance to help you."

B:"You must have been feeling pretty depressed to do that."

C:"Were you trying to kill yourself by taking an overdose?"

D:"Do you know how many pills were in the bottle?"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:
In a situation where a client has ingested a potentially lethal amount of medication, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, and overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypotension, and seizures. The nurse's priority is to ensure the safety of the client by sending an ambulance. This response also acknowledges the client's cry for help and initiates prompt action.

Choice B Reason:
While it's important to recognize the emotional state of the client, this response does not address the immediate medical emergency. The client's safety is the priority, and while their feelings are valid, this choice does not facilitate the urgent care needed.

Choice C Reason:
Asking if the client was trying to commit suicide can come across as judgmental and may close off communication. It's essential to maintain an open line of communication and focus on getting medical help rather than determining intent at this critical moment.

Choice D Reason:
Knowing the quantity of medication ingested can be useful information for medical professionals; however, it is not the most immediate concern in a crisis situation. The first response should be to ensure that medical help is on its way.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are not typically indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These symptoms are more commonly associated with stimulant use or withdrawal from depressants.

Choice B Reason:
Increased energy and hyperactivity are also not indicative of sedative-hypnotic drug use. These are symptoms that might be observed with stimulant drugs or during withdrawal from depressants.

Choice C Reason:
Excessive drowsiness and sedation are hallmark signs of sedative-hypnotic drug use. Sedative-hypnotics, which include drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in brain activity and causing drowsiness and sedation.

Choice D Reason:
While improved sleep quality and duration might be an intended effect of sedative-hypnotic drugs, they are not indicative of acute use or intoxication. These drugs are often prescribed to help with sleep; however, their misuse can lead to excessive sedation beyond normal sleep patterns.

A. A: Administer activated charcoal to the client. B. B: Obtain a urine sample from the client for drug testing. C. C: Initiate seizure precautions for the client. D. D: Monitor vital signs frequently.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Administering activated charcoal can be a treatment option in some overdose cases, particularly when the substance ingested is known to be adsorbed by charcoal. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the substance and the timing of administration post-ingestion. In the case of a stimulant overdose, activated charcoal is not the first-line treatment, especially when the specific stimulant and time of ingestion are unknown.

Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a urine sample for drug testing is important for confirming the type of stimulant ingested and can guide further treatment. However, this is not the immediate priority in an acute overdose situation where the patient's life may be at risk.

Choice C Reason:
Initiating seizure precautions is important in the management of stimulant overdose due to the risk of seizures¹. However, this is a precautionary measure and not the first action to take. The initial focus should be on assessing and stabilizing the patient's vital functions.

Choice D Reason:
Monitoring vital signs is the most critical initial step in managing a suspected stimulant overdose. Stimulants can cause severe hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and arrhythmias. Frequent monitoring allows for the early detection of life-threatening conditions and the initiation of appropriate interventions to stabilize the patient's condition.

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A nurse on a crisis hotline is speaking to a client who says, "I just took an entire bottle of amitriptyline." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of sedative use disorder. Which cue is indicative that a client has used a sedative-hypnotic drug?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been admitted with a suspected stimulant overdose. Which of the following nursing priorities should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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