A patient states to the nurse, "I have no idea what typical antipsychotics but now I've been asked to take them." What symptoms should the nurse be prepared to discuss with the client?
Delirium and anxiety
Dry mouth and blurry vision
Dysrthythmia and headache
Diarrhea and flatus
The Correct Answer is B
A) Delirium and anxiety: While delirium and anxiety can be seen in some patients taking medications, they are not the most common side effects of typical antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine or haloperidol, are more likely to cause anticholinergic effects or extrapyramidal symptoms, not delirium or anxiety, so this is less relevant in this case.
B) Dry mouth and blurry vision: Typical antipsychotics are known to have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, and urinary retention. These are common side effects that the nurse should be prepared to discuss with the client, especially because the client is unfamiliar with these medications.
C) Dysthythmia and headache: While dysthythmia (irregular heart rhythms) and headache may occur as side effects of some medications, they are not the most common or expected side effects of typical antipsychotics. The nurse would be more concerned with anticholinergic effects or extrapyramidal symptoms in this context.
D) Diarrhea and flatus: Diarrhea and excessive gas (flatus) are not typical side effects of antipsychotics. In fact, the opposite is more common due to the anticholinergic effects of these medications, which can cause constipation and difficulty with bowel movements, not diarrhea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder that causes repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue protrusion or lip smacking. It typically develops after long-term use of antipsychotics like fluphenazine. Since the client reports restlessness shortly after starting the medication, this is unlikely to be tardive dyskinesia, which takes months to years to develop.
B) Pseudoparkinsonism: Pseudoparkinsonism is a side effect of antipsychotics that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. While restlessness is not a hallmark symptom of pseudoparkinsonism, it could lead to a lack of coordination or stiffness, but it does not explain the client's feeling of being restless all the time.
C) Akathisia: Akathisia is a common side effect of antipsychotics, including fluphenazine. It is characterized by an intense feeling of restlessness and an inability to sit still, often accompanied by an urge to move. This matches the client's description of being restless and unable to sit still, making akathisia the most likely cause of their symptoms.
D) Acute dystonia: Acute dystonia involves painful, muscle spasms or abnormal postures, such as twisting of the neck or eyes rolling back, which can occur shortly after taking antipsychotics. However, this condition typically causes muscle rigidity or spasms rather than the restlessness that the client describes, making it less likely in this case.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
C) Offer the client a physical outlet
Encouraging the client to engage in a physical activity, such as walking or using a stress ball, helps release pent-up energy in a non-threatening way. This approach aligns with de-escalation techniques, which should be attempted before pharmacologic or restrictive interventions.
D) Offer the client medication
If the client's agitation continues despite non-pharmacologic interventions, offering as-needed medication (such as an anxiolytic or antipsychotic) may help manage escalating aggression. Medication should be a secondary measure after attempting verbal de-escalation and physical outlets.
A) Place the client in restraints
Restraints are a last resort and should only be used if the client poses an immediate danger to themselves or others after all other de-escalation strategies have failed.
B) Grab the client’s hand
Physically intervening without the client’s consent can increase aggression and pose a safety risk for both the client and the nurse. Maintaining a safe distance is a better approach.
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