Medical History: The patient is on Naltrexone 50mg PO once daily and Fluoxetine 20mg PO every morning.
The nurse has reviewed the client’s electronic health record.
Which of the following client findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Sexual behaviors
Frequency of hospitalizations
Sodium level
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.
Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.
Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.
Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Disorientation is a significant neurological finding that can signal a serious adverse reaction to lorazepam, particularly in older adults. It's crucial to report it immediately to the provider for prompt assessment and intervention.
Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, which can manifest as disorientation, confusion, memory impairment, and even delirium.
Older adults are more vulnerable to CNS depressant effects due to age-related physiological changes, such as decreased metabolism and clearance of medications, as well as increased brain sensitivity.
Early identification and management of disorientation can prevent potential complications, such as falls, injuries, and worsening cognitive decline.
Choice B rationale:
Increased anxiety can be a paradoxical reaction to lorazepam, but it's not as immediately concerning as disorientation in terms of potential for serious harm.
The nurse should still monitor anxiety levels and report any significant changes to the provider, as dosage adjustments or alternative medications may be necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Blurred vision is a common side effect of lorazepam, but it's typically mild and transient.
It's important to assess the severity and duration of blurred vision and report it to the provider if it persists or interferes with daily activities.
Choice D rationale:
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, can be a side effect of lorazepam, but it's not as urgent as disorientation.
The nurse should monitor the patient's nutritional intake and weight, and report any significant changes to the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The rationale for Choice A:
Limiting time for rituals to 30 minutes each day may not be effective and could potentially increase anxiety. Individuals with OCD often feel a strong compulsion to perform their rituals, and abruptly restricting their ability to do so can heighten distress and lead to increased attempts to engage in the rituals, even in a covert manner. This can create a cycle of anxiety and frustration.
Gradual exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a more effective approach to reducing ritualistic behaviors. It involves gradually exposing the individual to anxiety-provoking stimuli while helping them to resist engaging in their compulsions. This process is done in a controlled and supportive environment, to help the individual learn to manage their anxiety and reduce their reliance on rituals.
Rationale for Choice B:
Providing a stimulating environment is not generally recommended for individuals with OCD. Excessive stimulation can exacerbate anxiety and trigger compulsive behaviors. A calmer and more structured environment is often more beneficial.
Individuals with OCD often thrive in environments that provide predictability and a sense of control. A structured schedule can help to reduce uncertainty and create a sense of order, which can in turn help to reduce anxiety and the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. Rationale for Choice C:
Negative reinforcement is not an appropriate or effective intervention for OCD. It involves punishing or removing a desired stimulus in response to a behavior, with the aim of decreasing the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. However, this approach can be counterproductive in OCD, as it can increase anxiety and make the individual more likely to engage in their rituals in order to avoid the negative consequences.
Positive reinforcement, such as praise and encouragement, is more effective in promoting desired behaviors. This approach focuses on rewarding the individual for making progress in reducing their ritualistic behaviors, which can help to increase motivation and create a more positive and supportive environment for change.
Rationale for Choice D:
Providing a structured schedule of activities can be a very effective intervention for OCD. It can help to reduce anxiety, provide a sense of control, and minimize the time available for engaging in compulsive rituals.
A structured schedule can include a variety of activities, such as:
Mealtimes
Personal hygiene routines
Work or school activities
Leisure activities
Relaxation exercises
Social interactions
The schedule should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and preferences. It is important to ensure that the activities are enjoyable and meaningful to the individual, as this will increase their motivation to participate.
The nurse can work with the individual to develop a schedule that is realistic and achievable. The schedule should be reviewed and adjusted regularly as the individual makes progress.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.