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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Mental separation from distractions during painting is a healthy coping mechanism, allowing for focus and mindfulness.
It falls under the adaptive defense mechanism of compartmentalization, which involves temporarily separating thoughts and emotions to manage stress effectively.
It doesn't deny or distort reality, but rather creates a temporary mental space for relaxation and creativity.
Choice B rationale:
Writing a short story about a heroic woman is a form of sublimation, channeling negative emotions into a productive and creative outlet.
It's a mature defense mechanism that allows for indirect expression of anger or frustration without causing harm to oneself or others.
It can lead to personal growth and insight, as it encourages reflection and exploration of emotions through storytelling.
Choice C rationale:
Inability to recall the scene of a traumatic event is likely a dissociative defense mechanism, protecting the individual from overwhelming psychological distress.
It's a common response to trauma, and while it may be maladaptive in the long term if it prevents processing the trauma, it serves a protective function in the acute phase.
It doesn't necessarily indicate a maladaptive coping style overall, but rather a specific response to a traumatic experience.
Choice D rationale:
Declaring disinterest in work after being denied a promotion exemplifies disengagement, a maladaptive coping mechanism involving withdrawal and apathy.
It reflects an inability to cope with disappointment or setbacks in a constructive way.
It can lead to social isolation, decreased motivation, and potentially depression or other mental health issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing strategies for redirecting violent behavior is a relevant intervention for individuals with borderline personality disorder, as they may exhibit impulsive and aggressive behaviors. However, it is not the priority in this situation. The immediate focus should be on ensuring the client's safety and preventing self-harm.
Strategies for redirecting violent behavior can be implemented once the client's safety is stabilized. These strategies might include:
De-escalation techniques
Distraction techniques
Time-outs
Setting clear boundaries and expectations
Teaching coping skills for managing anger and frustration Choice B rationale:
Exploring reasons for her behavior is important for understanding the underlying issues that contribute to the client's selfharming behaviors. However, it is not the priority in the initial phase of treatment. The focus should be on ensuring the client's immediate safety and preventing harm.
Once the client is stabilized, exploring the reasons for her behavior can be done through individual therapy, group therapy, or other therapeutic modalities. This exploration can help the client gain insight into her patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to talk about her feelings is a valuable therapeutic intervention, as it can help the client express and process emotions in a healthy way. However, it is not the priority in the context of borderline personality disorder, where the risk of self-harm is high.
Encouraging emotional expression can be beneficial once the client's safety is ensured and appropriate coping skills are in place. This can be done through individual therapy, journaling, or other expressive arts therapies.
Choice D rationale:
Protecting the client from self-harm behavior is the nurse's priority when working with a client who has borderline personality disorder. This is because individuals with this disorder have a high risk of engaging in self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or overdosing on medication.
It is important to implement various safety measures to protect the client, including:
Close observation and monitoring
Removal of potentially harmful objects from the environment
Clear communication of expectations and boundaries
Collaboration with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive safety plan
Regular assessment of suicide risk
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