Patient Data
Data is evaluated to determine possible condition and appropriate interventions.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress
The Correct Answer is []
Rationale for Correct Choices:
• Extrapyramidal reaction: The client exhibits muscle stiffness, constant leg shaking, forward-backward rocking, and abnormal head positioning, all of which are hallmark signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) often caused by antipsychotic medications like haloperidol and chlorpromazine. Recognizing EPS early prevents further complications such as severe dystonia or Parkinsonism.
• Initiate one-on-one observation: Continuous observation is essential to ensure client safety, particularly due to agitation, abnormal movements, and risk of injury from dystonia or uncontrolled motor activity, which can be exacerbated in psychiatric patients on antipsychotics.
• Education on administration and side effects of haloperidol: Teaching the client and caregivers about haloperidol’s potential side effects, including EPS, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia, enhances adherence, promotes early reporting of adverse effects, and supports safe medication management.
• Gait and muscle strength: Monitoring gait and muscle strength allows the nurse to track the severity and progression of extrapyramidal symptoms, assess mobility limitations, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions like anticholinergic medications or dosage adjustments.
• Improvement in symptoms: Observing improvement in EPS or agitation provides measurable evidence that interventions are effective, guiding ongoing care and any necessary modifications to therapy or dosing.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
• Mucositis: Mucositis involves inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes, typically related to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and is not consistent with this client’s current presentation of abnormal motor activity and psychiatric symptoms.
•Hypertensive crisis: The client’s blood pressure is within a normal to mildly elevated range, and there are no signs of acute end-organ damage, so hypertensive crisis is unlikely in this scenario.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinsonism is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity, not acute onset EPS triggered by antipsychotic use in a young adult with schizophrenia.
• Institute oral hygiene to prevent candidiasis: Oral hygiene is generally important but does not address the acute neurological side effects of antipsychotic medications, making it nonessential for EPS management.
• Immediate dietician consult: While nutrition is important, it is not immediately relevant for extrapyramidal symptoms and does not address the urgent motor complications caused by antipsychotics.
• Administer antihypertensive: The client’s blood pressure is not critically elevated, and there are no indications of hypertensive emergency, so antihypertensive therapy is unnecessary.
• Blood pressure: Monitoring blood pressure is routine but not directly related to tracking extrapyramidal symptoms or response to antipsychotic therapy in this case.
• Swallowing: While dysphagia can occur in severe EPS, this client does not currently present with swallowing difficulties, making it less critical to monitor compared to gait and muscle strength.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E","G"]
Explanation
A. IV site without redness or swelling: The IV site appears normal with no signs of infiltration or infection, so no immediate follow-up is required. This finding indicates proper IV insertion and maintenance.
B. Temperature: 98.8° F (37.1° C): This is within normal limits and does not indicate fever or infection, so it does not require immediate follow-up.
C. Respirations: 28 breaths/minute: This is above the normal adult range (12–20 breaths/minute) and may indicate respiratory distress due to pain, shallow breathing, or possible pulmonary complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia, requiring close monitoring and follow-up.
D. Heart rate: 92 beats/minute: Slightly elevated but within mild tachycardia range, which could be related to pain or anxiety. It should be monitored but does not require urgent follow-up.
E. Taking shallow breaths: Shallow breathing is concerning in a client with rib fractures, as it increases the risk for hypoventilation, atelectasis, and pneumonia. This requires immediate intervention, such as pain management and respiratory support.
F. Alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation: Cognitive status is normal, so no follow-up is needed.
G. Pain 8 on a 0 to 10 scale: Severe pain limits deep breathing and mobility, increasing the risk of complications. Pain management should be addressed promptly to improve comfort and respiratory function.
H. Blood pressure: 138/82 mm Hg: Slightly elevated, likely related to pain or stress. Monitor trends, but it does not require immediate follow-up at this time.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Engage the client in non-threatening conversations: Establishing a therapeutic nurse–client relationship through simple, supportive communication helps reduce isolation, builds trust, and may encourage the client to begin expressing thoughts and feelings.
B. Encourage the client's family to visit more often: Family involvement can be beneficial, but it may not be effective if the client is withdrawn. Increasing visits without first fostering a supportive environment could overwhelm or further isolate the client.
C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities: Group activities promote social interaction but may feel intimidating or threatening for someone who has been withdrawn for weeks. Gradual re-engagement beginning with one-on-one communication is more appropriate.
D. Schedule a daily conference with the social worker: Involving the social worker can be helpful for comprehensive care planning, but this does not directly address the immediate nursing priority of engaging the client therapeutically and reducing withdrawal.
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