The client has recently started antidepressant drug therapy. He approaches the nurse complaining of a headache, palpitations, and stiffness in the neck. What is the nurse's priority action?
Give the client two aspirin tablets and monitor his headache and heart rate
Notify the physician immediately
Notify the physician when convenient
Reassure the client that these are common side effects of his medication
The Correct Answer is B
B. This is the correct priority action. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. The physician needs to be notified immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken to manage the client's symptoms and potentially adjust the medication regimen.
A. Aspirin is not appropriate for treating serotonin syndrome. Monitoring the client's symptoms is important, but this action does not address the potential seriousness of the symptoms described.
C. Delaying notification could lead to worsening of symptoms and potential complications. Given the potential seriousness of serotonin syndrome, waiting until it's convenient is not appropriate.
D. While headache, palpitations, and stiffness could potentially be side effects of antidepressant medication, the combination of these symptoms raises concern for serotonin syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention rather than reassurance alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C This is a common and potentially life-threatening complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa who are undergoing treatment. It can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
A. Anorexia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), due to inadequate intake of sodium and fluid restriction. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also contribute to hyponatremia by causing the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), which leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. However, it is not as life-threatening as hypokalemia.
B. Anorexia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), due to inadequate intake of sodium and fluid restriction. However, it is not as life-threatening as hypokalemia.
D. Anorexia nervosa typically does not lead to hyperkalemia (high serum potassium level), as potassium is usually lost through purging behaviors or inadequate intake. Antidepressants also do not commonly cause hyperkalemia as a side effect.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
C. Hypochondriasis can strain interpersonal relationships due to excessive preoccupation with health concerns, frequent doctor visits, and seeking reassurance from others.
D. Hypochondriasis often follows a chronic course with periods of intense anxiety about health alternating with periods of relative calm. Despite reassurances and negative medical tests, individuals with hypochondriasis may continue to worry about their health
A. Hypochondriasis typically develops in adulthood rather than childhood. It involves persistent anxiety about health and the interpretation of normal bodily sensations as signs of serious illness. Childhood is less commonly associated with the onset of hypochondriasis.
B. While stress can exacerbate symptoms of hypochondriasis, it is not typically diagnosed immediately following a specific stressor. The disorder often develops gradually over time due to a combination of factors, including anxiety, personality traits, and past experiences with illness.
E. There is no consistent evidence suggesting that exposure to serious illness in childhood predisposes individuals to hypochondriasis. The disorder is more associated with individual psychological factors, cognitive biases, and anxiety sensitivity rather than childhood illness exposure.
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