The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?

Reference ranges:

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L]
• Platelets: [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 or 150 to 400 x 10^9/L]

Client's pain rating on a scale of 1 to 10: This information helps assess the client's current pain level and determine the need for pain medication.

Time of the last administration of pain medication: This is important to avoid overdosing or administering pain medication too frequently. It helps ensure that pain medication is given at the appropriate time intervals.

Effectiveness of the last pain medication administered: Understanding whether the previous dose provided relief or not helps guide the choice of the next medication or dosage.

The other options are not directly related to the immediate decision of administering pain medication:

Height and weight of the client prior to admission may be part of the client's medical history but are not typically required information just before administering pain medication.

A history of pain medication use during the past year is important information but may be already documented in the client's medical records and not necessary to obtain immediately before administration.

A) Correct - Acute dystonic reactions are involuntary muscle spasms caused by certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. These reactions can sometimes affect the muscles of the face and neck, including the larynx. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat acute dystonic reactions. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters that contribute to muscle spasms, helping to relieve the symptoms.

B) Incorrect - Divalproex is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is not the appropriate treatment for acute dystonic reactions. These reactions are usually caused by certain antipsychotic medications and are characterized by sudden and involuntary muscle contractions. Divalproex does not have the specific mechanism of action needed to alleviate the symptoms of acute dystonic reactions.
C) Incorrect - Isotonic crystalloid fluids are used for various purposes, such as fluid resuscitation, maintaining hydration, and balancing electrolytes. However, they are not a treatment for acute dystonic reactions. These reactions are neurological and musculoskeletal in nature and require medications with specific anticholinergic properties, like benztropine, to address the underlying issue.
D) Incorrect - Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety, sedation, and seizure control. While it can have a relaxing effect on muscles, it is not the first-line treatment for acute dystonic reactions. Anticholinergic medications like benztropine are more appropriate because they directly counteract the neurotransmitter imbalances that lead to muscle spasms in these reactions.