When assessing a female client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for the past year, the nurse observes that the client demonstrates involuntary foot tapping while both feet are flat on the floor. The nurse plans to report the observation to the healthcare provider. Which additional action should the nurse take?

Document the finding on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale.

Assist the client in recognizing her manifestations of anxiety.

Prepare to initiate seizure precautions for the client's safety.

Advise the client that she has developed tolerance to the medication

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale: Documenting the finding on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is appropriate. The AIMS is a standardized tool used to assess and document abnormal movements associated with antipsychotic medications, such as tardive dyskinesia.

Choice B rationale: Assisting the client in recognizing her manifestations of anxiety is unrelated to the observed foot tapping and does not address the potential side effects of antipsychotic medication.

Choice C rationale: Preparing to initiate seizure precautions for the client's safety is not indicated based on the observed foot tapping. Seizure precautions are not typically associated with antipsychotic medication side effects.

Choice D rationale: Advising the client that she has developed tolerance to the medication is speculative and not supported by the information provided. The observed foot tapping may be indicative of extrapyramidal side effects rather than tolerance.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Involving her in group therapy may be premature, as the client has just started to exhibit changes in behavior. Continuous observation is necessary to assess the nature and sustainability of these changes.

Choice B rationale: Praising her for the new behavior is positive, but continuous observation is essential to monitor for any signs of escalating or problematic behavior.

Choice C rationale: Observing her actions continuously is the most appropriate action at this point. The nurse needs to monitor the client closely to assess the nature of the changes, ensuring they are not indicative of increased agitation or potential harm.

Choice D rationale: Offering her a choice of activities may be appropriate once the nurse has a better understanding of the clien's current state. However, continuous observation is the priority.

A. Ask the client about his recent substance use. B. Perform a mental status exam. C. Assess the client from head-to-toe. D. Determine the number of previous hospitalizations.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Asking the client about recent substance use is essential in assessing potential intoxication or withdrawal, which could contribute to the client's confused state. However, performing a mental status exam is the most important action to take.

Choice B rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take is to perform a mental status exam. This will help the nurse to assess the client's level of consciousness, orientation, memory, attention, mood, affect, thought process, and judgment. The mental status exam will also help the nurse to identify any signs of psychosis, delirium, dementia, or other mental disorders that may explain the client's behavior. Choice C rationale: Assessing the client from head-to-toe is a general nursing action but does not address the immediate need related to potential substance use. Choice D rationale: Determining the number of previous hospitalizations is relevant but does not address the current concern of substance use contributing to confusion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After several days of being despondent and nonverbal, a female client with depression begins to talk and exhibit energy. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety and reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

A client with chronic alcoholism receives a prescription for disulfiram. Which client statement indicates that this medication teaching has been effective?

The nurse is preparing a client for discharge after treatment for cocaine abuse. The client is taking home a prescription for a new medication to control cocaine cravings. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A college student is admitted to the mental health unit following a drug overdose. The student tells the nurse about the overdose following the end of a romantic relationship. Which is the primary goal for hospitalization that should be included in this client's plan of care?

The nurse is reviewing an intake mental health assessment with a client who is seeking services for depression. The client reports feeling dizzy, excessively tired, experiencing headaches, and back pain. Which symptom should the nurse suspect is related to the client's feelings of depression?

The healthcare provider prescribes lithium carbonate for a client diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression. It is most important for the nurse to review which laboratory finding prior to beginning the drug therapy?