A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for haloperidol 0.5 mg PO three times daily. The medication administration record shows that the client received 5 mg per dose on the previous day. Which of the following manifestations is the nurse's priority to assess?
Mostly cloudy
Constipation
Dry mouth
Daytime drowsiness
Muscle stiffness
The Correct Answer is E
Rationale:
A. Mostly cloudy: This is an unclear statement. It is not related to a physical manifestation that would result from haloperidol overdose.
B. Constipation: Although haloperidol can cause constipation as a side effect, it is not the most urgent concern. Other manifestations are more immediately life-threatening.
C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of antipsychotics, but it is not life-threatening and would not be the priority assessment in the case of a medication overdose.
D. Daytime drowsiness: Sedation is a known side effect of haloperidol, but it is not the priority in this scenario where an overdose occurred.
E. Muscle stiffness: Muscle stiffness may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), both of which are serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of haloperidol, especially in cases of overdose. Assessing for these symptoms is the priority.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and sedation but is not effective for treating malignant hyperthermia.
B. Dantrolene is the specific antidote for malignant hyperthermia, and the nurse should expect to administer it to help reduce the severe muscle contractions and hypermetabolism associated with this condition.
C. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used for muscle spasms but is not indicated for malignant hyperthermia.
D. Metaxalone is also a muscle relaxant, but like cyclobenzaprine, it is not effective for managing malignant hyperthermia and would not be used in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dyspepsia: While dyspepsia can be uncomfortable, it is not a critical finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider. It may be a common side effect of statins but typically does not warrant urgent intervention.
B. Elevated creatine kinase: An elevated creatine kinase level can indicate muscle damage, which is a serious side effect associated with rosuvastatin and other statins. This finding requires immediate reporting to prevent complications such as rhabdomyolysis.
C. Headache: A headache may occur with many medications and does not usually require immediate reporting unless it is severe or persistent.
D. Mostly cloudy: This option does not pertain to any specific clinical finding or symptom and is therefore not relevant to the question.
E. Decreased HDL cholesterol: While low HDL cholesterol can be a concern, it is not as urgent as elevated creatine kinase levels and typically does not require immediate action.