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. A heart rate of 105/min is slightly elevated, but it does not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic or has other concerning signs.
B. Infiltration of the peripheral IV requires immediate intervention, as it can lead to tissue damage and prevent the medication from being effectively delivered. The nurse should stop the infusion, assess the site, and take appropriate action.
C. Increased blood pressure is a common effect of dopamine administration and does not necessarily require urgent intervention unless it becomes critically high or is associated with other adverse symptoms.
D. Occasional PVCs can occur during dopamine infusion and can be monitored unless they become frequent or symptomatic; they typically do not require immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Applying a warming blanket is not appropriate, as it may exacerbate the client's reaction to the infusion and is not a standard pre-medication strategy.
B. Infusing amphotericin B deoxycholate over 1 hour is too rapid; it is typically infused over 2-6 hours to minimize adverse effects.
C. Administering diphenhydramine prior to the administration of amphotericin B can help prevent or alleviate infusion-related reactions such as fever and chills, which the client experienced during previous infusions.
D. Monitoring vital signs once per hour following administration is insufficient; vital signs should be monitored more frequently during and immediately after the infusion to promptly detect and address any adverse reactions.