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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Increase fluids while taking the medication: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Increasing fluid intake helps to mitigate these effects and prevent dehydration and constipation.
B. Expect an elevation in blood pressure with initial doses of the medication: Amitriptyline can cause orthostatic hypotension rather than elevated blood pressure. Clients should be informed about the risk of dizziness or fainting.
C. Stop the medication immediately if urine becomes orange in color: Orange urine is not a common side effect of amitriptyline. Clients should not stop the medication without consulting their provider.
D. Take the medication in the morning: Amitriptyline has sedative effects and is typically taken at night to help manage sleep disturbances and reduce daytime drowsiness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Albuterol: This is a bronchodilator that can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and chest pain due to its stimulant effect on the cardiovascular system.
B. Furosemide: This diuretic is unlikely to cause chest pain directly; however, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances that can indirectly affect cardiac function.
C. Digoxin: While digoxin has several potential side effects, chest pain is not commonly recognized as a direct adverse effect of this medication.
D. Atenolol: This medication is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and is unlikely to cause chest pain; rather, it may help alleviate angina symptoms.