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, B, C, D, E
Explanation
Rationale:
- Administering albuterol first is crucial because it is a bronchodilator that will help open the airways before administering the anti-inflammatory fluticasone.
- The client should rest for 1 minute between puffs of albuterol to allow for the medication to take effect.
- After taking the second puff of albuterol, a longer rest of 5 minutes allows the client to experience the full effects of the bronchodilator.
- Finally, administering fluticasone afterward will help reduce inflammation in the airways, maximizing the benefit of both medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Nitrofurantoin can cause brown-colored urine due to its pigment, and clients should be informed to report this as a common side effect and not a cause for alarm.
B. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections and does not provide relief for peripheral nerve pain.
C. Nitrofurantoin should not be crushed, as it can affect the medication's absorption and effectiveness.
D. A cough is not a typical side effect of nitrofurantoin; however, if the client develops a cough, it could be a sign of a serious side effect, and they should notify the provider.