The nurse is providing care for a patient who has symptoms of tardive dyskinesia from major tranquilizers. What treatment does the nurse anticipate?
a. Use of anticholinergic agents
b. Addition of rational emotive therapy to the treatment plan
c. Discontinuance of the tranquilizers
d. Use of muscle relaxant agents
ANS: A
Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine (Cogentin) or trihexyphenidyl (Artane) are used to combat the extrapyramidal side effects of the typical antipsychotics by helping return balance between dopamine, acetylcholine, and other neurotransmitters. Addition of rational emotive therapy or muscle relaxants will not affect the cause of the symptoms. Discontinuing the tranquilizers may help but may not be realistic if the patient needs them to control symptoms.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is concerned when a patient admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia suddenly develops a urinary tract infection (UTI). What type of infection is this UTI considered?
a. Viral infection b. Bacterial infection c. Health care-associated infection d. Spore infection
The nurse is developing the ability to "hear" when caring for a patient from a different culture. What is this nurse doing?
A. Understanding the patient and the patient's culture B. Listening to the patient talk in the native language C. Observing patient-family interactions D. Identifying cultural inconsistencies
A patient is being assessed for acute pancreatic dysfunction. Which preparation should the nurse ensure before serum laboratory samples are collected?
1. The patient should be maintained on bedrest for at least 4 hours prior to the samples being drawn. 2. Schedule the serum amylase level to be drawn first. 3. Have the patient drink a carbohydrate-bearing solution 30 minutes before the blood draw. 4. Ensure that a serum amylase P level is drawn.
Upon entering the client's room, the nurse discovers that the client is experiencing acute pain. Which of the following is an expected assessment finding for this client?
a. Bradycardia b. Bradypnea c. Diaphoresis d. Decreased muscle tension