A patient who has just returned to the United States from a trip to a region in which malaria is endemic is admitted to the hospital
The patient is diagnosed with malaria, high doses of mefloquine (Lariam) are prescribed for chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. After 3 days, the nurse assigned to the patient is preparing to administer a dose of the medication when the patient begins to complain of dizziness (vertigo) and confusion and displays symptoms of psychosis. The nurse recognizes these symptoms as ______________ and should _________.
a. findings consistent with malaria; administer the medication
b. toxicity; hold the medication and have a blood sample drawn for measurement of the drug level
c. an adverse effect; discontinue the medication
d. a side effect of the medication; monitor the patient closely
ANS: C
The nurse should recognize these symptoms as an adverse effect and the medication should be discontinued. These symptoms may occur with high doses of mefloquine.
The findings most commonly seen in patients with malaria are gastrointestinal disturbances, nightmares, altered vision, and headache.
There is no evidence of toxicity; an adverse effect has occurred.
The signs and symptoms are not consistent with a side effect of the medication. The intervention required is drug removal.
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