Staff have made several verbal attempts to de-escalate a client, ...

[imowrer]

Staff have made several verbal attempts to de-escalate a client, however, the client's level of agitation continues to increase and it becomes necessary to administer a fast-acting pharmacological intervention.
 
  Which medication would the nurse most likely provide? 1. Haloperidol (Haldol)
  2. Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  3. Lithium carbonate (Lithobid)
  4. Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Question 2

A 15-year-old client who has been diagnosed with conduct disorder has been prescribed medication to control aggressive behavior. For which medication is the nurse likely to be providing client education?
 
  1. Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  2. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
  3. Lithium carbonate (Lithobid)
  4. Buspirone (BuSpar)

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

1
Rationale: Haloperidol is a high-potency, short-acting antipsychotic that is useful in calming agitation. Lithium is a mood stabilizer and amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant; these drugs would be used for long-term management of mood symptoms. Methylphenidate, a psychostimulant, is relatively fast-acting but would not calm agitated behavior.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: Aggression in children and adolescents is most effectively treated with mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytics, psychostimulants, and cyclic antidepressants are not indicated for treatment of aggression in children.

[imowrer]

Excellent

[momolu]

TYSM