Author Question: A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic drug for several days. The nurse ... (Read 31 times)

james9437 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic drug for several days. The nurse enters the patient's room to administer a dose of haloperidol (Haldol) and finds the patient having facial spasms.

The patient's head is thrust back, and the patient is unable to speak. What will the nurse do?
a. Administer the haloperidol as ordered.
b. Discuss increasing the haloperidol dose with the provider.
c. Request an order to give diphenhydramine.
d. Request an order to give levodopa.

Question 2

A prescriber orders sumatriptan (Imitrex) for a patient for a migraine headache. Before administration of this drug, it would be important for the nurse to assess whether the patient:

a. has a family history of migraines.
b. has taken acetaminophen in the past 3 hours.
c. has taken ergotamine in the past 24 hours.
d. is allergic to sulfa compounds.

Kedrick2014 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
An early reaction to antipsychotic drugs is acute dystonia. Initial treatment consists of an anticholinergic medication, such as diphenhydramine. Administering more antipsychotic medication would increase the symptoms and could be life threatening. Levodopa is not given for extrapyramidal symptoms, because it could counteract the beneficial effects of antipsychotic treatment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Sumatriptan, other triptans, and ergot alkaloids all cause vasoconstriction and should not be combined, or excessive and prolonged vasospasm could result. Sumatriptan should not be used within 24 hours of an ergot derivative and another triptan. A family history is important, but it is not vital assessment data as it relates to this scenario. Acetaminophen has no drug-to-drug interaction with sumatriptan. Sulfa is not a component of sumatriptan and therefore is not relevant.