Author Question: During a psychiatric emergency, a patient is given a traditional antipsychotic drug intramuscularly ... (Read 135 times)

mwit1967 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

During a psychiatric emergency, a patient is given a traditional antipsychotic drug intramuscularly and placed in seclusion. Over the next 2 hours, which aspect of physical assessment is most important?

a. All vital signs
b. Urinary output
c. AIMS scale
d. Temperature

Question 2

A leader begins the discussion at the first meeting of a new group. Which comment should be included?

a. It is important for everyone to arrive on time for our group.
b. Talking to family members about our group will help us achieve our goals.
c. Everyone is expected to share a personal experience at each group meeting.
d. Groups provide more cost-effective treatment in this time of budget constraints.

tdewitt · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
A traditional antipsychotic medication administered intramuscularly might produce the marked antiadrenergic side effect of hypotension, thus making blood pressure an important assessment. It may also precipitate cardiac arrhythmias, so monitoring pulse and respirations is important. Decreased urinary output is related to anticholinergic side effects and would not be a priority assessment during the first 2 hours. The AIMS scale assesses for tardive dyskinesia, a late complication of antipsychotic therapy. Temperature assessment is relevant if assessing for neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a complication that develops after several doses of antipsychotic medication.

Answer to Question 2

A
The leader must set ground rules for the group before members can effectively participate. Arriving on time is important to the group process. Talking to family members would jeopardize confidentiality. Although groups are cost-effective, blaming the budget would not help members feel valued. Setting an expectation to share may be intimidating for a withdrawn patient.