Learning Activities Answer Key
Chapter 8 Answer Key
Chapter 8 Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making Activities
You can review additional information regarding these answers in the corresponding section in which the Critical Thinking activities appear.
Activity Section 8.5
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, which is a CNS depressant. The riskiest side effects associated with the use of lorazepam are respiratory depression and oversedation. Other central nervous system depressants, such as scopolamine and alcohol, can cause additive effects and should be avoided when taking lorazepam. Sedation, drowsiness, respiratory depression, hypotension, and unsteadiness may occur when taking lorazepam, so these side effects should be considered when participating in activities on the cruise.
Activity Section 8.6
Client and parent education about methylphenidate should include taking the medication in the morning and not after 4 p.m. It is important to monitor the child’s growth and weight and to provide food and snacks that the child likes if weight loss is a concern. Methylphenidate has a Black Box Warning due to its high abuse potential, and signs of misuse should be reported to the provider. The risks of drinking alcohol while taking this medication should also be discussed.
Activity Section 8.7
1. A client taking an SSRI medication like fluoxetine is at risk for developing serotonin syndrome if they have liver dysfunction or are taking other CNS medications. SSRIs are contraindicated with MAOIs due to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, elevated temperature, and rapidly changing levels of blood pressure.
2. The nurse should advise the client of the potential for suicidal thoughts with this medication and advise her to notify her provider if she has any thoughts of self-harm.
3. Common side effects of SSRIs that the nurse should discuss with the client include sedation, low blood pressure that can cause dizziness, suicidal thoughts, heart palpitations, sexual dysfunction, and anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth. Clients should be advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking an SSRI.
4. The nurse should advise the client that it may take up to 12 weeks to reach therapeutic levels of this medication where they feel better.
Activity Section 8.8
1. The nurse should explain that symptoms of manic episodes include rapid speech, hyperactivity, reduced need for sleep, poor judgment, hostility, aggression, decreased impulse control, and risky behaviors. For more information about mania and bipolar disorder, review the “Disorders of the CNS System” section.
2. Symptoms of lithium toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, and a lack of coordination. At higher lithium levels, giddiness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, and a large output of dilute urine may be seen. Lithium toxicity is prevented by regularly monitoring serum lithium levels to maintain a therapeutic range betwe