a client is being treated with a tricyclic antidepressant tca which side effect should the nurse monitor for
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Nursing Elites

HESI RN

Mental Health HESI

1. A client is being treated with a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Constipation and urinary retention. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to have anticholinergic side effects, which include constipation and urinary retention. These side effects occur due to the inhibition of cholinergic receptors, leading to decreased gastrointestinal motility and relaxation of the detrusor muscle in the bladder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increased appetite, weight loss, sedation, blurred vision, insomnia, and dry mouth are not typically associated with the use of TCAs. Monitoring for constipation and urinary retention is essential to prevent complications and ensure the client's safety.

2. A client who refuses antipsychotic medications disrupts group activities, talks with nonsensical words, and wanders into other clients' rooms. The nurse decides that the client needs constant observation based on which of these assessment findings?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Disrupting group activities is a significant behavior that can pose risks to both the client and others. When combined with talking nonsensically and wandering into other clients' rooms, it indicates a need for constant observation to prevent harm or injury. Choices A, B, and C, although concerning, do not directly address the immediate safety concerns presented by disruptive behavior during group activities, which can lead to unpredictable situations and potential harm.

3. A female client on a psychiatric unit is sweating profusely while vigorously doing push-ups and then running the length of the corridor several times before crashing into furniture in the sitting room. Picking herself up, she begins to toss chairs aside, looking for a red one to sit in. When another client objects to the disturbance, the client shouts, “I am the boss here. I do what I want.” Which nursing problem best supports these observations?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client's behavior of engaging in disruptive and aggressive actions, as well as claiming authority over others in the setting, indicates a risk for other-directed violence. This behavior poses a potential threat to the safety of others in the environment. Choice A is incorrect as the client's behavior is not solely indicative of a lack of diversional activities but rather a more serious issue. Choice B is incorrect as the behavior described does not primarily reflect disturbances in personal identity but rather displays of power and aggression. Choice C is incorrect as the client's actions do not suggest an intolerance to activity but rather an excessive and potentially harmful level of hyperactivity.

4. A female client with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation. Understanding the client’s motivations for keeping detailed records can provide insight into her obsessive-compulsive behaviors and help manage them effectively. This approach allows for a non-confrontational exploration of the behavior. Choice A is incorrect because it may be perceived as confrontational and does not address the underlying reasons for the behavior. Choice C is incorrect because teaching strategies to control behavior should come after understanding the client's motives. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address the behavior of keeping detailed records, which is the immediate concern that needs to be addressed.

5. During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the healthcare professional be monitoring? Select all that apply.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During an admission assessment and interview, healthcare professionals should monitor auditory, visual, and non-verbal cues. Auditory communication involves listening to the patient's spoken words, tone of voice, and any other sounds they make. Visual communication includes observing the patient's facial expressions, body language, and gestures. Written communication, such as forms or notes, may also provide valuable information. Tactile communication pertains to touch, which is not typically utilized during an admission interview setting. While all channels of communication are important, in this context, auditory cues are particularly crucial for gathering verbal information during the assessment process, making choice A the correct answer. Visual cues and written information are also significant but may not be as critical as auditory cues during an interview. Tactile communication is generally not a primary channel used during a standard admission assessment and interview, hence it is not a key focus in this scenario.

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