Thiamine deficiency · confabulation · irreversible
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A client in acute alcohol withdrawal is prescribed which medication class to prevent seizures and DTs?
Answer: B. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide) are first-line for alcohol withdrawal, dosed via a CIWA protocol; thiamine prevents Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Question 2 of 5
A client is being discharged with a new antipsychotic. The nurse teaches the family to report which serious effect immediately?
Answer: B. Report high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered mental status (possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome) immediately — it is life-threatening. Mild dry mouth is a common, less urgent effect.
Question 3 of 5
A client in alcohol withdrawal is at highest risk for which life-threatening complication?
Answer: B. Delirium tremens (DTs) — with autonomic instability and seizures — can be fatal. Monitor with a CIWA scale and give benzodiazepines; thiamine prevents Wernicke's.
Question 4 of 5
A client takes an antipsychotic and develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. The nurse recognizes:
Answer: B. Fever, severe rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered consciousness suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) — a medical emergency. Stop the drug and get emergency care.
Question 5 of 5
A client taking an SSRI also starts a second serotonergic drug and develops agitation, tremor, sweating, and hyperthermia. The nurse suspects:
Answer: B. These features indicate serotonin syndrome — too much serotonergic activity. Stop the offending agents and provide supportive care; it can be life-threatening.
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References
Clinical references for this topic
