A patient taking sertraline and a newly prescribed serotonergic medicine develops agitation, sweating, diarrhoea, tremor, and brisk reflexes. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct answer: B. Withhold serotonergic medicines and notify the prescriber
- A. Give the next antidepressant dose
- B. Withhold serotonergic medicines and notify the prescriber
- C. Encourage the patient to walk to reduce restlessness
- D. Place the patient in a brightly lit activity room
Explanation
The combination of mental status change, autonomic overactivity, tremor, and hyperreflexia suggests serotonin syndrome. Serotonergic medicines should be withheld, and urgent medical treatment is required because the condition can progress rapidly.
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About Psychiatric Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies include suicidal behavior, homicide risk, severe agitation, panic, acute psychosis, delirium, overdose, and withdrawal states. Students examine rapid risk assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, environmental safety, emergency medication, observation levels, and the immediate priorities that differ from routine psychiatric nursing care.
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