Page 2364 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

9. Coma and death may result from respiratory and
cardiovascular collapse.
D. Withdrawal
1. Severe withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours
after the medication is discontinued in an individual
with severe medication dependence.
2. Gradual withdrawal is used to detoxify a dependent
client.
3. Anxiety
4. Behavioral changes
5. Insomnia
6. Nightmares
7. Daytime agitation
8. Tremors
9. Delirium
10. Seizures

E. Interventions

1. Administer lower doses as prescribed for the older
client.
2. Medications should be used with caution in the client
who has suicidal tendencies or has a history of drug
addiction.
3. Maintain safety by supervising ambulation and using
side rails at night as appropriate.
4. Instruct the client to take the medication as directed.
5. Instruct the client to avoid driving or operating
hazardous equipment if drowsiness, dizziness, or
unsteadiness occurs.
6. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol, because this allows
more medication to enter the brain, causing feelings
of depression and drowsiness, dizziness, slow and
difficult breathing, confusion, and coma.
7. For clients with insomnia, instruct the client to take the
medication 30 minutes before bedtime; avoid taking
with a large amount of food to help absorption.
8. Instruct the client that a hangover effect may occur in
the morning.
9. Instruct the client not to discontinue the medication
abruptly.
10. Instruct clients taking chloral hydrate to take the
medication with food and a full glass of water, fruit
juice, or ginger ale to prevent gastric irritation.
VII. Antipsychotic Medications (Box 68-8)
A. Description
1. Improve the thought processes and behavior of the
client with psychotic symptoms, especially clients
with schizophrenia

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