Question

A patient has been on the unit for three days; she has been adherent to medications and has been attending groups. The nurse observes the patient has large pupils, appears to be responding to internal stimuli, and is restless and confused. Which of the following does the nurse suspect?

1 The patient is having a hypertensive crisis
2 The patient has taken illicit substances brought in from a visitor
3 The patient is having a difficult time adjusting to the unit.
4 The patient is experiencing serotonin syndrome.

Answer 1

The nurse suspects the patient is experiencing serotonin syndrome due to the presence of symptoms such as large pupils, hallucinations, restlessness, and confusion. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse suspects that the patient is experiencing serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the brain. It can occur when certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are taken in combination with other medications that increase serotonin levels. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include large pupils, hallucinations, restlessness, confusion, and an altered mental state.