Question

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a prescription for chlorpromazine. Which finding should the nurse teach the client to report immediately?

A
Insomnia
B
Fever Correct Answer (Blank)
C
Breast enlargement
D
Alopecia

Answer 1

Clients prescribed chlorpromazine should immediately report a fever as it may signify neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially serious condition associated with neuroleptic drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a prescription for chlorpromazine. The client should be instructed to report fever immediately. Chlorpromazine is a neuroleptic drug used primarily in the management of psychiatric illnesses, and it can have numerous side effects. Fever may indicate the development of a potentially serious side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

Other side effects of chlorpromazine include antiemetic, antinausea, and antihistaminic effects. Patient B's symptoms such as weight loss, profuse sweating, and difficulty sleeping could be related to an antipsychotic medication side effect; however, fever is the finding the client should report immediately due to its potential severity. Side effects of neuroleptic medications like chlorpromazine can also affect regions of the nervous system that control fine movements, which might be what an elderly woman was experiencing in the case study.