A nurse in the emergency department is planning care for a client who is admitted for an overdose of phencyclidine (PCP). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A reason: PCP overdose is more likely to cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) due to agitation and increased muscle activity, rather than hypothermia. Administering warmed IV fluids would not be appropriate, as the client’s body temperature needs to be monitored and potentially cooled, not warmed. Choice B reason: Ammonium chloride is sometimes used to acidify urine in cases of certain drug overdoses to enhance excretion, but it is not a standard treatment for PCP overdose. PCP is primarily managed with supportive care, focusing on reducing agitation and protecting the patient from harm. Choice C reason: Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors. PCP, a dissociative drug, does not act on opioid receptors, so naloxone is ineffective in reversing its toxicity. This makes it an inappropriate choice for PCP overdose management. Choice D reason: Patients with PCP overdose often exhibit agitation, aggression, or psychosis. Verbally attempting to calm the client is a priority to de-escalate the situation, reduce the risk of harm to the patient or others, and create a safer environment for further medical interventions, such as administering sedatives if needed.