A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse implement seizure precautions?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A client who is experiencing withdrawal from oxycodone. Opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable but not typically life-threatening. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and sweating, but it does not commonly cause seizures. Seizure precautions are not necessary. B. A client who is experiencing withdrawal from diazepam. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to life-threatening complications, including seizures, tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, and delirium tremens. Since diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, withdrawal symptoms may appear later but can still be severe, making seizure precautions essential. C. A client who has a low lithium level. A low lithium level is unlikely to cause seizures. Seizure risk is associated with lithium toxicity, not low lithium levels. Symptoms of lithium toxicity include tremors, confusion, and seizures, but a deficiency does not pose the same risk. D. A client who has a low imipramine level. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), and a low level would not increase seizure risk. Seizures are more commonly associated with TCA overdose, which can lead to cardiotoxicity and CNS toxicity, rather than low levels.