Psychiatric Drugs and Medications Q 45

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A client arrives in the emergency room with a tricyclic antidepressant overdose. Which of the following measures should the nurse do, except?

  

     A. Maintain a patent airway

     B. Administration of sodium bicarbonate

     C. Gastric lavage with activated charcoal

     D. Obtain an electrocardiogram

     E. Administration of an antipyretic

    

Correct Answer: E. Administration of an antipyretic

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One of the signs and symptoms of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose is hypothermia, so an administration of an antipyretic will not help in the treatment.

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Option A: Maintain a patent airway by providing measures such as oxygen.

Option B: Sodium bicarbonate resolves metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular complications.

Option C: Gastric lavage with activated charcoal is done for GI decontamination.

Option D: An ECG is done to check for dysrhythmias.

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