Which nursing action is best when Cogentin has not been prescribed at admission?

Which nursing action is best when Cogentin has not been prescribed at admission?

• A. Obtain a prescription to begin Cogentin
• B. Monitor Sam for medication side effects
• C. Ask Sam if he had any side effects from the Prolixin
• D. Do not give the Prolixin and document the reason

Answer: (A)

Anticipating and preventing extrapyramidal symptoms from a high-EPS antipsychotic is the key idea. Cogentin is an anticholinergic used to prevent or treat EPS such as dystonia, rigidity, and akathisia that can occur with medications like Prolixin (fluphenazine). If Cogentin hasn’t been prescribed at admission, the best nursing action is to advocate for and obtain an order to begin Cogentin so the patient’s risk of EPS is addressed proactively. This helps maintain comfort and safety and sets up a plan to monitor the patient’s response to both the antipsychotic and the anticholinergic. Monitoring for side effects remains important, and obtaining a history of reactions to Prolixin is useful, but it doesn’t prevent EPS on its own. Not giving Prolixin without a reason or documenting a denial isn’t appropriate when there isn’t a contraindication.

Anticipating and preventing extrapyramidal symptoms from a high-EPS antipsychotic is the key idea. Cogentin is an anticholinergic used to prevent or treat EPS such as dystonia, rigidity, and akathisia that can occur with medications like Prolixin (fluphenazine). If Cogentin hasn’t been prescribed at admission, the best nursing action is to advocate for and obtain an order to begin Cogentin so the patient’s risk of EPS is addressed proactively. This helps maintain comfort and safety and sets up a plan to monitor the patient’s response to both the antipsychotic and the anticholinergic.

Monitoring for side effects remains important, and obtaining a history of reactions to Prolixin is useful, but it doesn’t prevent EPS on its own. Not giving Prolixin without a reason or documenting a denial isn’t appropriate when there isn’t a contraindication.