A university student who is agitated and restless and has tremors is brought to the emergency department. The patient's heart rate is 110 beats/min, the respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute, and the blood pressure is 160/95 mm Hg. The patient reports using concentrated energy drinks to stay awake during the final week. What complication will the nurse monitor for in this patient?
A) CNS depression
B) Cardiac arrest
C) Respiratory failure
D) Seizures

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In large doses, caffeine produces nervousness and tremors; in very large doses, it can cause seizures. This patient has been drinking concentrated energy drinks which are high in caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and produces CNS excitation, not depression. Although cardiac side effects are common with caffeine, cardiac arrest is not. Respiratory failure is not an effect of caffeine toxicity.

A University Student Who Is Agitated and Restless and Has