Exam 14: Antipsychotic Drugs

After an unsuccessful trial with fluphenazine, a patient's medication was changed to trifluoperazine. Three months later the patient is still hallucinating and delusional. What is the most likely explanation for the persistent symptoms?

Patient teaching for individuals taking risperidone should include what interventions? (Select all that apply.)

A patient who takes haloperidol 10 mg/day orally developed restlessness, agitation, and an inability to sit still. The nurse then administered a PRN dose of haloperidol 5 mg intramuscularly. One hour later the patient's symptoms were worse. What is the most likely explanation for the increase in symptoms?

A patient has taken a traditional antipsychotic medication for several years is now demonstrating involuntary tongue movements and lip smacking. What should be the nurse's initial action?

A patient receiving a traditional low-potency antipsychotic medication should assess closely for what possible peripheral nervous system related side effect?

When a patient is taking a traditional antipsychotic medication, the nurse should assess carefully for which common extrapyramidal (EPSE) side effect?

A patient is being switched to clozapine from therapy using a traditional antipsychotic. The patient asks, "What's the advantage of the new drug?" What is the nurse's best response?

When comparing major differences between traditional and atypical antipsychotic drugs, which statements are correct? (Select all that apply.)

During a psychiatric emergency, a patient is given a traditional antipsychotic drug intramuscularly and placed in seclusion. Over the next 2 hours, concerns for safety and physiologic stability require that the patient be carefully monitored for what antiadrenergic effect? (Select all that apply.)

An adult diagnosed with schizophrenia was started on clozapine 4 days ago. At 2100 today, the patient's vital signs are temperature 101°F; pulse 143 beats/min; respirations 20 breaths/min; blood pressure 100/60 mm Hg. What is the nurse's best action regarding the 2100 dose of clozapine?

A patient who takes a traditional antipsychotic medication says, "I feel shaky and very warm" and is observed to be diaphoretic. The nurse should further assess for what complication?

Which drug would a nurse expect to produce a favorable response for both positive and negative symptoms?

During a psychiatric emergency, a patient is given a traditional antipsychotic drug intramuscularly and placed in seclusion. Over the next 2 hours, which aspect of physical assessment is most important?

Considering potency, what should the nurse closely monitor a patient receiving a traditional high-potency antipsychotic medication for:

An antipsychotic medication is prescribed for a 72-year-old patient with a psychiatric disorder. It is most critical for the nurse to obtain information about which preexisting condition by asking what assessment question?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and well managed with medication therapy tells the clinic nurse, "I stopped taking my antipsychotic medication 2 days ago." What assessment finding would the nurse expect at this visit?

A nurse reviews laboratory reports for a patient who has taken clozapine for 1 year. Which WBC and granulocyte values would prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider of the need to suspend treatment?

Which third-generation antipsychotic medication acts by stabilizing the dopamine system?

A patient who takes a traditional antipsychotic medication says, "I feel shaky and very warm." The patient is diaphoretic. What is the nurse's best first action when suspecting that a patient is experiencing neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Which patient diagnosed with schizophrenia and receiving antipsychotic medication should receive the nurse's priority attention based on presenting characteristics?