A client with schizophrenia is prescribed olanzapine. During a follow-up visit, the client reports increased appetite and weight gain. Which nursing action is most appropriate to address this concern?
Explain that weight gain is an expected effect of the medication.
Instruct the client to stop taking the medication until they can be reevaluated.
Suggest the provider change to a first-generation antipsychotic.
Recommend switching to a low-calorie diet and increasing physical activity.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: While weight gain is a common side effect of olanzapine, simply stating this without providing management strategies does not support the client’s health.
Choice B reason: Stopping the medication abruptly without medical guidance risks relapse of psychotic symptoms and is unsafe.
Choice C reason: First-generation antipsychotics have their own significant risks, including extrapyramidal side effects, and are not automatically safer. Medication changes should only be considered if lifestyle modifications fail and under provider supervision.
Choice D reason: Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes like diet modification and exercise helps manage weight gain while maintaining medication adherence, making this the most appropriate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This reverses the definitions of sympathy and empathy. Empathy is not about feeling sorry but about understanding and reflecting feelings.
Choice B reason: Sympathy is pity or sorrow for someone else’s suffering, while empathy means perceiving and validating the client’s experience without judgment, which is essential for therapeutic communication.
Choice C reason: Sympathy does not create emotional distance; instead, it often involves pity that can actually reduce meaningful connection. Empathy provides closeness while maintaining professional boundaries.
Choice D reason: Sympathy and empathy are not interchangeable. They differ in depth and therapeutic effectiveness, making this statement incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Enhancing dopamine transmission is not the mechanism of antipsychotics; excessive dopamine is implicated in schizophrenia’s positive symptoms, so reducing—not enhancing—dopamine activity is key.
Choice B reason: Blocking both dopamine and serotonin receptors is characteristic of second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. This dual action reduces extrapyramidal side effects while still targeting positive and negative symptoms.
Choice C reason: First-generation antipsychotics primarily block dopamine D2 receptors, which increases the risk for extrapyramidal side effects such as dystonia and parkinsonism.
Choice D reason: Selective serotonin receptor blockade is not the defining mechanism of second-generation antipsychotics. These medications act on both dopamine and serotonin systems.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.