A client with schizophrenia who has a history of paranoid delusions asks the nurse, "Are you giving me something to poison me?" The nurse knows the client is receiving an antipsychotic medication. Applying the ethical principle of veracity, which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
"You’re imagining that. No one is trying to hurt you."
"This is your prescribed antipsychotic medication."
"I can’t discuss what the medication is because it might upset you."
"Don’t worry. This medication is just to help you sleep."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Dismissing the client’s concern as imagination invalidates their feelings and does not uphold honesty, which may worsen paranoia.
Choice B reason: Veracity means truthfulness. Clearly identifying the medication as prescribed treatment provides honest information while supporting trust.
Choice C reason: Withholding information violates both client rights and the ethical principle of veracity. Clients have the right to know what medications they receive.
Choice D reason: Misrepresenting the purpose of the drug undermines trust and is dishonest, which goes against ethical standards.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The most critical teaching with MAOIs is to avoid foods containing tyramine. Eating these foods can trigger a hypertensive crisis, a potentially fatal complication.
Choice B reason: Cold medications with pseudoephedrine may also increase blood pressure and should be avoided, but dietary restrictions are more essential because food exposure is more common and life-threatening if overlooked.
Choice C reason: Taking the medication with food may reduce mild gastrointestinal side effects, but this is not the priority safety teaching.
Choice D reason: Avoiding hazardous activities until medication effects are known is general advice for many psychotropic drugs, but it is not specific or lifesaving for MAOI therapy.
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