A community health nurse is providing teaching to the family of a client who has dementia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse tell the family to expect?

A. "This medication may increase your blood pressure."

This statement is incorrect. Risperidone is not typically associated with significant increases in blood pressure. One of the potential side effects of risperidone is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g., standing up quickly). Therefore, this choice is not the best instruction to include in the teaching.

B. "Flu-like symptoms are an expected adverse effect of this medication."

This statement is incorrect. While risperidone can have side effects, flu-like symptoms are not commonly associated with it. Common side effects of risperidone may include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and movement disorders. Flu-like symptoms are not a typical adverse effect of this medication.

C. "Avoid becoming overheated while taking this medication."

This statement is correct. Risperidone, like many other antipsychotic medications, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to an increased risk of overheating, especially in hot weather or during vigorous physical activity. Therefore, it's important for patients taking risperidone to be cautious and avoid becoming overheated, as this could potentially lead to heat-related complications.

D. "Muscle twitches can occur the first few weeks while taking this medication."

This statement is incorrect. Muscle twitches are not a common side effect of risperidone. While it's true that some movement disorders can occur with antipsychotic medications, the statement is too specific to muscle twitches and does not accurately reflect the typical side effect profile of risperidone.

Encouraging client feedback about their satisfaction with the facility experience is related to communication and patient-centered care, but it's not directly addressing the client's autonomy in making decisions about their own care or treatment.

B) Explaining unit rules and policies regarding unacceptable behaviors:

Explaining unit rules and policies is important for maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, but it's more about providing information and setting expectations rather than addressing the client's autonomy.

C) Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications.

Explanation:

Autonomy is the ethical principle that emphasizes an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. In the context of healthcare, respecting autonomy means that healthcare professionals should honor a patient's decisions as long as they are informed and capable of making those decisions. By supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications, the nurse is respecting the client's autonomy and allowing them to have control over their own treatment decisions.

D) Making sure the client understands expectations for client participation:

Ensuring that the client understands expectations for participation is important for collaboration in their care, but it's not directly related to the client's autonomous decision-making about their treatment.