A health care provider considers which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who has auditory hallucinations and poor social function. The patient is also overweight and hypertensive. Which drug should the nurse advocate?
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
The Correct Answer is A
A. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic with a lower risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension compared with olanzapine or clozapine, making it suitable for a patient who is overweight and hypertensive. It effectively treats positive symptoms such as auditory hallucinations and may improve social functioning.
B. Olanzapine is effective for schizophrenia but is associated with significant weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and worsening hypertension, making it less appropriate for this patient.
C. Clozapine is reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia due to risks of agranulocytosis, myocarditis, and metabolic side effects; it is not first-line for this patient.
D. Ziprasidone has a lower risk of metabolic side effects than olanzapine or clozapine, but it carries a risk of QT prolongation, which may be concerning in hypertensive patients with potential cardiac risks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Neurological assessment is important, but not the priority since opioid overdose primarily causes life-threatening respiratory depression.
B. Respiratory assessment is the highest priority because opioids suppress the respiratory center, leading to hypoventilation, hypoxia, or apnea.
C. Hepatic assessment is not the immediate concern in acute overdose.
D. Cardiovascular assessment is necessary, but respiratory status takes precedence because airway and breathing are life-sustaining priorities.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Referral of a formerly suicidal patient to a support group is a form of tertiary prevention, aimed at preventing recurrence and promoting recovery after an event.
B. Psychiatric hospitalization of a suicidal patient is considered secondary prevention, targeting individuals at immediate risk to prevent harm.
C. Suicide precautions for 24 hours for newly admitted patients is secondary prevention, focused on intervening during a high-risk period.
D. Helping school children learn to manage stress and be resilient is primary prevention, aimed at preventing the onset of suicidal behaviors before any signs or risk factors appear.
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