A mental health nurse is caring for a client with Antisocial Personality Disorder who attacked one of her friends and is admitted to the psychiatric unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale: Expression of guilt feelings is a positive outcome in the treatment of conduct disorder. Guilt is an emotional response to one’s actions that are perceived as wrong or inappropriate. It is a self-conscious emotion that often involves a

sense of tension and regret. In the context of conduct disorder, the expression of guilt feelings can be seen as a sign of developing empathy and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. This is a crucial step in the process of behavior change and rehabilitation. The client showing signs of remorse during one-on-one counseling is a positive sign indicating that the treatment is having an effect.

Choice B rationale: A statement regarding unit rules is another positive outcome in the treatment of conduct disorder. Understanding and acknowledging the rules of the unit indicates that the client is beginning to accept the boundaries and norms set by the authority. This is a significant step towards improving their behavior, as individuals with conduct disorder often have difficulties following rules and respecting authority. The verbal altercation with another client could be seen as a negative event, but it also could indicate that the client is engaging with others, which could be a step towards improvement, depending on the context of the altercation.

Choice C rationale: A renewed relationship with an uncle does not necessarily indicate a positive outcome from the treatment of conduct disorder. While family support can be beneficial in the treatment process, it does not directly indicate that the client’s conduct disorder is improving. More information would be needed to determine if this is a positive outcome related to the treatment.

Choice D rationale: A positive attitude toward school is a positive outcome in the treatment of conduct disorder. School is a structured environment where rules and expectations are clearly laid out, and a positive attitude towards school can indicate that the client is beginning to accept these structures. This can be a sign of improvement in their behavior and attitude.

Choice A rationale:

Antipsychotic medications are a class of drugs commonly used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. However, dopamine is also involved in motor control, and blocking its receptors can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).

EPS are a group of movement disorders that can be caused by antipsychotic medications. They include: Akathisia: A feeling of restlessness and an inability to sit still.

Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that can cause twisting or spasms.

Parkinsonism: Symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts.

The risk of developing EPS is higher with older antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine. Newer antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and olanzapine, are less likely to cause EPS, but they can still occur.

Clients who are taking antipsychotic medications should be monitored for EPS. If EPS develop, the medication may need to be changed or the dose reduced.

Choice B rationale:

Enzymes are not known to cause EPS. They are used to treat pancreatitis by helping the body to digest food.

Choice C rationale:

Insulin is not known to cause EPS. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by helping the body to control blood sugar levels.

Choice D rationale:

Iron supplements are not known to cause EPS. They are often taken by pregnant women to prevent iron deficiency anemia.