A nurse in a health care provider’s office is reviewing lab results and notes a phenytoin level was drawn.

Which level would the nurse consider as therapeutic documentation?

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia ¹. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain ¹. A therapeutic outcome for this medication would be a decrease in symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusional thinking and audiovisual hallucinations ¹.
Option A is not correct because orthostatic hypotension and sedation are side effects of risperidone, not therapeutic outcomes ¹.
Option C is not correct because restful sleep and increased coping abilities are not specific therapeutic outcomes for risperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Option D is not correct because decreased anxiety and improved dietary habits are not specific therapeutic outcomes for risperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia.

It is important for the nurse to understand why the client is refusing to take the medication. There may be underlying reasons such as side effects, fear, or misunderstanding about the medication. By investigating and addressing these concerns, the nurse can help the client make an informed decision about their treatment.
Option A may not address the underlying reasons for noncompliance and could be perceived as confrontational.
Option C may be appropriate after understanding the reasons for noncompliance and discussing them with the provider.
Option D may also be appropriate in some cases, but it is important to first understand the reasons for noncompliance before involving a social worker.