A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is receiving clozapine. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor to determine if the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
Decreased auditory hallucinations
Control of seizure activity
Weight gain
Decreased WBC count
The Correct Answer is A
A. Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia.
Reduction in auditory hallucinations is a positive therapeutic outcome indicating the medication's efficacy in managing psychotic symptoms.
B. While clozapine may have antiepileptic properties, it's primarily used for its antipsychotic effects rather than controlling seizures.
C. Weight gain is a common side effect of clozapine rather than an indicator of therapeutic effect.
D. Clozapine is associated with the potential for agranulocytosis, a severe adverse effect characterized by a decreased white blood cell count, but this is not a measure of therapeutic effect.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Regular dental check-ups are important for clients taking phenytoin, as it can cause gum hyperplasia.
B. Phenytoin can interact with many medications, so it's essential for the client to inform their healthcare provider before starting any new medications.
C. Phenytoin is typically used as a long-term treatment for seizure disorders. Stopping the medication suddenly can increase the risk of seizures and should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
D. Phenytoin absorption can be affected by food, so taking it with meals can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. However, it's important for the client to maintain consistent dosing and timing with or without meals.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Akathisia refers to a subjective feeling of restlessness and an objective inability to sit still.
It's characterized by a need to move constantly and is not typically associated with choreiform movements, lip smacking, or spastic facial distortions.
B. Dystonia involves sustained or intermittent muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures or twisting movements. It typically presents with muscle spasms, not choreiform movements or lip smacking.
C. Pseudoparkinsonism refers to a collection of symptoms that resemble Parkinson's disease, such as tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. It does not typically involve choreiform movements or lip smacking.
D. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and body, including choreiform movements (rapid, jerky movements), lip smacking, and spastic facial distortions. It often develops after long-term use of antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine and can persist even after discontinuation of the medication.
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