A nurse is preparing to administer an antipsychotic medication to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The prescribed dose is 10 mg, and the medication is available in 5 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

Choice A reason:Physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can support mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. However, it does not replace the need for antipsychotic medication, which is specifically designed to manage symptoms of serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder by targeting neurotransmitter imbalances.

Choice B reason:Antipsychotics do not cure mental illnesses. They are effective in managing symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, by stabilizing brain chemistry, but they do not address the underlying cause of the condition or eliminate it entirely. Most mental illnesses require long-term management, not a cure.

Choice C reason:Taking antipsychotics at bedtime may help reduce certain side effects, like drowsiness, for some patients. However, it does not universally prevent all side effects, as these medications can cause a range of issues, including weight gain, movement disorders, or metabolic changes, regardless of the time of administration.

Choice D reason:Adherence to antipsychotic medication is critical because skipping doses can disrupt the therapeutic levels of the drug in the body, leading to a relapse of symptoms such as psychosis, mania, or severe mood disturbances. Consistent use helps maintain stability and prevent worsening of the condition, making this the most important point to convey.

Choice A reason:The total daily dose of quetiapine is 800 mg, divided into two doses, meaning each dose is 400 mg (800 mg ÷ 2). With 200 mg tablets, each dose requires 400 mg ÷ 200 mg = 2 tablets. This is the correct calculation for the number of tablets per dose.

Choice B reason:Four tablets per dose would result in 800 mg per dose (4 × 200 mg), totaling 1600 mg daily, which doubles the prescribed daily dose of 800 mg. This is incorrect and could lead to an overdose.

Choice C reason:Five tablets per dose would result in 1000 mg per dose (5 × 200 mg), totaling 2000 mg daily, far exceeding the prescribed 800 mg daily dose. This is incorrect and unsafe.

Choice D reason:Three tablets per dose would result in 600 mg per dose (3 × 200 mg), totaling 1200 mg daily, which exceeds the prescribed 800 mg daily dose. This is incorrect and not aligned with the prescription.