A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a newly admitted client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing psychosis. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
Liraglutide 0.6 mg subcutaneously daily
Selegiline 6 mg transdermal patch daily
Aripiprazole 400 mg IM every 4 weeks
Lithium 600 mg PO three times per day
The Correct Answer is C
A. Liraglutide 0.6 mg subcutaneously daily:
Liraglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite. It has no direct relevance to the treatment of schizophrenia or psychosis. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder, and antipsychotic medications are typically used to manage its symptoms.
B. Selegiline 6 mg transdermal patch daily:
Selegiline is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease by enhancing the effects of dopamine in the brain. It is not indicated for schizophrenia or psychosis. While dopamine dysregulation is involved in both Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, the mechanisms and treatments are different. Antipsychotic medications, not selegiline, are used to manage psychosis in schizophrenia.
C. Aripiprazole 400 mg IM every 4 weeks:
This is the correct choice. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The intramuscular (IM) formulation provides extended release, making it suitable for clients who may have difficulty adhering to daily oral medications. It helps manage psychosis, a common symptom of schizophrenia.
D. Lithium 600 mg PO three times per day:
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder by preventing or reducing the intensity of manic episodes. It is not a first-line treatment for schizophrenia or psychosis. Antipsychotic medications are the primary choice for managing the symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenia. Lithium is not typically used to address the hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Contact a close relative of the client to discuss the discharge plan:
Involving close relatives or a support system can be beneficial for the client's recovery. However, it's crucial to respect the client's confidentiality and privacy. In some cases, clients might not want their relatives involved or might not have a supportive family environment, so this option should be approached cautiously and with the client's consent.
B. Refer the client to a self-help group:
This is a highly recommended action. Self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a supportive environment where individuals with alcohol use disorder can share their experiences and coping strategies. These groups can significantly contribute to maintaining sobriety after rehabilitation.
C. Request a discharge prescription for buprenorphine for the client:
Buprenorphine is typically used to treat opioid use disorder, not alcohol use disorder. Medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate are more commonly prescribed to help individuals manage alcohol cravings and maintain abstinence. However, the choice of medication should be individualized and determined by a healthcare provider based on the client's specific needs and medical history.
D. Teach the client to practice systematic desensitization:
Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used to treat phobias and anxieties by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe manner. While it can be helpful for addressing anxiety-related issues, it's not a standard treatment for alcohol use disorder. Therapeutic interventions for alcohol use disorder often focus on behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.
B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.
C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.
D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.
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