A nurse is teaching about sources of psychological stress to a group of newly licensed nurses. The nurse should identify which of the following qualifies as a source of psychological distress?

A. Risperidone (Risperdal):

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic and generally has a lower propensity for causing anticholinergic side effects compared to typical antipsychotics.

B. Lithium (Lithobid):

Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily for bipolar disorder and does not typically cause anticholinergic side effects.

C. Buspirone (Buspar):

Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication and does not have significant anticholinergic properties. It tends to have fewer side effects compared to other medications used for anxiety.

D. Fluphenazine (Prolixin):

Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic medication and belongs to the phenothiazine class, which is known to have notable anticholinergic effects. These effects can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, and cognitive impairment.

A. Use clear, calm statements and a confident physical stance:

This is the most appropriate choice. Clear and calm communication, along with a confident physical stance, can help to de-escalate the situation. It demonstrates assertiveness and can potentially prevent further escalation of violence.

B. Provide objective evidence that violence is unwarranted:

While providing objective evidence may be helpful in some situations, individuals with paranoid personality disorder may not respond well to attempts to prove that their perceptions are unwarranted. It could potentially escalate the situation.

C. Empathize with the client's paranoid perceptions:

While empathy is important in communication, empathizing with paranoid perceptions in a way that validates or reinforces them may not be the best approach. It could inadvertently validate the client's distorted thoughts and potentially escalate the situation.

D. Initially restrain the client to maintain safety:

Physical restraint should be a last resort and used only when the safety of the client or others is at immediate risk. Initial restraint can escalate aggression and may not be the most appropriate intervention in the early stages of a violent episode.