A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and recently started taking risperidone. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Implement fall precautions for the client
Monitor the client's thyroid function
Place the client on a fluid restriction
Discontinue the medication if hallucinations occur
The Correct Answer is A
Implement fall precautions for the client.
- A. Implement fall precautions for the client. This is correct because risperidone can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. The nurse should advise the client to change positions slowly, avoid alcohol and dehydration, and use assistive devices as needed.
- B. Monitor the client's thyroid function. This is incorrect because risperidone does not affect thyroid function. The nurse should monitor the client's thyroid function if they are taking lithium, which can cause hypothyroidism.
- C. Place the client on a fluid restriction. This is incorrect because risperidone does not cause fluid retention or overload. The nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake and monitor the client's fluid balance.
- D. Discontinue the medication if hallucinations occur. This is incorrect because hallucinations are a symptom of schizophrenia, not a side effect of risperidone. The nurse should not discontinue the medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse of psychosis. The nurse should assess the client's response to the medication, report any adverse effects, and adjust the dosage as prescribed.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While providing end-of-life education is important, it is not a specific requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. The act primarily focuses on ensuring that patients' wishes regarding medical treatment and interventions are respected through advance directives.
Choice B rationale:
Documenting in the client's medical record if the client has advance directives is a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. This documentation ensures that healthcare providers are aware of the patient's preferences regarding medical treatment, especially in end-of-life situations. Advance directives may include living wills or durable power of attorney for healthcare, allowing patients to express their choices regarding medical interventions and appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
Choice C rationale:
Providing the client with a list of eligible individuals who can serve as a health care proxy is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While it can be helpful, the act primarily emphasizes documenting and respecting the patient's existing advance directives.
Choice D rationale:
Ensuring the client has an attorney for assistance with end-of-life documents is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While legal advice can be beneficial, the act primarily focuses on healthcare providers' responsibilities in documenting and respecting patients' advance directives.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation

- A is incorrect because IV tubing for total parenteral nutrition should be changed every 24 hours to prevent infection.
- B is incorrect because abdominal distention is not an expected effect of total parenteral nutrition. It could indicate a complication such as fluid overload or bowel obstruction.
- C is incorrect because gastric residual is not relevant for total parenteral nutrition, which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
- D is correct because weight measurement is an important indicator of fluid balance and nutritional status for clients receiving total parenteral nutrition.
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