The physician prescribes risperidone for a client with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should be monitored to evaluate improvement?
Both positive and negative symptoms.
Disorganized symptoms.
Negative symptoms.
Positive symptoms.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice a reason:
Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication that can help manage both positive symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations) and negative symptoms (such as apathy and social isolation) of schizophrenia. Monitoring both types of symptoms is essential to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Positive symptoms are often more responsive to medication, while negative symptoms can be more challenging to treat and may require a comprehensive approach including psychosocial interventions.
Choice b reason:
Disorganized symptoms, which include disorganized speech and behavior, are another aspect of schizophrenia that can be impacted by risperidone. While these symptoms are not mentioned in the client's current presentation, they are still important to monitor as part of a comprehensive assessment of the client's condition.
Choice c reason:
Negative symptoms like apathy and social isolation can significantly impact a client's quality of life and functional abilities. Risperidone can help improve these symptoms, but they often require longer treatment duration and additional supportive therapies for significant improvement.
Choice d reason:
Positive symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations are critical targets for risperidone treatment. These symptoms can be distressing and disruptive, and their improvement is a key indicator of the medication's effectiveness. Monitoring the reduction or resolution of these symptoms is crucial for assessing the client's response to risperidone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A blood pressure of 98/60, while on the lower side, is not necessarily alarming post-surgery unless the patient shows symptoms of hypotension or if there is a significant drop from the patient's baseline blood pressure. It is important to monitor trends in blood pressure readings rather than a single isolated measurement.
Choice B Reason:
A urine output of 40 mL/hour can be considered within normal limits post-surgery, as the expected urine output is at least 0.5 mL/kg/hr. However, it should be monitored closely to ensure that it does not decrease further, which could indicate renal complications.
Choice C Reason:
Pain rated as 5 on a 0-10 scale indicates moderate pain, which is expected post-surgery. Pain management should be continued as prescribed, and the patient should be reassessed regularly to ensure that the pain does not escalate.
Choice D Reason:
The absence of a popliteal pulse is a critical finding that must be reported immediately. The popliteal artery provides blood flow to the lower leg, and its absence could indicate graft occlusion or other serious circulatory issues, which could lead to limb-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
While hypertension can contribute to the development of PAD, it does not directly cause fats to deposit in the arteries. Hypertension can damage the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis, but it is not the primary mechanism of PAD development.
Choice B Reason
Excess fats in the diet can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaques in the arterial walls. However, the fats do not simply get stored; they combine with other substances, including calcium and inflammatory cells, to form plaques that can restrict blood flow.
Choice C Reason
This statement is the most accurate. PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques formed by fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. These plaques can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. The process can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Arterial spasms can occur, but they are not the typical cause of chronic PAD. Spasms are more often associated with conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon or can be a response to stress or cold temperatures. PAD is usually a result of progressive atherosclerosis rather than intermittent spasms.

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