When administering an antipsychotic medication to a client diagnosed with schizophrenia, which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.

Monitoring the client for neuroleptic malignant syndrome for up to 2 months after initiating the drug.

Encouraging the client to report signs of diabetes, such as increased thirst, hunger, and urination.

Advising the client to report weight gain and skin rashes to the health care provider immediately.

Using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to assess for neurologic adverse effects.

Administering the medication subcutaneously when the client is unable to swallow effectively.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C,D

A. Monitoring the client for neuroleptic malignant syndrome for up to 2 months after initiating the drug. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious adverse effect of antipsychotic medications. Monitoring for NMS, especially during the first few months of treatment, is crucial.

B. Encouraging the client to report signs of diabetes, such as increased thirst, hunger, and urination. Some antipsychotics, particularly second-generation antipsychotics, are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes. Clients should be educated to report symptoms suggestive of hyperglycemia.

C. Advising the client to report weight gain and skin rashes to the health care provider immediately. Weight gain is a common side effect, particularly with second-generation antipsychotics. Skin rashes could indicate an allergic reaction, including serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, requiring immediate medical attention.

D. Using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to assess for neurologic adverse effects. The AIMS scale is used to assess for tardive dyskinesia and other extrapyramidal symptoms, which are potential adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.

E. Administering the medication subcutaneously when the client is unable to swallow effectively. Antipsychotic medications are generally not administered subcutaneously. If a client cannot swallow, an alternative route such as intramuscular injection or an orally disintegrating tablet might be used.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Are you frightened?" This response is empathetic but may inadvertently reinforce the client's delusional thinking by focusing on the fear rather than addressing the delusion.

B. "You know I'm not following you." This response directly challenges the client's delusion, which could provoke defensiveness and escalate the situation.

C. "You'll have to go into seclusion if you continue to threaten me." This response is confrontational and may escalate the situation further by implying a threat, which could increase the client's fear and anger.

D. "I'm sorry if I frightened you. I was returning to the nurses' station after going out for lunch." This response acknowledges the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusion and provides a simple, non-threatening explanation for the nurse's actions. It helps de-escalate the situation by maintaining a calm, non-confrontational tone.

A. Instruct to resume regular activities such as driving. B. Administer lithium before meals. C. Withhold if serum level is less than 1.5 mEq. D. Instruct to avoid breastfeeding.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Instruct to resume regular activities such as driving. It is not safe to instruct the client to resume activities like driving immediately, especially at the beginning of lithium therapy, as lithium can cause side effects that may impair the client's ability to safely perform tasks such as driving.

B. Administer lithium before meals. Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Administering it before meals may increase the risk of side effects like nausea.

C. Withhold if serum level is less than 1.5 mEq. Lithium should be withheld if the serum level is above the therapeutic range (typically 0.6–1.2 mEq/L), as higher levels can lead to toxicity. Withholding lithium if the level is less than 1.5 mEq/L is incorrect and could lead to inadequate treatment.

D. Instruct to avoid breastfeeding. Lithium is excreted in breast milk and can pose a risk to the infant, so the client should be advised against breastfeeding while on lithium therapy.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

When administering an antipsychotic medication to a client diagnosed with schizophrenia, which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

As a nurse approaches the nurses' station, a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder raises his voice and says, "You're following me. What do you want?" To prevent escalating fear and anger, the nurse takes a nonthreatening posture and makes which response in a calm voice?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which of the following nursing interventions should a nurse perform when caring for a female client with mood disorder who is prescribed lithium?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is assessing the client's pupils following a sports injury. Which of the following assessment findings indicates a neurologic concern? Select all that apply.

An elderly client has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer and has a poor prognosis of survival. The family asks the nurse for advice on whether to tell the client of the diagnosis or to keep it quiet. Which is the best response from the nurse?

A client with epilepsy is having a seizure. During the active seizure phase, the nurse should:

A nurse is preparing to administer prednisone to a client for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following findings indicates to the nurse the treatment is effective?

A client is having a tonic-clonic seizure. What should the nurse do first?

A client who suffers from bipolar disorder is admitted to a mental health unit for a manic episode. The nurse knows that which takes priority?

A client with schizophrenia is reluctant to take his prescribed oral medication. The most therapeutic response by the nurse to this refusal is: