Quiz 5: Nursing care Of The Client With Special Health Needs: Psychosis

Many clients taking medication for treatment of schizophrenia experience conditions which contribute to ________________ with treatment. These conditions include intolerance of life-long requirement for medication and a perception that medication is no longer required after the client starts to feel better.

___________________________, photosensitivity, and sedation are all potential side effects of the phenothiazine antipsychotic medications.

A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with quetipine  fumarate (Seroquel). The nurse determines that the client is experiencing the intended effects of the medication if which of the following client behaviors is observed?

• Decreased appetite and food intake

• Taking sips of water for dry mouth

• Presence of fixed stare

• Absence of delusional statements

Barbiturates and sedative hypnotics are used for short-term treatment of insomnia or for sedation to relieve anxiety, tension, and apprehension. All of the following medications are sedative hypnotics except for:

• Choral hydrate (Somnote)

• Ramelteon (Rozerem)

• Dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine)

• Zolpidem (Ambien)

A nurse has been caring for a hospitalized client who has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for the treatment of a schizophrenic disorder. Which laboratory study prescribed for the client will the nurse specifically review to monitor for an adverse effect associated with the use of this medication?

• Platelet count

• Cholesterol level

• White blood cell count

• Blood urea nitrogen

All of the following are mood-stabilizers and atypical antipsychotic medications with the exception of:

• Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

A client is receiving a daily dose of oral fluphenazine (Prolixin). The nurse would teach the client to do which of the following to minimize common side effects of this medication?

• Have blood pressure checked once a week.

• Monitor pulse daily

• Eat snacks at midmorning and bedtime.

• Use hard, sour candy or sugarless gum.

The most common side effects of central nervous system stimulants include: (Select all that apply)

• Tachycardia

• Anorexia and weight loss

• Allergic reactions

• Headache

• Dizziness and agitation

Select from the following statements the descriptions which apply to phenothiazine antipsychotic medications; (Select all that apply)

• Antipsychotics affect dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the psychotic symptoms.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a common side effect of antipsychotic therapy which usually occurs after initiating therapy or when combinations of medications are used.

• The most serious side effects of antipsychotic medication are the extrapyramidal side effects such as Parkinson's-like symptoms, rigidity, and abnormal or involuntary movements of the eyes, body and extremities.

• Typical antipsychotics are more effective for positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, aggression, and delusions.