Quizlet HESI Mental Health Related

Review Quizlet HESI Mental Health related questions and content

A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of risperidone (Risperdal). When the client walks to the nurse's station in a literally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Medicate the client with the prescribed antipsychotic thioridazine (Mellaril).
  • B. Offer the client a prescribed physical therapy hot pack for muscle spasms.
  • C. Direct the client to occupational therapy to distract him from somatic complaints.
  • D. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia. The client's symptoms of body contortion and feeling like a monster are indicative of acute dystonia, which can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. Benztropine can help alleviate these acute dystonic reactions. Choice A is incorrect because changing the antipsychotic medication at this point is not indicated. Choice B is not appropriate as the client's symptoms are likely due to acute dystonia rather than muscle spasms. Choice C is also not the best course of action as the client needs immediate intervention for the acute dystonic reaction.