Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders related questions and content

A client is being released from the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. After teaching the client and family about managing the disorder, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they state which of the following should be reported immediately?

  • A. Elevated temperature
  • B. Tremor
  • C. Decreased blood pressure
  • D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Elevated temperature (A) could indicate a serious side effect like neuroleptic malignant syndrome or infection (e.g., agranulocytosis with clozapine), requiring immediate reporting. Tremor (B), decreased blood pressure (C), and weight gain (D) are less urgent, though they warrant monitoring.