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.
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A client hospitalized for treatment of schizophrenia has been receiving olanzapine (Zyprexa) for the past 2 months. The nurse would be especially alert for which of the following?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Hypertension
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Diabetes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Olanzapine (D) is associated with metabolic side effects, including an increased risk of diabetes due to weight gain and insulin resistance. Weight loss (A) is unlikely, hypertension (B) is less common, and diarrhea (C) is not a primary concern with olanzapine.
The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has schizophrenia. The client has been taking antipsychotic medications for 1 week when the nurse observes that the client?s eyes are fixed on the ceiling. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
- A. Akathisia
- B. Oculogyric crisis
- C. Retrocollis
- D. Tardive dyskinesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oculogyric crisis (B) is an acute dystonic reaction characterized by fixed upward gaze, often caused by antipsychotics within days of starting treatment. Akathisia (A) involves restlessness, retrocollis (C) is neck muscle dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia (D) involves late-onset involuntary movements, none of which match the symptom.
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about other psychotic disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which disorder as involving an inducer?
- A. Brief psychotic disorder
- B. Schizophreniform disorder
- C. Shared psychotic disorder
- D. Psychotic disorder attributable to a substance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Shared psychotic disorder (C), or folie à deux, involves an inducer who transmits delusional beliefs to another person. Brief psychotic disorder (A) is time-limited, schizophreniform disorder (B) mimics schizophrenia, and substance-induced psychosis (D) is caused by substances, not an inducer.
While assessing a client with schizophrenia, the client states, Everywhere I turn, the government is watching me because I know too much. They are afraid that I might go public with the information about all those conspiracies. The nurse interprets this statement as indicating which type of delusion?
- A. Grandiose
- B. Nihilistic
- C. Persecutory
- D. Somatic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client?s belief that the government is watching them due to their knowledge reflects a persecutory delusion (C), characterized by fears of harm or surveillance. Grandiose delusions (A) involve inflated self-importance, nihilistic delusions (B) involve beliefs in nonexistence, and somatic delusions (D) focus on bodily concerns.
The nurse is caring for a client who was just admitted with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder with depression. Which agent would the nurse anticipate as being prescribed for this client?
- A. Lithium
- B. Haloperidol
- C. Chlorpromazine
- D. Clozapine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine (D) is effective for schizoaffective disorder, addressing both psychotic and mood symptoms, especially in treatment-resistant cases. Lithium (A) is primarily for bipolar disorder, and haloperidol (B) and chlorpromazine (C) are less effective for mood components.
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