A client with schizoaffective disorder is having difficulty adhering to the medication regimen that requires the use of several agents. The client also is experiencing several side effects contributing to this nonadherence. The physician plans to change the client?s medication. Which agent would the nurse anticipate that the physician would prescribe?
- A. Lithium
- B. Aripiprazole
- C. Clozapine
- D. Olanzapine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aripiprazole (B) is a second-generation antipsychotic with a favorable side effect profile and efficacy for schizoaffective disorder, improving adherence. Lithium (A) is for mood stabilization, clozapine (C) is for treatment-resistant cases, and olanzapine (D) has more side effects.
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While interviewing a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder, the client states, I have this really strange odor coming out of my mouth. I stop to brush my teeth almost every hour and then rinse with mouthwash every half hour to get rid of this smell. I?ve seen so many doctors, and they can?t tell me what?s wrong. The nurse interprets the client?s statement as reflecting which type of delusion?
- A. Erotomanic
- B. Grandiose
- C. Somatic
- D. Jealous
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client?s belief in a persistent, unexplained mouth odor reflects a somatic delusion (C), focusing on bodily concerns. Erotomanic (A) involves romantic beliefs, grandiose (B) involves inflated self-worth, and jealous (D) involves infidelity, none of which apply.
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.
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
- A. Dopamine
- B. Serotonin
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine (A) dysregulation, particularly excess in certain brain regions, is strongly linked to hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia. Serotonin (B), norepinephrine (C), and GABA (D) play roles in other disorders or symptoms but are less directly associated with these psychotic features.
A nurse is providing care to a client just recently diagnosed with schizophrenia during an inpatient hospital stay. Throughout the day, the nurse observes the client drinking from the water fountain quite frequently as well as carrying cans of soda and bottles of water with him wherever he goes. Upon entering the client?s room, the nurse sees numerous empty cups that had been filled with fluids on his table and in the trash can. The room has an odor of urine. The nurse suspects which of the following?
- A. Diabetes mellitus
- B. Disordered water balance
- C. Tardive dyskinesia
- D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive fluid intake and urine odor suggest disordered water balance (B), such as psychogenic polydipsia, common in schizophrenia, leading to excessive drinking and urination. Diabetes mellitus (A) may cause thirst but not typically urine odor in this context. Tardive dyskinesia (C) and orthostatic hypotension (D) are unrelated to these symptoms.
When assessing a client with delusional disorder, the nurse would most likely expect to find impairment in which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Social functioning
- B. Marital functioning
- C. Intellectual functioning
- D. Occupational functioning
- E. Mental status functioning
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Delusional disorder often impairs social (A), marital (B), and occupational functioning (D) due to the impact of delusions on relationships and work. Intellectual (C) and mental status functioning (E) typically remain intact, as the disorder is focal.
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