Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Related

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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 laterally 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. Dystonia can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat dystonia. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because thioridazine is not the appropriate medication in this case, a hot pack would not address the underlying issue of dystonia, and occupational therapy is not the primary intervention for addressing acute dystonic reactions.