Quizlet Mental Health HESI Related

Review Quizlet Mental Health HESI 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 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. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
  • D. Direct the client to occupational therapy to distract him from somatic complaints.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing a dystonic reaction due to dopamine depletion, which is a known side effect of Risperidone. Dystonia presents as abnormal muscle contractions and postures. The immediate management for this side effect is the administration of an anticholinergic medication like Benztropine (Cogentin). Choice A is incorrect as thioridazine is not the recommended medication for dystonic reactions. Choice B is incorrect as a hot pack would not effectively address the underlying cause of the dystonic reaction. Choice D is incorrect as occupational therapy is not the appropriate intervention for managing acute dystonia.