Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Biological Basis for Understanding Psychopharmacology Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Biological Basis for Understanding Psychopharmacology related questions and content

A patient has taken many conventional antipsychotic drugs over the years. The health care provider, who is concerned about early signs of tardive dyskinesia, prescribes risperidone. A nurse planning care for this patient understands what fact about second-generation antipsychotics?

  • A. They are less costly.
  • B. They have a higher potency.
  • C. They are more readily available.
  • D. They produce fewer motor side effects.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Second-generation antipsychotic drugs often exert their action on the limbic system rather than the basal ganglia. The limbic system is not involved in motor disturbances. Atypical antipsychotic medications are not more readily available. They are not considered to be of higher potency; rather, they have different modes of action. Second generation antipsychotic drugs tend to be more expensive.