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An acutely psychotic individual diagnosed with schizophreniaform disorder at admission is immediately placed on daily doses of risperidone. A hospitalization of 8 days' duration has been authorized by the HMO. By what hospital day would the nurse expect to note that client was demonstrating beginning trust in the nurse and reduction in hallucinations and delusions?

  • A. Day of admission
  • B. Day 3 of hospitalization
  • C. Day 5 of hospitalization
  • D. Day 7 of hospitalization
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Day 3 of hospitalization. Typically, antipsychotic medications like risperidone take a few days to start showing noticeable effects in reducing hallucinations and delusions. By day 3, the medication would have had enough time to begin its therapeutic effect. Building trust with a psychotic patient also takes time, so by day 3, the patient may start showing signs of trust in the nurse. Day of admission (Choice A) is too early for the medication to take effect. Day 5 (Choice C) and Day 7 (Choice D) are too late as the medication usually shows noticeable improvement within the first few days.