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The nurse is caring for an elderly client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 1 week. The nurse notifies the physician when he observes that the client has muscle rigidity that resembles Parkinson?s disease. Which agent would the nurse expect the physician to prescribe?
- A. Anticholinergic
- B. Anxiolytic
- C. Benzodiazepine
- D. Beta-blocker
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anticholinergic agents (A), such as benztropine, are used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like parkinsonian muscle rigidity caused by antipsychotics, by balancing acetylcholine and dopamine. Anxiolytics (B) and benzodiazepines (C) address anxiety, not EPS, and beta-blockers (D) treat akathisia or other symptoms, not rigidity.
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Assessment of a client with schizophrenia reveals that he is hearing voices that tell him that people are staring at him and illusions. When developing the plan of care for this client, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?
- A. Disturbed thought processes
- B. Risk for self-directed violence
- C. Disturbed sensory perception
- D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Disturbed sensory perception (C) is most appropriate, as the client?s hallucinations (voices) and illusions directly indicate altered sensory processing. Disturbed thought processes (A) is less specific, risk for violence (B) is not indicated, and ineffective coping (D) is secondary.
The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has schizophrenia. The client has been taking antipsychotic medications for 1 week when the nurse observes that the client?s eyes are fixed on the ceiling. The nurse interprets this finding as which of the following?
- A. Akathisia
- B. Oculogyric crisis
- C. Retrocollis
- D. Tardive dyskinesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oculogyric crisis (B) is an acute dystonic reaction characterized by fixed upward gaze, often caused by antipsychotics within days of starting treatment. Akathisia (A) involves restlessness, retrocollis (C) is neck muscle dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia (D) involves late-onset involuntary movements, none of which match the symptom.
The nurse is caring for a client who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Based on the nurse?s understanding of this disorder, the nurse develops a plan of care to address which issue as the top priority?
- A. Suicide
- B. Aggression
- C. Substance abuse
- D. Eating disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Suicide (A) is the top priority in schizoaffective disorder due to the combined risk of mood disturbances (e.g., depression) and psychosis, both of which elevate suicide risk. Aggression (B), substance abuse (C), and eating disorders (D) are concerns but less immediate unless actively present.
A client is being released from the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. After teaching the client and family about managing the disorder, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they state which of the following should be reported immediately?
- A. Elevated temperature
- B. Tremor
- C. Decreased blood pressure
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated temperature (A) could indicate a serious side effect like neuroleptic malignant syndrome or infection (e.g., agranulocytosis with clozapine), requiring immediate reporting. Tremor (B), decreased blood pressure (C), and weight gain (D) are less urgent, though they warrant monitoring.
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.