Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Dementia and Thought Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Dementia and Thought Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the client being prescribed antipsychotic medications. Which discharge instruction(s) should be included? Select all that apply.

  • A. Stop the medication for any side effects.
  • B. Double the next dose if you forget one dose.
  • C. Report any rhythmic, involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, or extremities immediately.
  • D. Take all antipsychotic medications as directed.
  • E. Notify the health care provider if you have hypertension or severe muscle stiffness.
Correct Answer: C,D,E

Rationale: When providing discharge instructions to a client prescribed antipsychotic medications, the nurse should instruct the client to take all medications as directed and notify the health care provider for any side effects including a high fever, increased confusion, dyspnea, tachycardia, hypertension, severe muscle weakness, or loss of bladder control, because these are signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Similarly, the client should immediately report any rhythmic, involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, or extremities, because these are signs of tardive dyskinesia. The client should not abruptly stop medications or double the dosage at any time.