Age Specific Populations Related

Review Age Specific Populations related questions and content

When a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was discharged from the unit 6 months ago, the plan was for him to take chlorpromazine (Thorazine), a conventional (first generation) antipsychotic medication, 300 mg po daily. He tells the nurse he stopped taking his pills after a few months because they made him feel like a 'zombie.' What other common side effects should the nurse determine if the patient experienced?

  • A. Sweating, nausea, and weight gain
  • B. Sedation, tremor, and muscle stiffness
  • C. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose
  • D. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sedation, tremor, and muscle stiffness. This is because chlorpromazine, being a first-generation antipsychotic, commonly causes sedation, tremors, and muscle stiffness as side effects. Sedation is a common effect due to the drug's ability to block dopamine receptors in the brain. Tremors and muscle stiffness are also common due to the drug's action on the central nervous system. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the expected side effects of chlorpromazine. Sweating, nausea, weight gain, headache, watery eyes, runny nose, mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash are not typically associated with this medication.