Population Specific Care Related

Review Population Specific Care related questions and content

When a patient with paranoid schizophrenia has a recurrence of positive symptoms after stopping his antipsychotic medication because of its postural hypotension (orthostasis) side effect, he is readmitted to the mental health unit. What measure should the nurse suggest to help the patient address this side effect?

  • A. Ask the doctor to prescribe an anticholinergic drug like trihexyphenidyl (Artane).
  • B. Chew sugarless gum or use sugarless hard candy to moisten your mouth.
  • C. Increase the amount of sleep you get, and try to take frequent rest breaks.
  • D. Wear elastic support hose, drink adequate fluids, and change position slowly.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because wearing elastic support hose, drinking adequate fluids, and changing positions slowly can help prevent postural hypotension associated with antipsychotic medications. Elastic support hose can improve blood circulation and prevent blood pooling in the legs. Adequate fluid intake can help maintain blood volume and blood pressure. Changing positions slowly can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing.

Choice A (anticholinergic drug) is incorrect as it may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. Choice B (sugarless gum or candy) is unrelated to postural hypotension. Choice C (increasing sleep and rest breaks) may help with fatigue but does not address postural hypotension directly.