Author Question: Which medication should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient ... (Read 46 times)

ec501234 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which medication should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient whose aggressive behavior continues to escalate despite verbal intervention?

a. lithium (Eskalith)
b. trazodone (Desyrel)
c. olanzapine (Zyprexa)
d. valproic acid (Depakene)

Question 2

Information from a patient's record that indicates marginal coping skills and the need for careful assessment of the risk for violence is a history of:

a. childhood trauma.
b. family involvement.
c. academic problems.
d. chemical dependence.

mcabuhat · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Olanzapine is a short-acting antipsychotic drug that is useful in calming angry, aggressive patients regardless of their diagnosis. The other drugs listed require long-term use to reduce anger. Lithium is for patients with bipolar disorder. Trazodone is for patients with depression, insomnia, or chronic pain. Valproic acid is for patients with bipolar disorder or for those who are borderline bipolar.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The nurse should suspect marginal coping skills in a patient with chemical dependence. He or she is often anxious, may be concerned about inadequate pain relief, and may have a personality style that externalizes blame. The incorrect options do not signal as high a degree of risk as chemical dependence.