A family member of a patient who has been taking fluphenazine ...

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A family member of a patient who has been taking fluphenazine (Prolixin) for 3 months calls to report that the patient is exhibiting agitation and restlessness.
 
  The nurse learns that the patient's delusional thinking and hallucinations have stopped since taking the medication. The nurse will perform which action?
  a. Reassure the family member that tolerance to these side effects will subside over time.
  b. Remind the family member that complete drug effects may not occur for several more weeks.
  c. Suggest that the family member contact the provider to discuss an order for a benzodiazepine.
  d. Tell the family member to withhold the medication and notify the patient's provider.

Question 2

A patient has been taking risperidone (Risperdal) for 2 weeks. The patient reports drowsiness and headache. What will the nurse do?
 
  a. Counsel the patient to request changing to aripiprazole (Abilify).
  b. Reassure the patient that these are common side effects of the medication.
  c. Suggest that the patient have serum glucose testing.
  d. Suggest that these may be signs of agranulocytosis.

[ansleighelindsey]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The patient is exhibiting signs of akathisia and should receive a benzodiazepine. Patients usually do not experience tolerance to these drug side effects. The patient is experiencing resolution of symptoms. Discontinuing antipsychotics abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Drowsiness and headaches are common side effects of atypical antipsychotics. Changing to aripiprazole will not improve the symptoms, since this drug is in the same drug class. These symptoms do not indicate altered serum glucose levels or agranulocytosis.

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TYSM

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