Author Question: The nurse is preparing to administer loxapine (Loxitane) 50 mg to a patient who has schizophrenia. ... (Read 36 times)

theo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is preparing to administer loxapine (Loxitane) 50 mg to a patient who has schizophrenia. The patient has been taking this medication twice daily for 15 months.

The nurse notes smacking lip movements and involuntary movements of all extremities. Which action by the nurse is correct?
a. Administer the medication as ordered to treat these symptoms of psychosis.
b. Hold the dose and notify the provider of these medication adverse effects.
c. Request an order for an anticholinergic medication such as benztropine (Cogentin).
d. Suggest that the provider increase the dose to 125 mg twice daily.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has begun taking chlorpromazine HCl (Thorazine) 75 mg BID to treat schizophrenia.

A family member tells the nurse that the patient's agitation, hallucinations, and delusional symptoms have improved, but the patient continues to withdraw from social interaction and won't bathe unless reminded to do so. The nurse will tell the family member that
a. all symptoms will eventually resolve over time with this medication.
b. the patient may need an increased dose of the antipsychotic medication.
c. these results may indicate that the patient does not have schizophrenia.
d. they should consider discussing adding another medication.

ttt030911 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Tardive dyskinesia manifests as protrusion and rolling of the tongue, smacking of the lips, and involuntary movement of the body and extremities and is a serious adverse effect of antipsychotic medications. The provider should be notified, so the drug can be stopped and a different medication ordered. These are not symptoms of psychosis. Anticholinergic medications are used to combat acute dystonia. Increasing the dose of this medication would only exacerbate these adverse effects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic medication; drugs in this class manage positive symptoms rather than the negative symptoms of withdrawal and poor self-care. It is not likely that the negative symptoms will improve over time with this medication. Increasing the dose will not improve control of negative symptoms. This patient exhibits signs of schizophrenia.