The nurse is caring for a schizophrenic patient who has been ...

[nenivikky]

The nurse is caring for a schizophrenic patient who has been prescribed large doses of thiorida-zine (Mellaril). Which manifestation may signal an overdose of the medication?
 
  a. The patient walks with a shuffling gait and drooling.
  b. The patient is lethargic and takes frequent naps.
  c. The patient exhibits disorganized thought processes.
  d. The patient exhibits extreme excitability with periods of mania.

Question 2

When receiving report, the nurse learns that a schizophrenic patient has been displaying waxy flexibility. Which behavior is consistent with this report?
 
  a. The patient sits and stares at the wall without speaking.
  b. The patient arranges himself in several seated postures on the couch.
  c. The patient marches stiffly up and down the center of the dayroom.
  d. The patient holds his arm over his head with his fist clenched for an hour.

[shayla]

Answer to Question 1

A
Extrapyramidal side effects of pseudo-parkinsonism with a shuffling gait, tremors, and excessive salivation are cardinal signs of overdose of neuroleptics.

Answer to Question 2

D
Waxy flexibility refers to maintaining a limb in one position for a long time. The catatonic patient will exhibit a stuporous demeanor. It is associated with rigidity and unusual posturing.