Author Question: A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been stable for a year; however, the family now reports ... (Read 59 times)

fbq8i · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been stable for a year; however, the family now reports the patient is tense, sleeps 3 to 4 hours per night, and has difficulty concentrating.

The patient says, My computer is sending out infected radiation beams. The nurse can correctly assess this information as an indication of:

a. the need for psychoeducation.
b. medication noncompliance.
c. chronic deterioration.
d. relapse.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia begins a new prescription for lurasidone HCL (Latuda). The patient is 5'6 and currently weighs 204 lbs. Which topic is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan related to this medication?

a. How to recognize tardive dyskinesia
b. Weight management strategies
c. Ways to manage constipation
d. Sleep hygiene measures

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Signs of potential relapse include feeling tense, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, increased withdrawal, and increased bizarre or magical thinking. Medication noncompliance may not be implicated. Relapse can occur even when the patient is taking medication regularly. Psychoeducation is more effective when the patient's symptoms are stable. Chronic deterioration is not the best explanation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Lurasidone HCL (Latuda) is a second-generation antipsychotic medication. The incidence of weight gain, diabetes, and high cholesterol is high with this medication. The patient is overweight now, so weight management will be especially important. The incidence of tardive dyskinesia is low with second-generation antipsychotic medications. Constipation may occur, but it is less important than weight management. This drug usually produces drowsiness.