The patient is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). During morning ...

[fox]

The patient is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). During morning assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a temperature of 102 degrees F. What is the priority nursing intervention?
 
  1. Contact the physician, as this could be a symptom of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
  2. Contact the physician, as this could be a symptom of an acute urinary infection.
  3. Contact the physician, as this could be a symptom of a bacterial pneumonia.
  4. Contact the physician, as this could be a symptom of extrapyramidal side effects.

Question 2

The patient is receiving clozaril (Clozapine) for the treatment of schizophrenia. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of this medication when the patient makes which statement?
 
  1. I will start going to group therapy.
  2. I think I am ready for discharge, as I feel better.
  3. I am not hearing the voices anymore.
  4. I promise not to skip breakfast anymore.

[tdewitt]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome includes symptoms of elevated temperature, unstable blood pressure, profuse sweating, dyspnea, muscle rigidity, and incontinence. Patients with acute urinary infections do run elevated temperatures; however, when the patient is receiving an antipsychotic drug and runs an elevated temperature, neuroleptic malignant syndrome must always be suspected. Patients with bacterial pneumonias do run elevated temperatures; however, when the patient is receiving an antipsychotic drug and runs an elevated temperature, neuroleptic malignant syndrome must always be suspected. An elevated temperature is not an extrapyramidal side effect.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Therapeutic effects of clozapine (Clozaril) include remission of a range of psychotic symptoms to include delusions, paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and irrational behavior. A patient stating he feels better and is ready for discharge does not indicate the remission of any psychotic symptoms. A patient stating he will go to group therapy does not indicate the remission of any psychotic symptoms. A patient stating he will not skip breakfast does not indicate the remission of any psychotic symptoms.

[fox]

Thanks

[tdewitt]

Welcome