Author Question: A client being treated for schizophrenia admits to occasionally skipping medication doses. Based on ... (Read 56 times)

segrsyd · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client being treated for schizophrenia admits to occasionally skipping medication doses. Based on this information, what will the nurse include in the client assessment?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Use of alcohol
2. Intensity of side effects
3. Understanding of the health problem
4. Belief that the medication is poison
5. Cost of the medication

Question 2

The family of a client diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why medications are needed to help control the client's symptoms. Which responses by the nurse are appropriate in this situation?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Medications for schizophrenia work on the basal ganglia of the brain.
2. Most antipsychotic drugs block dopamine receptors to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
3. They help correct the genetic component of the disorder.
4. They are really sedatives to stop the client from causing harm.
5. They stimulate dopamine receptors to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.

karmakat49 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: A factor in nonadherence with antipsychotic medication is the desire to drink alcohol.
Rationale 2: Even motivated clients may have difficulty tolerating the side effects of antipsychotic medications.
Rationale 3: A lack of insight into the illness may cause some clients to believe their behavior is normal and does not need to be treated with medication.
Rationale 4: Clients with paranoia may feel that drug therapy is a plot to poison them.
Rationale 5: The cost of antipsychotic medication is not a factor in client nonadherence.
Global Rationale: A factor in nonadherence with antipsychotic medication is the desire to drink alcohol. Even motivated clients may have difficulty tolerating the side effects of antipsychotic medications. A lack of insight into the illness may cause some clients to believe their behavior is normal and does not need to be treated with medication. Clients with paranoia may feel that drug therapy is a plot to poison them. The cost of antipsychotic medication is not a factor in client nonadherence.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: There is a theory that overactive dopaminergic pathways in the basal ganglia are associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Rationale 2: Most antipsychotic drugs act by entering dopaminergic synapses and competing with dopamine. By blocking dopamine receptors, antipsychotic drugs reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Rationale 3: Antipsychotic medications do not correct the genetic component of schizophrenia.
Rationale 4: Antipsychotic medications are not sedatives.
Rationale 5: Antipsychotic medications do not stimulate dopamine receptors.
Global Rationale: There is a theory that overactive dopaminergic pathways in the basal ganglia are associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia. Most antipsychotic drugs act by entering dopaminergic synapses and competing with dopamine. By blocking dopamine receptors, antipsychotic drugs reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications do not correct the genetic component of schizophrenia; they are not sedatives; and they do not stimulate dopamine receptors.