Author Question: The family of a patient who was prescribed chlorpromazine (Thorazine) report that the patient ... (Read 59 times)

genevieve1028 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The family of a patient who was prescribed chlorpromazine (Thorazine) report that the patient continually rolls his tongue and smacks his lips. What is the nurse's best action?

a. Reassure the patient and family that this response is an expected side effect of the drug.
b. Instruct the family to ensure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids and performs oral hygiene at least three times daily.
c. Instruct the family to hold the next dose of the drug and have the patient seen by the prescriber as soon as possible.
d. Emphasize to the family that this drug cannot be stopped quickly and to gradually reduce the dose over a 2- to 3-week period.

Question 2

How do the major antipsychotic drugs exert their effects to reduce psychotic episodes?

a. They block dopamine receptors and reduce neuronal impulse transmission.
b. They redirect nerve impulses away from excitatory areas of the brain and into brain inhibitory areas.
c. They enhance the breakdown of excitatory neurotransmitter chemicals so that impulse transmission is slower.
d. They block the reuptake of neurotransmitters so that the concentration of these chemicals is increased in the brain.

kbennett34 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
The patient's behaviors of tongue rolling and lip smacking are symptoms of tardive dyskinesia associated with chlorpromazine therapy. This neurologic problem can become permanent if the patient remains on the drug long-term. Chlorpromazine is an older antipsychotic drug and the patient may respond better to a newer one. Although stopping the drug quickly can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, these effects are not life threatening.

Answer to Question 2

A
All antipsychotic drugs tend to block dopamine receptors in the dopamine pathways in the brain. The normal effect of releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine is decreased. Transmission of im-pulses is decreased which in turn decreases the symptoms of hallucinations, illusions, and delu-sions.