Author Question: The parent of a young adult who has schizophrenia is concerned that the patient spits out pills that ... (Read 118 times)

fnuegbu · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The parent of a young adult who has schizophrenia is concerned that the patient spits out pills that are given. The nurse will suggest contacting the patient's provider to discuss which intervention?

a. Changing to a liquid form of the mediation
b. Providing a home health nurse to supervise medication administration
c. Teaching the patient the importance of taking the medication
d. Weekly intramuscular injections of the medication

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to administer intramuscular haloperidol (Haldol) to a patient who has schizophrenia. What action will the nurse perform?

a. Massage the site after injecting the medication to ensure complete absorption.
b. Teach the patient to return every week to receive medication doses.
c. Use a small bore needle when injecting the medication.
d. Use the Z-track method and inject the medication into deep muscle tissue.

emilymalinowski12 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Noncompliance is common with antipsychotic medications. If patients spit out or hide pills, a liquid form can be used. A home health nurse is costly and unnecessary. Teaching the patient the importance of the medication is essential, but not always effective if the patient does not want to comply. Weekly intramuscular injections may be used if using the liquid form is not effective.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Haloperidol is a viscous liquid and should be injected deep into muscle tissue using a Z-track method. The injection site should not be massaged. Injections of long-term preparations of haloperidol are given every 2 to 4 weeks. Nurses should use a large-bore needle when injecting haloperidol.