a patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone the nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect of this medication
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect of this medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as it is a common side effect of this medication. Weight gain can occur due to metabolic changes and increased appetite associated with risperidone use. Agranulocytosis is a severe decrease in a type of white blood cells, and it is not a common side effect of risperidone. Hair loss and hyperthyroidism are also not typically associated with risperidone use.

2. A patient being treated for insomnia is prescribed ramelteon (Rozerem). Which comorbid mental health condition would make this medication the hypnotic of choice for this particular patient?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Substance use disorder. Ramelteon is preferred for patients with substance use disorder because it lacks abuse potential. This makes it a safer choice for individuals with a history of substance misuse. Choosing a medication with a lower risk of abuse in this population is crucial to prevent potential misuse or dependence issues.

3. A client has been taking lithium for several years with good symptom control. The client presents in the emergency department with blurred vision, tinnitus, and severe diarrhea. Which lithium level should the nurse correlate with these symptoms?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Symptoms such as blurred vision, tinnitus, and severe diarrhea are indicative of lithium toxicity. A lithium level of 1.7 is within the toxic range. When clients present with these symptoms, it is crucial for the nurse to correlate them with elevated lithium levels to ensure timely intervention and prevent further complications.

4. How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Psychiatrists use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to determine diagnoses. The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for the classification of mental disorders, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D are inaccurate as hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association is not responsible for psychiatric diagnostic criteria. Choice C describes a more general approach to assessment and does not specifically address the standardized criteria used in psychiatric diagnosis.

5. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client reduce this behavior?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an effective intervention in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. By establishing boundaries around the behavior, the client can gradually work towards reducing the excessive hand washing and regaining control over the compulsion. Choice B is not as effective because it does not address the underlying compulsion. Choice C may not be helpful as it may not satisfy the client's need for cleanliness and could reinforce the behavior. Choice D, while important in therapy, may not be the most immediate intervention needed to address the excessive hand washing behavior.

Similar Questions

Which of the following symptoms should a healthcare professional expect to assess in a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder? Select one that does not apply.
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
A healthcare professional is assessing a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following findings shouldn't the healthcare professional expect?
When a husband accuses his wife of infidelity, which situation would indicate to the nurse the husband's use of the ego defense mechanism of projection?
A fourth-grade student teases and makes jokes about a cute girl in his class. This behavior should be identified by a professional as indicative of which defense mechanism?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses