A client is having trouble remembering to take his antipsychotic medication, risperidone 3 mg PO, BID. The treatment team at the clinic he attends is considering starting him on risperidone 10 mg IM every 2 weeks. The rationale for this is:
This will help with medication compliance.
It will help him remember to take his medication.
This has a faster onset of action.
This new medication is stronger and will clear his symptoms faster.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
This will help with medication compliance.
This is the correct response. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics like risperidone IM are often used to improve medication compliance in patients who have difficulty remembering to take their oral medications regularly. By administering the medication every two weeks, the treatment team can ensure that the client receives a consistent dose, reducing the risk of relapse due to missed doses. This approach is particularly beneficial for clients with schizophrenia, as consistent medication adherence is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing hospitalizations.
Choice B Reason:
It will help him remember to take his medication.
While this statement is related to medication compliance, it is not entirely accurate. The purpose of switching to an injectable form is to eliminate the need for the client to remember to take daily doses. Instead, the healthcare provider administers the medication at regular intervals, ensuring adherence without relying on the client’s memory.
Choice C Reason:
This has a faster onset of action.
This statement is incorrect. The onset of action for long-acting injectable risperidone is not necessarily faster than the oral form. In fact, LAIs are designed to release the medication slowly over time to maintain stable blood levels. The primary advantage of LAIs is improved adherence, not a faster onset of action.
Choice D Reason:
This new medication is stronger and will clear his symptoms faster.
This statement is also incorrect. The strength of the medication and the speed at which it clears symptoms are not the primary reasons for switching to an injectable form. The goal is to ensure consistent medication levels and improve adherence, not to increase the potency or speed of symptom relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Assess regularly for self-harm during treatment
Regular assessment for self-harm is crucial in any psychiatric care plan, especially for clients with conversion disorder who may experience significant distress. However, this action alone does not address the underlying issues or provide the client with tools to manage their symptoms. Continuous monitoring is important, but it should be part of a broader, more comprehensive care plan.
Choice B Reason: Allow for unlimited discussion on physical symptoms
While it is important to validate the client’s experiences and provide a space for them to discuss their symptoms, allowing unlimited discussion can sometimes reinforce the symptoms and lead to increased focus on physical complaints. This approach may not be beneficial in the long term and can detract from addressing the psychological aspects of the disorder.
Choice C Reason: Discuss alternative coping strategies with the client
This is the correct answer. Discussing alternative coping strategies helps the client develop skills to manage their symptoms more effectively. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation exercises, and stress management can be very beneficial. These strategies empower the client to handle stress and reduce the impact of their symptoms. Providing education on coping mechanisms is a proactive approach that can lead to better outcomes.
Choice D Reason: Encourage alone time for the client in seclusion
Encouraging alone time in seclusion is generally not recommended for clients with conversion disorder. Seclusion can increase feelings of isolation and distress, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Instead, supportive and interactive interventions are preferred to help the client feel connected and understood.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Seclusion is used in psychiatric settings primarily to manage patients who are exhibiting aggressive or severely disturbed behavior. The reduced sensory input in a seclusion room helps the patient to regain control over their emotions and behavior by minimizing external stimuli that could exacerbate their condition. This controlled environment can be crucial in preventing harm to the patient and others, and it allows the patient to calm down in a safe space. The goal is to provide a therapeutic setting that aids in the patient’s recovery and stabilization.
Choice B Reason:
While communication is an essential part of psychiatric care, seclusion is not intended to encourage interaction with others. In fact, seclusion is used when a patient needs to be isolated to prevent harm to themselves or others. Encouraging communication is more appropriate in other therapeutic settings where the patient is stable and can engage safely with others. Therefore, this statement does not accurately explain the purpose of seclusion.
Choice C Reason:
Forcing clients to be responsible for themselves is not the primary goal of seclusion. Seclusion is a measure taken to ensure safety and to help the patient regain control over their behavior in a controlled environment. Responsibility and self-management are important aspects of psychiatric treatment, but they are typically addressed through other therapeutic interventions and not through seclusion. Thus, this statement is not an accurate explanation of the use of seclusion.
Choice D Reason:
Managing the unit with fewer staff is not a valid reason for using seclusion. The primary purpose of seclusion is to ensure the safety of the patient and others, not to reduce staffing needs. In fact, the use of seclusion requires careful monitoring and adherence to strict protocols, which can actually increase the need for staff attention. Therefore, this statement does not correctly explain the rationale behind the use of seclusion.
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