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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Encouraging social interaction might not be appropriate in this situation. The client’s bizarre behavior is already causing distress to others, and encouraging more interaction could exacerbate the problem. The priority should be to address the immediate safety and well-being of both the client and others. Once the client is in a safe environment, social interaction can be encouraged in a controlled and therapeutic manner.
Choice B Reason:
Discussing the bizarre behavior with the client might not be effective in the moment, especially if the client is not in a state to understand or engage in such a discussion. The primary focus should be on ensuring safety and stability before addressing specific behaviors. Once the client is calm and in a safe environment, discussions about behavior can be more productive.
Choice C Reason:
Providing information about the client’s illness is important for long-term management and understanding, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client’s current state requires immediate intervention to ensure safety. Education about the illness can be provided once the client is stabilized and in a better position to comprehend the information.
Choice D Reason:
Providing a safe environment is the most immediate and crucial priority. The client’s behavior is not only distressing to others but could also pose a risk to herself and others. Ensuring the client is in a safe, controlled environment helps to prevent harm and allows for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Safety is always the first priority in managing acute behavioral disturbances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
“This is a difficult transition. Let’s formulate a plan to keep you feeling safe.”
This response is the most supportive because it acknowledges the client’s feelings and offers a proactive solution. By recognizing the difficulty of the transition and suggesting a plan to ensure the client’s safety, the nurse provides reassurance and practical support. This approach helps to build trust and shows empathy, which is crucial in a therapeutic relationship.
Choice B Reason:
“It’s the policy that patients can only live here for 30 days. Let’s try to extend it.”
While this response acknowledges the client’s fear, it focuses on policy rather than addressing the client’s immediate emotional needs. Extending the stay might not be feasible or beneficial in the long term. The primary goal should be to empower the client to feel safe and supported outside the facility.
Choice C Reason:
“You’ve had a month to come up with a plan to work on your well-being.”
This response can come across as dismissive and unsupportive. It implies that the client should have already resolved their fears, which may increase their anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. The focus should be on providing immediate support and reassurance rather than criticizing the client’s progress.
Choice D Reason:
“Hopefully you learned from being in counseling. I’m sure this will work out fine.”
This response is overly optimistic and does not address the client’s current fears. It provides false reassurance without offering any concrete support or solutions. The client needs to feel heard and supported, not just reassured that everything will be fine.
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