A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is preparing for discharge.
The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the client. Which of the following information should the nurse include when educating the client about relapse prevention? Select all that apply.
Ask a trusted person to watch for manifestations of illness.
Notify your provider within 48 hr of manifestations of a relapse.
Go for a walk to decrease anxiety during times of increased stress.
Report any adverse effects of the medication to the provider immediately.
Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per week.
Take a dose of the medication as soon as delusions or hallucinations begin.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Rationale for correct choices:
- Ask a trusted person to watch for manifestations of illness: Involving a trusted person in monitoring symptoms can help identify early signs of relapse. Sometimes, clients may not notice subtle changes in their mental state, so a reliable individual can alert the healthcare provider, allowing for early intervention.
- Notify your provider within 48 hr of manifestations of a relapse: Early detection and intervention are key to preventing a full relapse. By notifying the provider within 48 hours, the healthcare team can adjust medications or other interventions promptly, reducing the severity of symptoms.
- Go for a walk to decrease anxiety during times of increased stress: Physical activity, like walking, is beneficial for managing anxiety, which is a common trigger in individuals with schizophrenia. Regular exercise can also promote mental well-being, making it a helpful strategy for coping with stress.
- Report any adverse effects of the medication to the provider immediately: Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol can cause significant side effects, and reporting these early allows the provider to manage or adjust the treatment plan, preventing complications such as extrapyramidal symptoms or neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
- Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per week: Alcohol should be avoided entirely, as it can interfere with the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications and worsen psychiatric symptoms.
- Take a dose of the medication as soon as delusions or hallucinations begin: Medications for schizophrenia, like haloperidol, should be taken as prescribed, and adjustments to dosage or frequency should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Traumatic flashbacks: Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), not dementia. Clients with dementia may experience confusion or memory loss but not typically flashbacks.
B. Clang associations: Clang associations, which involve the use of rhyming words or sounds that are not connected in meaning, are more common in conditions like schizophrenia, not dementia.
C. Difficulty finding words: Difficulty finding words (aphasia) is a common symptom of dementia. As the condition progresses, clients often experience challenges with communication, including word-finding difficulties and trouble with speech.
D. Revenge seeking behavior: Revenge-seeking behavior is not a typical characteristic of dementia. While individuals with dementia may become agitated or exhibit behavioral changes, these are usually related to confusion or frustration, not planned revenge.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at risk of developing
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices:
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: The client’s BAC of 310 mg/dL indicates severe intoxication. As the alcohol clears from the system, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures may occur, requiring close monitoring to prevent complications like delirium tremens.
- Blood alcohol level of 310 mg/dL: This elevated BAC indicates significant alcohol consumption. As the alcohol is metabolized, the client is at high risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome and requires close observation to manage withdrawal symptoms as the BAC decreases.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
- Malnutrition: While weight loss and minimal appetite may be concerning, they do not definitively indicate malnutrition. These symptoms are more likely tied to the client’s psychological distress and alcohol use rather than severe nutritional deficiency.
- Alcohol intoxication: The client’s current state is intoxicated; the primary concern at this stage is managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Once the alcohol is metabolized, the focus will shift to preventing withdrawal complications which the client is at risk of.
- Respiratory rate of 10/min: A respiratory rate of 10/min is on the low side but not dangerously low. This rate may be associated with alcohol intoxication and will require monitoring but is not immediately alarming unless the client shows signs of respiratory distress.
- Weight loss over the past 3 months and minimal appetite: The weight loss and reduced appetite are concerning but not immediately indicative of malnutrition. These symptoms are likely due to the client’s alcohol use and emotional distress, and further assessment is needed to evaluate nutritional health.