A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Meaningless phrases

Refusal to eat

Substance use

Decreased energy level

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Meaningless phrases are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia and can indicate a worsening of the client's psychosis. This is a significant finding because it suggests that the client's ability to think clearly and communicate effectively is deteriorating.

Prompt reporting to the provider is crucial to ensure timely assessment and intervention, which may include medication adjustments or other therapeutic measures to address the worsening psychosis.

Early intervention is essential to prevent further decline in the client's mental state and to minimize the risk of harm to self or others.

I'll provide detailed rationales for the other choices, even though they are not the priority to report:

Choice B rationale:

Refusal to eat can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is not as immediate of a concern as meaningless phrases. It's important to monitor the client's nutritional intake and address any underlying causes of the refusal to eat, but this can typically be managed through nursing interventions without requiring immediate provider notification.

Choice C rationale:

Substance use can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms and should be addressed, but it is not the priority to report in this scenario. The nurse should assess the client's substance use history and patterns, provide education and counseling on the risks of substance use, and collaborate with the provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both the schizophrenia and the substance use.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased energy level can be a symptom of schizophrenia, but it is also a common symptom of many other conditions. It's important to assess the client's overall health and identify any potential causes of the decreased energy level, but it is not typically a priority to report to the provider unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale:

Having consistent unit routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be beneficial for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Providing a stimulating environment can potentially exacerbate symptoms of mania, making it an inappropriate intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Scheduling daily seclusion times is not typically recommended as it can lead to feelings of isolation.

Choice D rationale:

Discouraging daytime napping can potentially lead to fatigue and worsen symptoms, so it’s not typically recommended.

A. Increased salivation. B. Serotonin syndrome. C. Increased menstrual bleeding. D. Tardive dyskinesia.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Increased salivation is a common side effect of haloperidol, but it is not the most serious adverse effect that the nurse should monitor for. It can be managed with medications such as anticholinergics, and it often subsides with continued use of haloperidol. Choice B rationale:

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when haloperidol is combined with other medications that increase serotonin levels, such as antidepressants. However, it is not a direct adverse effect of haloperidol itself.

Choice C rationale:

Increased menstrual bleeding is not a known side effect of haloperidol.

Choice D rationale:

Tardive dyskinesia is a serious and potentially irreversible movement disorder that can occur as a long-term side effect of haloperidol and other antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and limbs.

The risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with the length of time that a person takes haloperidol and with the dose of the medication.

There is no cure for tardive dyskinesia, but the symptoms can sometimes be managed with medications.

It is important for nurses to monitor patients who are taking haloperidol for signs of tardive dyskinesia, so that the medication can be discontinued if necessary.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior. Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is contributing to the care plan for a newly admitted client suffering from severe depressive disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse incorporate into the plan?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypomania. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend to include?

A nurse facilitating a group therapy session is listening to clients discuss their coping strategies when feeling stressed. Which of the following statements indicate adaptive coping? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania. Which finding is the nurse’s priority?

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute manic episode. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority intervention?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has several new prescriptions for psychotropic medications. The client tells the nurse that she has always had trouble following a medication regimen. What should the nurse respond?

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a prescription for lorazepam 0.5 mg. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?