A nurse is educating a client about common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications. Which of the following is NOT a common adverse effect?

Weight loss is not a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications.In fact, most antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Some antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®), are more likely to cause weight gain than others.

The other choices are common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision are examples of anticholinergic effects, which are more prominent with first-generation antipsychotics and clozapine.These effects can be managed by reducing the dose, switching to a different antipsychotic, or using adjunctive medications.

Antipsychotic medications can cause various adverse effects depending on the type and dose of the medication. This statement indicates that the client understands that antipsychotic drugs are not free of side effects and that they may vary in severity and type.

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotic medications do have adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and agranulocytosis.

Choice B is wrong because antipsychotic medications can have more than mild adverse effects, such as drowsiness.Some of the adverse effects can be serious and life-threatening, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotic medications do not only cause serious adverse effects.Some of the adverse effects can be mild and manageable, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

Normal ranges for blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and white blood cell count are:

• Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg

• Pulse: 60-100 beats per minute

• Temperature: 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)

• White blood cell count: 4.5-11 x 10^9/L