A nurse is educating a patient who has been prescribed Haloperidol about the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
"All antipsychotic drugs carry an equal risk of causing movement-related side effects."
"These side effects happen because this drug blocks dopamine in certain parts of my brain."
"Taking other drugs with my Haloperidol can increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms."
"Tardive dyskinesia occurs with prolonged use of an antipsychotic drug."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "All antipsychotic drugs carry an equal risk of causing movement-related side effects.": First-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol are more likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms due to their potent dopamine D2 receptor blockade. Second-generation antipsychotics carry a lower risk, making this statement inconsistent with clinical evidence.
B. "These side effects happen because this drug blocks dopamine in certain parts of my brain.": Extrapyramidal symptoms are primarily due to dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway, which regulates motor control. Interference in this region leads to tremors, rigidity, and other movement disorders.
C. "Taking other drugs with my Haloperidol can increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.": Concurrent use of medications that also affect dopamine pathways or have sedative effects can increase the likelihood of developing EPS. Drug interactions are a significant factor in overall risk.
D. "Tardive dyskinesia occurs with prolonged use of an antipsychotic drug.": Long-term use of dopamine-blocking agents, especially at high doses, can lead to tardive dyskinesia. This condition involves involuntary movements and may be irreversible, particularly in older adults.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will need to take this medication for several weeks before noticing its full effects.": Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works by modulating serotonin and dopamine receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, it has a delayed onset of action, typically requiring 2–4 weeks of consistent use to achieve its full therapeutic benefit.
B. "If I don't feel better after one week, I will stop taking the medication.": Stopping Buspirone prematurely can prevent the medication from reaching its full effect. It requires patient adherence and time for therapeutic levels to build; discontinuation should only be under a provider’s guidance.
C. "I should feel less anxious within an hour of taking the first dose.": Buspirone does not provide immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. It is not effective for acute anxiety or panic attacks due to its slow onset and gradual buildup in the system.
D. "I can use this medication as needed when I feel a panic attack coming on.": Buspirone is not intended for PRN (as-needed) use. It must be taken on a scheduled basis to maintain steady blood levels and is not useful for rapid symptom relief in panic situations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 300mg is incorrect.
B. 400mg is incorrect
C. 200mg is incorrect
D. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50%. If the half-life is 6 hours, the amount of drug in the body will halve every 6 hours.
- Initial dose: 800 mg
- After 6 hours (1st half-life): 800 mg ÷ 2 = 400 mg
- After 12 hours (2nd half-life): 400 mg ÷ 2 = 200 mg
- After 18 hours (3rd half-life): 200 mg ÷ 2 = 100 mg
After 18 hours (three half-lives), 100 mg of the medication will remain in the patient's system.
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