A nurse is preparing to administer an antipsychotic medication to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The prescribed dose is 10 mg, and the medication is available in 5 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

Choice A reason:Regression involves reverting to an earlier developmental stage under stress, such as seeking dependency or avoiding responsibilities like chores and appointments. The client’s desire to be cared for reflects this defense mechanism.

Choice B reason:Introjection involves internalizing others’ beliefs or values, such as adopting someone else’s attitudes. The client’s behavior does not involve adopting external values but rather a retreat to dependency.

Choice C reason:Repression involves unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts or memories. The client’s behavior is not about forgetting stress but actively expressing a need for care, making this incorrect.

Choice D reason:Dissociation involves detaching from reality or one’s sense of self, often in response to trauma. The client’s behavior reflects dependency, not a disconnection from reality, so this is incorrect.

Choice A reason:PCP overdose is more likely to cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) due to agitation and increased muscle activity, rather than hypothermia. Administering warmed IV fluids would not be appropriate, as the client’s body temperature needs to be monitored and potentially cooled, not warmed.

Choice B reason:Ammonium chloride is sometimes used to acidify urine in cases of certain drug overdoses to enhance excretion, but it is not a standard treatment for PCP overdose. PCP is primarily managed with supportive care, focusing on reducing agitation and protecting the patient from harm.

Choice C reason:Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses by blocking opioid receptors. PCP, a dissociative drug, does not act on opioid receptors, so naloxone is ineffective in reversing its toxicity. This makes it an inappropriate choice for PCP overdose management.

Choice D reason:Patients with PCP overdose often exhibit agitation, aggression, or psychosis. Verbally attempting to calm the client is a priority to de-escalate the situation, reduce the risk of harm to the patient or others, and create a safer environment for further medical interventions, such as administering sedatives if needed.