A nurse is preparing to administer fluphenazine 7.5 mg PO daily to a client who has schizophrenia.

Available is fluphenazine elixir 2.5 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

Rationales for Each Condition

Opioid Intoxication

1. Sedation: Opioids cause central nervous system depression, leading to drowsiness, confusion, and reduced level of consciousness.
2. Pinpoint Pupils: A hallmark sign of opioid intoxication is miosis (pinpoint pupils) due to parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Stimulant Intoxication (e.g., Methamphetamine)

1. Seizures: Stimulants can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of convulsions.
2. Tachycardia: Stimulants induce sympathetic activation, leading to increased heart rate.
3. Dilated Pupils: Sympathetic nervous system stimulation causes pupil dilation (mydriasis).
4. Paranoia: Stimulant intoxication often results in psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations.
5. Hypertension: Elevated catecholamines increase blood pressure, seen in stimulant intoxication.

Hallucinogen Intoxication

1. Seizures: Some hallucinogens (e.g., LSD) can induce seizures due to excitatory effects.
2. Tachycardia: Hallucinogens stimulate the autonomic nervous system, increasing heart rate.
3. Dilated Pupils: Similar to stimulants, hallucinogens can cause mydriasis.
4. Paranoia: Hallucinogen intoxication can result in psychosis, including paranoia.
5. Hypertension: Increased autonomic activity leads to elevated blood pressure.

Choice A rationale

Encouraging the client to nap during the day might disrupt their sleep-wake cycle further, potentially increasing nighttime wandering. Daytime napping can reduce the need for nighttime sleep in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Choice B rationale

Administering an antianxiety medication before bedtime may sedate the client but does not address the underlying cause of the nighttime wandering and can have side effects, including increased confusion and risk of falls in older adults.

Choice C rationale

Placing a lock at the top of doors leading outside is a crucial safety measure for clients with Alzheimer's disease who wander at night. This prevents them from leaving the home unsupervised and potentially getting lost or injured.

Choice D rationale

Using light restraints while the client is in bed is generally not recommended and should be a last resort due to ethical and safety concerns. Restraints can increase agitation and anxiety and may cause physical harm.