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?

Choice A rationale

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine, typically used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. While it has a calming effect, it does not directly address opioid use disorder and carries a risk of misuse and dependence, potentially exacerbating the client's condition.

Choice B rationale

Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate used to control seizures. It is not a primary treatment for opioid use disorder and has a high potential for dependence and serious withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.

Choice C rationale

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the full euphoric effects of other opioids. It is a key medication in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, helping clients manage their addiction and transition to recovery.

Choice D rationale

Chlordiazepoxide is another benzodiazepine, primarily used for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. Similar to diazepam, it does not directly treat opioid use disorder and carries a risk of dependence and misuse in individuals with substance use disorders.

• Taking responsibility for actions – Improvement: Indicates self-awareness and emotional progress.
• Talking about feelings in therapy – Improvement: Actively engaging in therapy is a positive sign.
• Reporting headache pain – Unrelated: Physical symptoms like mild headaches may not be directly related to the condition.
• Notifying staff of a new self-inflicted wound – Worsening: Self-harm remains a concern, though acknowledging it shows some insight.
• Listening attentively to peers – Improvement: Demonstrates increased engagement and emotional openness.