A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has schizophrenia.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. The nurse should clarify the prescription for 

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due to the client’s

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.

Choice A reason:
Decreased hallucinations are not typically associated with fluoxetine therapy. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat depression and other mood disorders. While it can help with psychotic depression where hallucinations may be a symptom, it is not a standard treatment for hallucinations in general.

Choice B reason:
Reduction in hand tremors is not a common outcome of fluoxetine therapy. Hand tremors are more often associated with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or as a side effect of certain medications. Fluoxetine does not have a direct therapeutic effect on hand tremors.

Choice C reason:
Absence of seizures is not a direct expected outcome of fluoxetine therapy. While fluoxetine has been studied for its potential benefits in post-stroke recovery, including some effects on neurological function, it is not primarily used as an anti-seizure medication.

Choice D reason:
Improved mood is the expected outcome of fluoxetine therapy. As an SSRI, fluoxetine works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and treat depression. Clinical trials and studies have shown that fluoxetine is effective in improving mood and is a standard treatment for major depressive disorder.

Choice A reason:
Placing a client in restraints is a restrictive intervention that should be used only as a last resort when all other less invasive options have been exhausted. Restraints can increase agitation and have potential physical and psychological harm. The use of restraints must comply with institutional policies and legal regulations, which often require that less restrictive measures be attempted first.

Choice B reason:
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat acute psychosis and severe agitation. However, it is associated with side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms and QT prolongation, which can lead to serious cardiac events. Medication should not be the first-line intervention for agitation unless the client poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, and non-pharmacological measures have failed.

Choice C reason:
Seclusion is another restrictive intervention that involves placing a client in a specially designed room to manage behavioral disturbances. It is used to ensure safety when a client is extremely violent or agitated. However, evidence suggests that seclusion does not provide long-term benefits in treating symptoms or reducing aggression and can be a negative experience for the client. It should not be the first intervention used.

Choice D reason:
Verbal de-escalation is the process of using calm language, listening skills, and empathy to help a client gain control of their behavior. It is a non-restrictive, first-line intervention that can prevent the situation from escalating. Techniques include communicating effectively, offering clear explanations, and providing realistic options. This approach helps maintain safety and supports the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client.