(Select all that apply): A nurse is explaining the types of antipsychotic medications to a group of nursing students. Which medications belong to the first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs)?

Chlorpromazine and haloperidol belong to the first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), which are also known as conventional or typical antipsychotics.They primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain and are effective for treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.

ChoiceBis wrong because quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), which is also known as atypical antipsychotic.It blocks both dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain and is effective for treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as anhedonia and flattened affect.

ChoiceCis wrong because olanzapine is also a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) that has similar effects and indications as quetiapine.

ChoiceEis wrong because risperidone is also a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) that has similar effects and indications as quetiapine and olanzapine.

Normal ranges for antipsychotic medications vary depending on the type, dose, and duration of treatment.

However, some general guidelines are:

• For chlorpromazine, the therapeutic range is 100 to 300 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 1000 ng/mL.

• For haloperidol, the therapeutic range is 5 to 20 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 50 ng/mL.

• For quetiapine, the therapeutic range is 100 to 800 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 1500 ng/mL.

• For olanzapine, the therapeutic range is 20 to 80 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 200 ng/mL.

• For risperidone, the therapeutic range is 4 to 24 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 50 ng/mL.

Weight loss is not a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications.In fact, most antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Some antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®), are more likely to cause weight gain than others.

The other choices are common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision are examples of anticholinergic effects, which are more prominent with first-generation antipsychotics and clozapine.These effects can be managed by reducing the dose, switching to a different antipsychotic, or using adjunctive medications.