ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 22 : Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving treatment for schizophrenia with chlorpromazine for the past year. It would be essential for the nurse to monitor the client for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia (
D), a potentially irreversible side effect of long-term use of typical antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, involves involuntary movements and requires ongoing monitoring. Weight loss (
A) is unlikely (weight gain is more common), torticollis (
B) is an acute dystonia, and hypoglycemia (
C) is not a typical side effect.
Question 2 of 5
A client hospitalized for treatment of schizophrenia has been receiving olanzapine (Zyprexa) for the past 2 months. The nurse would be especially alert for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Olanzapine (
D) is associated with metabolic side effects, including an increased risk of diabetes due to weight gain and insulin resistance. Weight loss (
A) is unlikely, hypertension (
B) is less common, and diarrhea (
C) is not a primary concern with olanzapine.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking clozapine (Clozaril) for 2 weeks. The client tells the nurse, My throat is sore, and I feel weak. The nurse assesses the client?s vital signs and finds that the client has a fever. The nurse notifies the physician, expecting an order to obtain which laboratory test?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine (
A) carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening drop in white blood cells, presenting with symptoms like sore throat, weakness, and fever. Monitoring white blood cell counts is critical. Liver function (
B), potassium (
C), and sodium (
D) levels are less relevant to these symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A client is being released from the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. After teaching the client and family about managing the disorder, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they state which of the following should be reported immediately?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated temperature (
A) could indicate a serious side effect like neuroleptic malignant syndrome or infection (e.g., agranulocytosis with clozapine), requiring immediate reporting. Tremor (
B), decreased blood pressure (
C), and weight gain (
D) are less urgent, though they warrant monitoring.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing an in-service program for a group of psychiatric-mental health nurses about schizophrenia. Which of the following would the nurse include as a major reason for relapse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Non-adherence to prescribed medications (
C) is a primary cause of relapse in schizophrenia, as antipsychotics are critical for symptom control. Lack of family support (
A) and stigmatization (
D) contribute indirectly, while accessibility to resources (
B) is a protective factor.