A patient has been taking chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for the past 2 weeks. He drools, has hand tremors, and walks with a shuffling gait. The nurse would correctly attribute these behaviors to:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pseudoparkinsonism. This is because the patient is showing symptoms commonly associated with this condition, such as hand tremors, shuffling gait, and drooling, which are side effects of chlorpromazine. Akinesia (A) refers to a lack of movement, which is not the case here. Tardive dyskinesia (B) is a late-onset side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by involuntary movements, not hand tremors. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (D) is a rare but life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications, presenting with fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status, not the symptoms described in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because both A and B scenarios present limitations to blinding with a placebo control group. In scenario A, using a placebo in dangerous treatments like surgery would be unethical due to potential harm. In scenario B, patient participation is crucial, making it difficult to blind the trial. Option C is incorrect as it specifically mentions a standard placebo potentially harming diabetics, which is not a general rule for all clinical trials.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates therapeutic communication and empathy by acknowledging the patient's perspective and inviting further discussion. By exploring the patient's reasons for wanting to stop the medication, the nurse can address underlying concerns and provide education on the importance of medication adherence in managing schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect as it undermines the patient's autonomy and fails to address the patient's reasons for stopping the medication. Choice C is partially correct in acknowledging the patient's perspective but lacks the active engagement needed to assess and address the patient's decision. Choice D is incorrect as it expresses fear without exploring the patient's beliefs and reasons, which can lead to resistance and non-compliance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides the patient with a clear and concise explanation of how the medication works to address their depression by correcting a chemical imbalance. This response educates the patient on the purpose of SSRI medications, which helps them understand the potential benefits of treatment. Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the mechanism of action of SSRIs and may not effectively address the patient's concerns. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses more on the general benefits of SSRIs rather than directly addressing the patient's lack of understanding. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the patient with the information needed to make an informed decision about medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “My mouth has been so dry lately.” This statement indicates the patient is experiencing xerostomia, a common adverse effect of phenothiazines due to their anticholinergic properties. Xerostomia results in decreased salivary flow, leading to dry mouth. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be related to phenothiazine use. A is a common symptom of schizophrenia, B could indicate increased appetite which is not a common side effect, and C is not a typical side effect of phenothiazines.