A psychiatric nurse who works with forensic clients is describing the roles and responsibilities to a group of nursing students. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize as critical before initiating medication therapy for a forensic client?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C: Informed consent is critical before initiating medication therapy for a forensic client to ensure the client understands the treatment, risks, and alternatives. Without informed consent, the client's autonomy and rights may be violated. It is essential for ethical and legal reasons. A: Court order for medication is not necessary for initiating medication therapy, and it does not ensure the client's understanding or consent. B: Determination of not guilty by reason of insanity is related to legal proceedings and does not directly impact the initiation of medication therapy. D: Identification of history for aggression is important for treatment planning but does not address the immediate need for informed consent before medication therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It is more likely to occur in women. Schizoaffective disorder is more prevalent in women than in men, with a slightly higher risk in females. This is due to various factors such as hormonal influences and genetic predispositions. Other choices are incorrect: A is incorrect because schizoaffective disorder typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood, not in children; C is incorrect as the disorder affects individuals of all racial backgrounds; D is incorrect as there is evidence of familial clustering indicating a genetic component to the disorder.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because paranoia and fear of others stealing belongings can be early signs of schizophrenia's prodromal phase. This is known as paranoid ideation, a common symptom in schizophrenia. B is incorrect because an unusual interest in numbers is not typically associated with schizophrenia's prodromal phase. C is incorrect because lack of interest in athletics is not a specific characteristic of the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. D is incorrect because feeling more comfortable among males is not a typical symptom of schizophrenia's prodromal phase.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Abdominal rigidity. Abdominal rigidity can indicate a serious issue such as peritonitis, which may be caused by a malfunctioning NG tube allowing leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity. This requires immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of NG tube malfunction. Greenish-yellow drainage is normal post-surgery, an aspirate pH of 3 is within the normal range for gastric contents, and air bubbles in the NG tube are common and do not necessarily indicate malfunction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Catastrophic reactions. In a client with Alzheimer's disease, catastrophic reactions can occur when they are overwhelmed or unable to cope with a situation. These reactions can lead to outbursts or extreme emotional responses. It is important to prioritize assessing and managing catastrophic reactions to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and others. Hearing deficits (choice A) may contribute to communication difficulties but are not as urgent as managing catastrophic reactions. Mania (choice B) and strange verbalizations (choice C) are not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease without delirium and are less concerning compared to potential catastrophic reactions.