An adolescent male is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following antipsychotic agents may have the best chance to improve his apathy and blunted affect?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, blocks D2 and 5HT2 receptors, improving positive symptoms (hallucinations) and, to some extent, negative symptoms like apathy and blunted affect, common in schizophrenia's prodrome. First-generation agents—chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol—target D2 receptors, effectively reducing positive symptoms but often worsening negative symptoms via dopamine blockade in the prefrontal cortex. Thioridazine, also first-generation, has similar limitations. Risperidone's serotonin antagonism may enhance prefrontal dopamine release, offering a modest edge in addressing negative symptoms, supported by studies, making it preferable for this adolescent's presentation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Levodopa/carbidopa treats Parkinson's by increasing dopamine, but vasodilation risks orthostatic hypotension. Rising slowly prevents falls, a key instruction for safety. High-protein meals reduce levodopa absorption via amino acid competition, decreasing efficacy. Dark urine isn't a typical concern'harmless pigment changes occur. Stopping if feeling better risks symptom return, as it's not a cure. Rising slowly aligns with the drug's side effect profile, critical in Parkinson's where mobility is impaired, making C the essential teaching point to ensure client stability and adherence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.