Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for a patient who has been prescribed an antipsychotic medication?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assessing for signs of extrapyramidal symptoms. This is the priority intervention because antipsychotic medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which can be serious and require immediate attention. Monitoring for these symptoms allows for early detection and intervention to prevent further complications. A: Monitoring for signs of weight loss and dehydration is important but not the priority compared to assessing for extrapyramidal symptoms. B: Encouraging the patient to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition is important for overall health but not the priority in this case. C: Providing education on the importance of taking the medication daily is essential but assessing for potential side effects takes precedence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because severe agitation, tremors, and seizures are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, known as delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. These symptoms indicate hyperactivity of the central nervous system due to alcohol withdrawal. Monitoring for these symptoms is crucial for early intervention and preventing potential complications. A: Fatigue and lethargy are not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal. C: Headaches and nausea are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal but are not indicative of severe withdrawal requiring immediate intervention. D: Increased appetite and weight gain are not symptoms of alcohol withdrawal; in fact, weight loss is more common due to decreased appetite and malnutrition during withdrawal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disorganized thinking and speech. This is a common symptom of schizophrenia known as formal thought disorder. Patients with schizophrenia often have difficulty organizing their thoughts and expressing themselves coherently. This symptom is characteristic of the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Incorrect choices: B: Extreme sadness and hopelessness - This describes symptoms of depression, not schizophrenia. C: Excessive worry and fear - This describes symptoms of anxiety disorders, not schizophrenia. D: Hyperactivity and impulsiveness - This describes symptoms of ADHD, not schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a calm, quiet environment. During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, the patient may feel overwhelmed and agitated. Providing a calm, quiet environment can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is beneficial in managing depressive symptoms. Other choices are incorrect because group therapy (choice A) may be overwhelming, reassuring the symptoms will resolve (choice C) may minimize the severity of the condition, and encouraging social activities (choice D) may be too demanding for the patient during a depressive episode.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Accepting the handmade card of appreciation from Becky is appropriate as it is a gesture of gratitude for the care provided. It helps foster a positive therapeutic relationship and validates the impact of your care. Rejecting it could potentially hurt Becky's feelings and undermine the trust and rapport built during her care. State laws or her illness are not relevant factors in this scenario. Accepting the card aligns with ethical principles of compassion and human connection.