An older patient with Alzheimer's disease is experiencing increasing episodes of agitation and wandering. The patient has been prescribed risperidone (Risperdal), an atypical antipsychotic. Why should the nurse question this medication order?
A) Physical restraints should be trialed before using an antipsychotic medication
B) It is inappropriate to use antipsychotics to manage the behavior of patients with dementia
C) The sensory changes that accompany antipsychotic use exacerbate the symptoms of dementia
D) Atypical antipsychotics are preferable to traditional sedatives for the treatment of agitation and delirium
B
Feedback:
Atypical antipsychotics should not be used for the treatment of dementia-related behavioral disturbances. They do not exacerbate the symptoms of dementia but rather increase the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events and mortality. The use of physical restraints may or may not be indicated for this patient.
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