A client has been receiving haloperidol (Haldol), a dopamine antagonist. When the psychiatrist changes the order to aripiprazole (Abilify), a partial dopamine antagonist, the nurse anticipates the client will experience which effect?
1. A greater reduction in symptoms
2. Fewer side effects
3. Greater adherence in taking the drug
4. Greater efficacy from the new drug
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: A reduction in symptoms might occur, but is not certain to occur, with the new medication.
Rationale 2: Partial blocking of dopamine results in fewer side effects than does complete blocking.
Rationale 3: If the client experiences fewer side effects from the drug, adherence might be improved, but that is not guaranteed.
Rationale 4: The client will not necessarily experience greater efficacy; each client responds differently to a drug.
Global Rationale: Partial blocking of dopamine results in fewer side effects than does complete blocking. A reduction in symptoms might occur, but is not certain to occur, with the new medication. If the client experiences fewer side effects from the drug, adherence might be improved, but that is not guaranteed. The client will not necessarily experience greater efficacy; each client responds differently to a drug.
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A 32-year-old female executive comes to the clinic complaining of severe heartburn. The physician prescribes omeprazole (Prilosec). The patient asks the nurse when the pain will go away. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
A) Some patients have taken omeprazole therapy as long as 5 years. B) Recommended time for therapy is usually between 2 and 8 weeks. C) Heartburn pain subsides within a few minutes of the first dose. D) Heartburn will decrease within a couple days of therapy.
The nurse understands that the living will:
1. Provides specific instructions about what medical treatment the client chooses to omit or refuse. 2. Is the same as a healthcare proxy. 3. Provides for a designated person to see that the client's wishes are honored when the client no longer can speak for him. 4. Requires a physician's order.
During a morning assessment, the nurse notices that an older patient is less attentive and is unable to recall yesterday's events. Which test is appropriate for assessing the patient's mental status?
a. Geriatric Depression Scale, short form b. Rapid Disability Rating Scale-2 c. Mini-Cog d. Get Up and Go Test
The nurse identifies the "LUBB" sound of the "LUBB/DUBB" of the cardiac cycle as the sound of the:
a. AV valves closing. b. closure of the semilunar valves. c. contraction of the papillary muscles. d. contraction of the ventricles.