A client admitted to the hospital for schizophrenia has recently started taking quetiapine (Seroquel), an atypical antipsychotic. As with many antipsychotic medications, what should the nurse educate the client about?

Question

a. Rise slowly because of the potential for orthostatic hypotension.
b. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may potentiate the effects of the medication.
c. Quetiapine may cause insomnia if taken at night.
d. Take with food to avoid GI upset.

Answer 1

a. Rise slowly because of the potential for orthostatic hypotension.
FEEDBACK:
a. Clients taking antipsychotics should be taught to rise slowly or change position slowly because of the potential for orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to falls.
b. Grapefruit juice may potentiate the effects of alprazolam and diazepam when taken concurrently. .
c. A side effect of quetiapine is somnolence. .
d. Seroquel can be taken with or without food. .