Antipsychotic therapy with a conventional antipsychotic has been started for a client with schizophrenia. Assessment reveals that the client is experiencing drowsiness that is affecting his ability to function

Question

The nurse notes that the client needs assistance with his activities of daily living and ambulating. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify?

A) Risk for Infection
B) Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level
C) Risk for Injury
D) Impaired Physical Mobility

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Antipsychotic drugs may cause extreme drowsiness and sedation, especially during the first or second weeks of therapy. This reaction may impair mental or physical abilities. The patient may need assistance with activities of daily living due to the experience of extreme sedation. This includes cueing or help with eating, dressing, and ambulating. Therefore, Risk for Injury would be most appropriate. Risk for Infection would be appropriate if the client was receiving clozapine. Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level would be appropriate if the client was receiving an atypical antipsychotic due to the increased risk for weight gain and subsequent development of diabetes. Impaired Physical Mobility would be appropriate if the client was experiencing EPS or TD.