During the stabilization phase of drug therapy for a patient who is hospitalized with a psychiatric disorder, which action would be most appropriate?
A) Discussing the timing of tapering the medication
B) Instructing the patient about relapse prevention
C) Determining whether the medication is losing its effect
D) Assessing the patient for target symptoms and side effects
Ans: D
During stabilization, the medication dosage is adjusted or titrated to achieve the maximum amount of improvement with a minimum of side effects. Psychiatric–mental health nurses assess target symptoms, looking for changes or improvements and side effects. Education about relapse prevention and target symptoms and assessing whether the medication is losing its effect occur during the maintenance phase. Tapering occurs during the discontinuation phase.
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