A 7-year-old boy is admitted to the pediatric behavioral health unit with a diagnosis of an acute psychotic episode. Aripiprazole has been ordered. Before administering the medication, what is the nurse's first priority?

Question

A) Weigh the patient.
B) Obtain baseline vital signs.
C) Call the physician.
D) Administer the medication between meals.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Of the antipsychotics, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, pimozide, prochlorperazine, risperidone, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine are the only ones with established pediatric regimens. Aripiprazole has dosages for children 13 to 17 years of age but would not be appropriate for a 7-year-old child. Weighing the patient and obtaining baseline vital signs is necessary assessment data but is not the first priority. There is nothing to indicate medications should be administered between meals.