Question

The nurse has completed medication education with the patient who is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse evaluates that the education has been effective when the patient makes which statement?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Risperidone is a potent atypical antipsychotic drug. It is a selective monoaminergic antagonist with unique properties. It has high affinity for 5-HT2 serotoninergic and D2 dopaminergic receptors. Risperidone also binds to alpha-1 receptors adrenergic and, with lower affinity, histamine H1 and alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Risperidone does not have affinity for cholinergic receptors. Although risperidone is a potent D2 antagonist, this is considered responsible for improving the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, its depressant effect on motor and catalepsy inducer is less potent than classical neuroleptics.

It is most often used in the treatment of delusional psychoses, including schizophrenia. However, risperidone, like other atypical antipsychotics, is also used to treat some forms of bipolar disorder, depressive psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. In the United States, it has also been approved for the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents (although is not recommended for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and milder forms of autism due to its effects).