Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is to start therapy with risperidone. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor to determine whether the treatment is effective?

a. Improved social interactions
b. Decreased hand tremors
c. Improved urinary control
d. Decreased obsessive-compulsive thoughts

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for improved social interactions as an indicator of effective treatment with risperidone for a client with schizophrenia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should monitor for improved social interactions as an indicator of effective treatment with risperidone for a client with schizophrenia.

One of the symptoms of schizophrenia is difficulty with social situations, such as impaired social skills and withdrawn behavior. Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication that works by blocking dopamine receptors and decreasing dopamine neurotransmission in the brain, which can help improve symptoms of schizophrenia.

Therefore, if the client's social interactions improve, it suggests that the treatment is effectively reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia.