Question

a client with an acute onset of disorganized thinking and hallucinations is prescribed an intramuscular dose of chlorpromazine. how soon after administration can the nurse assess for therapeutic effect?

Answer 1

Chlorpromazine, when administered intramuscularly, begins to exert its neuroleptic effects within 15 to 30 minutes; however, maximal therapeutic effects on psychotic symptoms may take several days to be fully appreciated.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who is experiencing an acute onset of disorganized thinking and hallucinations and is prescribed an intramuscular dose of chlorpromazine can expect to observe the onset of the therapeutic effect relatively quickly due to the route of administration. When chlorpromazine is administered intramuscularly, as opposed to orally, the peak plasma concentration is reached more rapidly, which means the onset of the drug's action is faster. Therefore, nurses can assess for therapeutic effects shortly after the administration, generally within 15 to 30 minutes, as the drug will begin to exert its neuroleptic effects, calming agitation and mitigating hallucinations and disorganized thoughts.

While initial effects can be noticed shortly after administration, the full therapeutic effects, particularly on psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, often develop over days. Thus, continual monitoring and assessment of the patient's response to the medication are necessary to determine the full therapeutic outcome.