Question

The client is admitted to the mental health unit for 96 hours. The nurse reviews the routine admission laboratory and medication orders and notes that the client will resume the fluphenazine decanoate. The benztropine has not been prescribed. Which nursing action is best?

o Monitor the client for medication side effects.
o Obtain a prescription to begin the benztropine.
o Do not give the fluphenazine and document the reason.
o Ask the client about any side effects from the fluphenazine.

Answer 1

The best nursing action is to monitor the client for side effects of fluphenazine. Additionally, discussing with the physician about benztropine and asking the client about previous side effects is beneficial for comprehensive care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing action when resuming a client on fluphenazine decanoate without a prescription for benztropine is to monitor the client for medication side effects. Fluphenazine is a neuroleptic drug used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders by reducing agitation, restlessness, and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Since neuroleptic drugs may cause side effects such as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), it is important to monitor the client closely. Benztropine is often prescribed to manage EPS associated with antipsychotic drugs. Although the nurse should monitor for side effects, it is also advisable to communicate with the prescribing physician to discuss the need for benztropine or equivalent medication to prevent or treat potential EPS. Moreover, asking the client about previous side effects from fluphenazine can provide valuable information for their care.