Question

The nurse works on an inpatient mental health unit. When administering antipsychotic medications, what client would the nurse expect to require a standard dosage?

a. African American adolescent client diagnosed with schizophrenia
b. Malaysian middle adult client diagnosed with bipolar disorder
c. Saudi Arabian older adult client diagnosed with schizophrenia
d. White young adult client diagnosed with bipolar disorder

Answer 1

A Saudi Arabian older adult client diagnosed with schizophrenia is most likely to require a standard dosage of antipsychotic medications since these medications are primarily formulated to treat schizophrenia, which aligns with the client's diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking which client would a nurse expect to require a standard dosage of antipsychotic medications when working on an inpatient mental health unit. A standard dosage of antipsychotics might be expected for the patient whose condition closely aligns with what antipsychotic medications are primarily formulated to treat. Antipsychotics are primarily used to manage psychosis, notably in schizophrenia, but also in other psychotic disorders. They work by blocking dopamine receptors and decreasing dopamine neurotransmission in the brain.

Among the client scenarios provided, a Saudi Arabian older adult client diagnosed with schizophrenia (c) is experiencing a psychiatric condition directly indicated for the use of antipsychotic medication. Schizophrenia often includes symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, and treatment with antipsychotics can reduce these symptoms alongside positive symptoms such as disorganized thinking and behaviors. Therefore, this client would be the most likely to receive a standard dosage of antipsychotic medication compared to clients with other diagnoses mentioned in the options provided.