Question

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has schizophrenia and a new prescription for iloperidone. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will be able to stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better B. If I feel drowsy during the day, I will stop taking the medication as soon as I feel better
C. I will be careful not to gain too much weight while taking this medication
D. this medication is highly addictive and must be withdrawn slowly

Answer 1

The patient demonstrates understanding of the iloperidone discharge teaching with the statement that they will monitor their weight, as weight gain is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates an understanding of the teaching about iloperidone, a medication prescribed for schizophrenia, is: "C. I will be careful not to gain too much weight while taking this medication". Iloperidone is an antipsychotic medication that works by blocking dopamine receptors to help manage symptoms of psychosis. It is essential to continue the medication even if symptoms improve and be aware of potential side effects such as weight gain, rather than abruptly stopping it due to drowsiness or fear of addiction.

Iloperidone is not highly addictive; hence, statement D is incorrect. Also, patients should not stop taking antipsychotic medications suddenly due to drowsiness (statement B) or when they feel better (statement A), as these medications are usually required for long-term management of schizophrenia.