Psychotic Disorders no. 4021

Psychotic Disorders no. 4021

QUESTION: A client with a history of medication noncompliance is receiving outpatient treatment for chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia. The physician is most likely to prescribe which medication for this client?

✘O a.) Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
✘O b.) Imipramine (Tofranil)
✘O c.) Lithium carbonate (Lithane)
✓O d.) Fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate)

RATIONALE

RATIONALE: Fluphenazine decanoate is a long-acting antipsychotic agent given by injection. Because it has a 4-week duration of action, it's commonly prescribed for outpatients with a history of medication noncompliance. Chlorpromazine, also an antipsychotic agent, must be administered daily to maintain adequate plasma levels, which necessitates compliance with the dosage schedule. Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, and lithium carbonate, a mood stabilizer, are rarely used to treat clients with chronic schizophrenia.
NURSING PROCESS STEP: Planning
CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity
CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
COGNITIVE LEVEL: Knowledge