A nurse is assessing a client with schizophrenia who is taking risperidone. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

Choice A reason: Weight loss is not a common side effect of risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic. It typically causes weight gain due to histamine and serotonin receptor blockade, increasing appetite. Monitoring for metabolic changes is important, but weight loss is not expected in schizophrenia treatment. Choice B reason: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), like tremors or dystonia, are side effects of risperidone due to dopamine D2 receptor blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway. These neurological effects require monitoring, as they can impair motor function and quality of life in schizophrenia treatment, necessitating dose adjustments or adjunctive therapy. Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia is not associated with risperidone. It may cause hyperglycemia due to metabolic effects on insulin sensitivity. Schizophrenia clients require monitoring for diabetes, not low blood sugar, as risperidone’s receptor profile does not typically disrupt glucose regulation in this manner. Choice D reason: Increased libido is not a side effect of risperidone. It may decrease libido due to prolactin elevation from dopamine blockade, affecting sexual function. Monitoring for hyperprolactinemia-related effects is relevant, but increased libido is not expected in this treatment context.