A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and alterations in speech. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: SSRIs are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. They are not effective in addressing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, which are often associated with psychotic disorders. B. Dopamine antagonist: Dopamine antagonists, often referred to as antipsychotic medications, are the primary treatment for managing delusions and hallucinations. These medications work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. C. Benzodiazepine: While benzodiazepines may be used to manage anxiety or agitation, they do not directly treat delusions or hallucinations. Using them in clients with psychotic symptoms could potentially mask underlying issues without addressing the core problems. D. Mood stabilizer: Mood stabilizers are primarily indicated for mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Although they can help manage mood swings and irritability, they do not specifically target the psychotic symptoms of delusions and hallucinations, making them less appropriate in this context.