The nurse observes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia is slow to respond and appears to be listening to unseen others. Which medication does the nurse anticipate the provider will prescribe?

Choice A reason: Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety, panic disorders, and seizure control. It is not a first-line treatment for schizophrenia and does not address core psychotic symptoms such as auditory hallucinations or thought disturbances. It may be used adjunctively for agitation or anxiety but is not the primary treatment. Choice B reason: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which are side effects of antipsychotic medications. It is not used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia itself. Prescribing benztropine without an antipsychotic would not address the client’s hallucinations or delayed responses. Choice C reason: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it may be used adjunctively in clients with schizophrenia who have comorbid depression, it does not treat the core psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. Choice D reason: Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that is effective in treating both positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal, flat affect) of schizophrenia. It works by modulating dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain. Given the client’s presentation of auditory hallucinations and slowed responses, risperidone is the most appropriate choice to address these symptoms.