A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for chlorpromazine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
A.
Decreased blood pressure
B.
Decreased hallucinations
C.
Decreased cholesterol
D.
Decreased esophageal reflux
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Decreased hallucinations.
Explanation:
Chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic medication that is primarily used to manage symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Its effectiveness can be evaluated based on the reduction of psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. Here’s a breakdown of why option B is correct and why the other options are not directly related to the effectiveness of chlorpromazine:
1. Decreased Hallucinations:
Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the symptoms of psychosis. Hallucinations are one of the primary symptoms of psychotic disorders that chlorpromazine targets. Therefore, a decrease in hallucinations is a direct indicator that the medication is working as intended. This reduction in psychotic symptoms reflects the medication’s therapeutic effects.
2. Decreased Blood Pressure:
While chlorpromazine can have hypotensive effects (it can lower blood pressure), a decrease in blood pressure is not a primary indicator of its effectiveness in treating psychotic symptoms. Hypotension is more of a side effect and not an intended therapeutic outcome of chlorpromazine use.
3. Decreased Cholesterol:
Chlorpromazine is not typically prescribed to manage cholesterol levels. While some antipsychotic medications can have metabolic side effects that may impact cholesterol levels, a decrease in cholesterol is not a direct measure of the medication’s effectiveness in treating psychosis.
4. Decreased Esophageal Reflux:
Esophageal reflux is not a condition that chlorpromazine is used to treat. The medication’s effects are not related to gastrointestinal conditions like esophageal reflux, so a decrease in reflux would not indicate the medication’s effectiveness.
In summary, the primary therapeutic goal of chlorpromazine is to alleviate symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations. Therefore, a reduction in hallucinations would be the most relevant indicator of the medication’s effectiveness.