Schizophrenia Nursing Intervention Essay

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Pages: 3

Nursing interventions for the person living with schizophrenia are important in all phases of the disorder. During the initial acute phase of schizophrenia, the most important nursing intervention is to initiate pharmacological treatment in collaboration with the psychiatrist and the mental health team. The nurse will monitor the patient for 1 to 2 weeks as the medication begins to take affect and help decrease the symptoms of psychosis (Austin et al., 2010). Risperidone is a common atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms. During the drug trial the nurse will be watching closely for tremors, motor restlessness or any abnormal movements which may be a warning sign for extrapyramidal side effects. Extrapyramidal side effects such as akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, and muscle stiffness such as torticollis and retrocollis may occur. If other atypical antipsychotics are not therapeutic for the patient, then Clozapine can be initiated but weekly blood draws would be required to monitor for agranulocytosis (Austin et al., 2010). Once the patient is …show more content…
In 2013 the National Institute for Mental Health found that people living with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease furthermore their life expectancy is 25 years than that of the general population (El-Mallakh, Yates, & Adkins. 2013). During the acute phase of the illness the patient may not have an adequate intake and once stable may over compensate. An important nursing intervention to counteract this is to promote a maintenance of healthy eating and regular exercise. As a result of cognitive deficits it may be difficult for someone living with schizophrenia to remember a specific plan so preparing a weekly plan in collaboration with the patient and family that is easy to follow would increase the chances of