Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for risperidone for schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor for as an adverse effect?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Weight gain. Risperidone, an antipsychotic medication, commonly causes weight gain as an adverse effect due to its impact on appetite regulation and metabolism. The nurse should monitor the client's weight regularly to detect any significant changes that may require intervention. Hypotension (B), bradycardia (C), and hypoglycemia (D) are less likely adverse effects associated with risperidone. Hypotension and bradycardia are more commonly seen with other medications like beta-blockers, while hypoglycemia is not a typical side effect of risperidone.