Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 221
The nurse knows that the physician has ordered the liquid form of the drug chlorpromazine (Thorazine) rather than the tablet form because the liquid:
A. Has a more predictable onset of action.
B. Produces fewer anticholinergic effects.
C. Produces fewer drug interactions.
D. Has a longer duration of action.
Correct Answer: A. Has a more predictable onset of action.
A liquid phenothiazine preparation will produce effects in 2 to 4 hours. The onset of tablets is unpredictable. If your medicine comes in a dropper bottle, measure each dose with the special dropper provided with your prescription and dilute it in a small glass (4 ounces) of orange or grapefruit juice or water just before taking it. The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Option B: Before using any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for colds or allergies, check with your doctor. These medicines may increase the chance of developing heatstroke or other unwanted effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation, while you are taking a phenothiazine.
Option C: Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Option D: The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.