Reference no: EM133425488
Belinda is a 72-year-old female that is brought into the emergency room by her son because of a 1-week history of increased confusion, decreased need for sleep, and changes in behavior. According to the son, the patient sees dark shadows that keep following her and giving her commands that she must follow. She has a 6-year history of Parkinson's Disease treated with levodopa-carbidopa and entacapone. She not able to care for herself anymore and requires social assistance with daily activities. Neurologic examination shows a resting tremor in both hands and MSE where patient is only oriented to person. The patient refuses to take part in the remainder of the examination and asks to leave because "this place is not safe." All labs are WNL. The patient is admitted to the hospital and her anti-Parkinson medications are reduced. Four days later, the patient still feels threatened by the dark shadows following her.
Describe Belinda's positive symptoms.
List Belinda's risk factors for an initial diagnosis of psychosis.
Which therapeutic class of medications would be most appropriate for her?
The physician suggests initiating one of the following oral medications: risperidone, haloperidol, benztropine, or quetiapine.
Which of these agents is most appropriate and why?
Which of these agents should be avoided and why?
Based on the oral agent chosen in question 4, what are the monitoring parameters associated with the adverse drug reactions?
What counseling points would you provide to Belinda upon dispensing?