Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is a common treatment consideration for patients with schizophrenia who also abuse stimulants like cocaine?

1. Increased social activities

2. Avoiding any form of drug intervention

3. Monitoring for rebound symptoms

4. Encouraging full dependency on the drugs

The correct answer is: Monitoring for rebound symptoms

For patients with schizophrenia who also abuse stimulants like cocaine, monitoring for rebound symptoms is a crucial treatment consideration. This is because stimulant abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia, leading to a worsening of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and agitation once the stimulant effects wear off. In clinical practice, healthcare providers must be vigilant in observing these patients for any signs of heightened psychosis or instability, especially during withdrawal or following the cessation of stimulant use. By closely monitoring for these rebound symptoms, healthcare professionals can timely adjust treatment approaches or interventions to address the patient's changing clinical status, thereby improving overall care and outcomes. Considering the other options, increasing social activities may not be suitable if the patient is currently experiencing exacerbated psychotic symptoms due to substance use. Avoiding any form of drug intervention fails to acknowledge the need for an integrated approach to manage both schizophrenia and substance use disorders effectively. Encouraging full dependency on the drugs would only further complicate the patient's mental health and could lead to more severe health issues. Therefore, closely monitoring for rebound symptoms is a balanced and necessary approach in dealing with such dual diagnoses.