Question

A client has been prescribed risperidone for autism spectrum disorder. what should the nurse instruct the care provider about administration of this medication?

Answer 1

Risperidone is a anti psychotic medicine that induces changes in the interpretations of the chemicals found in the brain.  

The nurse must provide the following details –

a) Right age of using this medicine – A child should not be less than 5 years old.  

b) Side effects of the medicine such as – uncontrolled muscle movement, impotency, nervous system reactions (sweating, tremors etc.), low white blood cells.  

c) Past medical history of the patients – a patient should not have any heart disease, must not be diabetic, should not have any liver or kidney disease, pregnancy etc.  

Answer 2

Risperidone is classified as an atypical antipsychotic drug. Primary form of administration is P.O., by mouth, once or twice a day as recommended by the physician. In liquid form, the medication dosage must be measured out using the measuring device provided with the drug. No other household measuring tool will work as it may be inaccurate. It is important that the patient tale this prescription regularly as instructed, without missing doses.