Antipsychotics improve psychotic symptoms by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain.This reduces the overactivity of these neurotransmitters that are associated with psychosis.

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotics do not increase dopamine and serotonin receptors, but block them.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotics do not increase dopamine receptors, but block them.

Increasing dopamine receptors would worsen psychotic symptoms.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotics do not decrease dopamine receptors, but block them. Decreasing dopamine receptors would reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotics.

Normal ranges of dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain vary depending on the individual and the brain region, but generally they are between 0.1 and 0.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for dopamine and between 101 and 283 ng/mL for serotonin.

Second-generation antipsychotics have a low affinity for dopamine D2 receptors and a high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.This means that they block less dopamine and more serotonin in the brain, which reduces the risk of extrapyramidal side effects and improves negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Choice A is wrong because first-generation antipsychotics have a high affinity for dopamine D2 receptors and a low affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.This means that they block more dopamine and less serotonin in the brain, which increases the risk of extrapyramidal side effects and does not improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Choice C is wrong because it is the opposite of choice A.First-generation antipsychotics do not have a low affinity for dopamine D2 receptors and a high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

Choice D is wrong because it is the opposite of choice B.Second-generation antipsychotics do not have a high affinity for dopamine D2 receptors and a low affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

Choice E is wrong because both first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics do not have a high affinity for both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.They have different affinities for these receptors, which account for their different effects and side effects.

Antipsychotic medications can also be used to treat other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder.This is because some antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), act on both serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which are involved in mood regulation.

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotic medications are not only used to treat psychotic symptoms, but also negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal, flattened affect, and anhedonia.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotic medications are not only used to treat schizophrenia, but also other psychotic disorders, such as schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and brief psychotic disorder.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotic medications are effective in treating other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.Some antipsychotics also have antiemetic effects, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine).

Antipsychotic medications can cause various adverse effects depending on the type and dose of the medication. This statement indicates that the client understands that antipsychotic drugs are not free of side effects and that they may vary in severity and type.

Choice A is wrong because antipsychotic medications do have adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal effects, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and agranulocytosis.

Choice B is wrong because antipsychotic medications can have more than mild adverse effects, such as drowsiness.Some of the adverse effects can be serious and life-threatening, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotic medications do not only cause serious adverse effects.Some of the adverse effects can be mild and manageable, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.

Normal ranges for blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and white blood cell count are:

• Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg

• Pulse: 60-100 beats per minute

• Temperature: 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F)

• White blood cell count: 4.5-11 x 10^9/L

Weight loss is not a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications.In fact, most antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Some antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®), are more likely to cause weight gain than others.

The other choices are common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision are examples of anticholinergic effects, which are more prominent with first-generation antipsychotics and clozapine.These effects can be managed by reducing the dose, switching to a different antipsychotic, or using adjunctive medications.

Antipsychotics primarily target serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are involved in psychosis and other mental disorders.Antipsychotics reduce or increase the effect of these neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate their levels and reduce psychotic symptoms.

Choice B is wrong because acetylcholine and norepinephrine are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics.Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning, while norepinephrine is involved in arousal and stress. Antipsychotics may have some effects on these neurotransmitters, but they are not their primary targets.

Choice C is wrong because GABA and glutamate are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics.GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal activity, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that increases neuronal activity. Antipsychotics may have some effects on these neurotransmitters, but they are not their primary targets.

Choice D is wrong because dopamine and GABA are not the main neurotransmitters affected by antipsychotics. As mentioned above, dopamine is one of the primary targets of antipsychotics, but GABA is not. Antipsychotics may have some effects on GABA, but they are not their primary targets.

Antipsychotic medications are used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder. They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which reduces the positive symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. However, antipsychotic medications also have many adverse effects, some of which are related to their dopamine-blocking action and some of which are related to their effects on other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine.

Some of the common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications are:

• Sedation: This is caused by the blockade of histamine receptors in the brain and can affect alertness, concentration, and coordination.

Sedation is more common with older antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol than with newer ones such as risperidone and quetiapine.

• Dry mouth: This is caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the salivary glands and can lead to dental problems, difficulty swallowing, and increased thirst.

Dry mouth is more common with older antipsychotics than with newer ones.

• Blurred vision: This is also caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the eye muscles and can affect visual acuity and accommodation.

Blurred vision is more common with older antipsychotics than with newer ones.

• Weight gain: This is caused by the blockade of serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus and can lead to increased appetite, metabolic changes, and obesity.

Weight gain is more common with newer antipsychotics such as olanzapine and clozapine than with older ones.

Therefore, weight loss is not a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications and is the correct answer.

Chlorpromazine and haloperidol belong to the first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), which are also known as conventional or typical antipsychotics.They primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain and are effective for treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions.

ChoiceBis wrong because quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), which is also known as atypical antipsychotic.It blocks both dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain and is effective for treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as anhedonia and flattened affect.

ChoiceCis wrong because olanzapine is also a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) that has similar effects and indications as quetiapine.

ChoiceEis wrong because risperidone is also a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) that has similar effects and indications as quetiapine and olanzapine.

Normal ranges for antipsychotic medications vary depending on the type, dose, and duration of treatment.

However, some general guidelines are:

• For chlorpromazine, the therapeutic range is 100 to 300 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 1000 ng/mL.

• For haloperidol, the therapeutic range is 5 to 20 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 50 ng/mL.

• For quetiapine, the therapeutic range is 100 to 800 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 1500 ng/mL.

• For olanzapine, the therapeutic range is 20 to 80 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 200 ng/mL.

• For risperidone, the therapeutic range is 4 to 24 ng/mL and the toxic level is above 50 ng/mL.

Drowsiness is a common adverse effect of antipsychotics, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.Antipsychotics block dopamine receptors in the brain, which can cause sedation and fatigue.

Choice B is wrong because antipsychotics usually increase appetite, not decrease it.This can lead to weight gain and metabolic problems.

Choice C is wrong because antipsychotics do not cause increased energy and restlessness.These symptoms may indicate a manic episode or akathisia, which is a movement disorder that can be caused by antipsychotics.

Choice D is wrong because antipsychotics do not directly improve mood. They are used to treat psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.Mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be needed to treat mood disorders.

This statement indicates a serious adverse effect that should be reported to the healthcare provider because it may suggestneuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal condition that can occur with antipsychotic medications.NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity, altered mental status, tachycardia, sweating, fever, and autonomic instability.It requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of the antipsychotic medication.

Choice A is wrong because “I have been feeling a bit dizzy when I stand up.” This statement indicates a common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications calledorthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.It is usually mild and transient, and can be managed by rising slowly and avoiding dehydration.

Choice B is wrong because “I have been experiencing dry mouth and constipation.” This statement indicates another common adverse effect of antipsychotic medications calledanticholinergic effects, which are caused by the blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the peripheral nervous system.They include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and tachycardia.They are usually mild and can be managed by drinking fluids, chewing sugarless gum, using artificial tears, and increasing dietary fiber.

Choice C is wrong because “I have noticed a slight increase in my blood sugar levels.” This statement indicates a possible adverse effect of antipsychotic medications calledhyperglycemia, which is an elevation of blood glucose levels.It is more common with atypical antipsychotics than with typical antipsychotics, and it may increase the risk of diabetes mellitus.It is usually monitored by regular blood tests and controlled by diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

Sedation and weight gain are common side effects of atypical antipsychotic medications.These medications act on both dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain and may also have some antidepressant effects.

Choice A is wrong because weight loss and hypotension are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics.In fact, weight gain is more likely to occur.

Choice B is wrong because hyperactivity and insomnia are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics.These medications may cause difficulty sleeping and extreme tiredness.

Choice C is wrong because blurred vision and urinary retention are not typical side effects of atypical antipsychotics.These medications may cause dry mouth and constipation.

Other possible side effects of atypical antipsychotics include dizziness, seizures, allergic reactions, heart problems, and high prolactin levels.Some atypical antipsychotics may also cause extrapyramidal symptoms, such as muscle spasms, restlessness, tremors, or abnormal movements.

These are more common with typical antipsychotics.

Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat various mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD, and treatment-resistant mania.They may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as Tourette’s syndrome.