Which decision did you select? Why did you select this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #1 and the results of the decision. Why were they different?

Pakistani woman with distorted thought processes

Decision 1: I will prescribe Risperdal to my client as this medication has shown effectiveness in treating positive schizophrenia symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. (Leucht et.al., 2013). I would educate the client on the benefits and dangers of medication and the need to take it as prescribed.

My hope in making this decision is to reduce the client’s positive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and improve her overall functioning. The Positive and Negative Sympathy Scale (PANSS) indicated that the client had a score of 40 for positive symptoms, which indicates the presence or absence of positive symptoms. The client could be better able to engage in everyday activities such as taking care of her children and maintaining relationships if these symptoms are reduced.

Decision #2: I would assess the client’s current living situation and explore any potential stressors or triggers that may be contributing to her symptoms, such as cultural conflicts or relationship issues with her husband. I would explore the support system or resources that are available to her, including family and community resources.

My hope in making this decision is to address any potential psychosocial factors that may be contributing to the client’s symptoms and to provide the client with additional support and resources. These factors may help the client better manage her symptoms, and decrease the risk of relapse.

Decision #3: I would explore the client’s concerns about her husband and his potential motives for harming her. I would also assess the client’s safety and explore any potential safety plans or resources available to her, such as a restraining order or a crisis hotline.

My hope in making this decision is to address the client’s concerns and ensure her safety. In cases of paranoid delusions, it is crucial to take into account potential safety concerns. In addressing the concerns of the client, she may feel more confident and better engaged with her treatment.

Difference between expected and actual outcomes: It is important to note that the actual outcomes of these decisions may vary based on the client’s individual circumstances and response to treatment. Although antipsychotics have shown effectiveness in treating positive signs of schizophrenia, certain patients can experience adverse effects or not respond to medications as well (Leucht and colleagues, 2013). While exploring stressors, triggers, and offering additional resources and support may benefit some patients, they may not work for others. Finally, while addressing safety concerns is important, it may not necessarily address all of the client’s symptoms or underlying issues. It is therefore important to use a holistic and individual approach when treating clients.

References: Leucht, S., Cipriani, A., Spineli, L., Mavridis, D., Örey, D., Richter, F., … & Davis, J. M. (2013). The comparative efficacy of antipsychotic drugs and their tolerability in schizophrenia. A meta-analysis of multiple treatments. The Lancet. 382(9896), pp. 951-962.