National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the purpose of prescribing Risperdal 4 mg/day?

1. Anxiety disorders

2. Dementia management

3. Psychotic disorders

4. Insomnia treatment

The correct answer is: Psychotic disorders

Risperdal, or risperidone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used in the treatment of various mental health conditions, with a key focus on psychotic disorders. Its mechanism of action involves blocking certain receptors in the brain, notably dopamine and serotonin receptors, which helps to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia. By specifically targeting psychotic symptoms, risperidone is often the preferred choice for managing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, where a patient may experience severe psychotic features. The typical dosing, such as 4 mg/day, is a common therapeutic dose aimed at balancing efficacy in symptom control while minimizing side effects, which is particularly important in maintaining overall patient compliance and quality of life. While risperidone may have applications in other areas, such as managing behavioral issues in dementia or sometimes being utilized in anxiety disorders, its primary indication and most robust evidence of efficacy lies in the treatment of psychotic disorders. Therefore, this is the reason why the correct answer points clearly to psychotic disorders as the primary purpose of prescribing Risperdal at this dosage.