A community mental health nurse cares for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who takes olanzapine. in addition to monitoring the patient's mental status, the nurse regularly should assess what of the patient?

The condition for this question is select all that apply. The choices are:

Peripheral pulses

Blood pressure

Blood glucose

Weight

Height

The correct answers are "weight", "blood pressure", "peripheral pulses", and "blood glucose". The most common side effect of Olanzapine is hyperglycemia which can potentiate the development of diabetes mellitus. Since the development of diabetes mellitus poses a risk for the patient to develop metabolic syndrome, then the weight should also be monitored to prevent obesity. Peripheral pulses should be assessed as diabetes can cause arteriosclerosis of the extremities which can lead to decreased peripheral pulses. Lastly, blood pressure shall be monitored to prevent cardiac complications.