American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What monitoring is recommended for patients experiencing medication-induced psychosis?

1. Daily weight checks

2. Monitoring for infection and metabolic derangement

3. Frequent blood pressure measurements

4. Scheduled EEGs

The correct answer is: Monitoring for infection and metabolic derangement

For patients experiencing medication-induced psychosis, it is crucial to monitor for infection and metabolic derangement because these factors can contribute significantly to the patient's overall health and the severity of their psychiatric symptoms. Medication-induced psychosis can arise from various sources, including side effects of antipsychotic medications or substance use, which may elevate the risk for metabolic issues such as hyperglycemia or electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, certain medications may compromise the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. By keeping an eye on infection signs and metabolic anomalies, healthcare providers can prevent complications, adjust medications as needed, and ensure the patient's safety and recovery from psychotic symptoms. The other monitoring options, while they may have their own importance in different clinical scenarios, do not directly address the immediate complications that can arise from medication-induced psychosis in the same way that monitoring for infection and metabolic derangements does.