Question

scenario: a patient on olanzapine for schizophrenia presents with hyperglycemia. question: what should be considered next? continue olanzapine and monitor blood glucose levels. switch to a different antipsychotic with a lower risk of metabolic side effects. add metformin to control blood glucose. discontinue olanzapine without switching.

Explanation:

Olanzapine is an antipsychotic with a high risk of metabolic side effects like hyperglycemia. When a patient on olanzapine develops hyperglycemia, the next consideration should be switching to an antipsychotic with a lower metabolic side - effect risk to address the root cause (the drug's side effect) while still managing the schizophrenia. Continuing olanzapine (first option) doesn't address the high - risk drug, adding metformin (third option) is a secondary measure and not the primary next step, and discontinuing without switching (fourth option) leaves the schizophrenia untreated.

Answer:

B. Switch to a different antipsychotic with a lower risk of metabolic side effects.