Which drug is listed as an atypical antipsychotic in the delirium context?

Which drug is listed as an atypical antipsychotic in the delirium context?

• A. Olanzapine
• B. Haloperidol
• C. Chlorpromazine
• D. Lorazepam

Answer: (A)

Atypical antipsychotics are preferred in delirium when antipsychotic treatment is needed because they control agitation and psychotic symptoms with a lower risk of movement-related side effects than older drugs. Olanzapine fits this class, as it blocks both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, providing antipsychotic effects while reducing extrapyramidal symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics. In the delirium context, this balance helps manage agitation and psychosis with a more tolerable side-effect profile. The other options differ: haloperidol and chlorpromazine are typical antipsychotics with a higher risk of motor side effects, and lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that does not treat psychosis and can worsen delirium in some cases.

Atypical antipsychotics are preferred in delirium when antipsychotic treatment is needed because they control agitation and psychotic symptoms with a lower risk of movement-related side effects than older drugs. Olanzapine fits this class, as it blocks both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, providing antipsychotic effects while reducing extrapyramidal symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics. In the delirium context, this balance helps manage agitation and psychosis with a more tolerable side-effect profile. The other options differ: haloperidol and chlorpromazine are typical antipsychotics with a higher risk of motor side effects, and lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that does not treat psychosis and can worsen delirium in some cases.