A Patient Who Has Diabetes Mellitus Is Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Multiple Choice

A patient who has diabetes mellitus is diagnosed with schizophrenia and the provider orders thioridazine. The patient asks the nurse why the provider hasn't ordered olanzapine [Zyprexa], which the patient has seen advertised on television. Which response by the nurse is the most important reason that this patient is not receiving olanzapine?

A) "Olanzapine is more expensive than thioridazine."
B) "Olanzapine causes more metabolic side effects than thioridazine."
C) "Thioridazine has fewer side effects than olanzapine."
D) "Thioridazine has a faster onset of action than olanzapine."