ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 11 : Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching a class on the pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications. The instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a site of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pharmacodynamics involves how drugs act on the body, typically at receptors, ion channels, or enzymes. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals, not sites of drug action, indicating a need for further teaching.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing information about a psychiatric medication that describes the amount of the drug that actually reaches systemic circulation unchanged. The nurse identifies this as which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged. The first-pass effect reduces bioavailability, solubility affects dissolution, and biotransformation is metabolism, not systemic delivery.
Question 3 of 5
A patient receiving an antipsychotic agent develops acute extrapyramidal symptoms. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are treatable side effects of antipsychotics, not indicative of worsening illness. The nurse?s response should reassure the patient and explain that EPS can be managed. Denying symptoms, suggesting an allergy, or blaming sunlight are incorrect and nontherapeutic.
Question 4 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information related to drug therapy for mood disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is the gold standard for bipolar disorder due to its proven efficacy in stabilizing mood and preventing manic episodes. Carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine are used but are not considered the primary standard.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse administers a prescribed dose of lithium at 8 PM. The nurse would schedule a specimen to be obtained for a blood level at which time?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium levels are typically drawn 12 hours after the last dose to measure trough levels, ensuring steady-state concentration. A dose at 8 PM would require a blood draw at 8 AM. Earlier times (10 PM, 12 AM, 4 AM) do not align with this timing.