ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 11 : Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the stabilization phase of drug therapy for a patient who is hospitalized with a psychiatric disorder, which action would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The stabilization phase focuses on optimizing medication to control symptoms while monitoring for side effects. Assessing target symptoms and side effects ensures efficacy and safety. Tapering, relapse prevention, and loss of effect are addressed in later phases, such as maintenance or discontinuation.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has been prescribed clozapine for treatment of schizophrenia. Which of the following would the nurse include in the teaching plan for this patient and family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with significant weight gain, a common side effect that should be included in patient education. Hypertension, breast engorgement, and dermatitis are not typical side effects of clozapine.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who has been taking clozapine for 6 weeks visits the clinic complaining of fever, sore throat, and mouth sores. The nurse notifies the patient?s physician because the nurse suspects which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fever, sore throat, and mouth sores in a patient taking clozapine suggest agranulocytosis, a serious side effect involving a dangerous drop in white blood cells, requiring immediate medical attention. Anemia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and encephalitis have different symptom profiles.
Question 4 of 5
A hospitalized patient who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 2 weeks begins pacing and walking throughout the unit. He tells the nurse that he cannot sit still. The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still, common with antipsychotics. Akinesia involves reduced movement, dystonia causes muscle spasms, and pseudoparkinsonism mimics Parkinson?s symptoms like tremor, not restlessness.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse observes an older adult patient who has been taking antipsychotic medications for 8 months. The patient is smacking her lips and blinking her eyes rapidly. The nurse also observes a protruding tongue. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lip smacking, rapid blinking, and tongue protrusion indicate tardive dyskinesia, a serious side effect of long-term antipsychotic use. Documenting these symptoms is the most appropriate initial action to ensure accurate reporting and prompt physician review. Asking about side effects is vague, contacting the physician follows documentation, and tapering is premature without medical orders.