ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 11 : Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is experiencing hallucinations and delusions. The nurse would expect the physician to order which class of drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hallucinations and delusions are hallmark symptoms of psychosis, treated primarily with antipsychotics. Mood stabilizers address bipolar disorder, antianxiety agents treat anxiety, and stimulants are used for ADHD, not psychosis.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a patient who is receiving phenelzine, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the patient states the need to avoid which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Phenelzine, an MAOI, requires avoiding tyramine-rich foods and drinks like tap beers, which can cause a hypertensive crisis. Fresh cottage cheese, cooked ham, and soy milk are generally safe, as they have low tyramine content.
Question 3 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing the various drug classes used to treat psychiatric disorders. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which of the following as examples of antianxiety medications? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Lorazepam (
B), a benzodiazepine, and buspirone (
C), a non-benzodiazepine, are antianxiety medications. Selegiline is an MAOI, zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic, and methylphenidate is a stimulant, not used for anxiety.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing an admission assessment. The patient complains that it has been taking larger and larger amounts of medication to get the desired effect. Based on this information, the nurse interprets this as suggesting which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Tolerance occurs when a patient requires increasing doses of a medication to achieve the same effect, as described. Desensitization is a broader term, therapeutic index measures safety margins, and toxicity indicates harmful effects, not increased dose requirements.
Question 5 of 5
An older adult is complaining of anxiety is prescribed diazepam (Valium) by a family physician. The physician asks the office nurse to explain the problematic side effects of this medication to the patient. Which instruction would be most important for the nurse to emphasize about this drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, poses a significant risk of dizziness and falls in older adults due to sedation and impaired coordination, which is critical to emphasize for safety. Incontinence is not a common side effect, memory disturbances are less immediate, and dependence, while important, is a longer-term concern.