ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 11 : Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing a continuing education presentation for a group of psychiatric-mental health nurses about various psychopharmacologic agents. The nurse is planning to discuss selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Which agents would the nurse include in this group? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: SSRIs include fluoxetine (
A) and sertraline (
C), which selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake. Duloxetine and venlafaxine are SNRIs, bupropion is an NDRI, and amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant, not SSRIs.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is brought to the emergency department by her brother, who reports that the patient became very agitated and started hallucinating. Further assessment reveals tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea. The brother states that the patient is taking paroxetine for depression. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine, an SSRI, can cause serotonin syndrome, characterized by agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially if combined with other serotonergic agents. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and dystonic reactions are linked to antipsychotics, and hypothyroidism presents differently.