ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 11 : Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a psychiatric patient who is receiving an antacid that contains aluminum salts. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aluminum-containing antacids can bind with antipsychotics in the gut, reducing absorption. Administering the antacid 1 hour before the antipsychotic ensures proper absorption of the medication. Giving them together or after may interfere, and bedtime administration is irrelevant to absorption timing.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is prescribed medication for a psychiatric disorder. After 3 days, the patient tells the nurse that he or she has been constipated. Which instruction would the nurse give the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Constipation, a common side effect of psychiatric medications, can be managed by increasing dietary fiber (fruits and vegetables) and hydration (water). High-protein foods may worsen constipation, a stool softener may be premature without dietary changes, and waiting for resolution dismisses the patient?s discomfort.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 70-year-old psychiatric patient who has been prescribed a number of medications. When teaching the patient about the medications, which explanation would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aging reduces liver function, decreasing metabolism of medications, which can lead to higher drug levels and potential toxicity in older adults. Stomach emptying slows with age, the GI system does not speed up, and circulation changes do not enhance drug delivery as described.
Question 5 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.