ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 16 : Psychotherapeutic Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been taking lithium for 1 year, and the most recent lithium level is 0.5 mEq/L. What concern will the nurse have, if any?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Therapeutic lithium levels are typically between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy. A level of 0.5 mEq/L is subtherapeutic, which may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Monitoring lithium levels is critical due to its narrow therapeutic index.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with the diagnosis of schizophrenia is hospitalized and is taking a phenothiazine drug. Which statement by this patient indicates that he is experiencing a common adverse effect of phenothiazines?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Phenothiazines produce anticholinergic-like adverse effects of dry mouth, urinary hesitancy, and constipation.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has been taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline for about 6 months. At a recent visit, she tells the nurse that she has been interested in herbal therapies and wants to start taking St. John's wort. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The herbal product St. John's wort must not be used with SSRIs because of the potential for serotonin syndrome. The other responses by the nurse are inappropriate.
Question 4 of 5
While monitoring a depressed patient who has just started SSRI antidepressant therapy, the nurse will observe for which problem during the early time frame of this therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FD
A) has issued black box warnings regarding the use of all classes of antidepressants in both adult and pediatric patient populations. Data from the FDA indicated a higher risk for suicide in patients receiving these medications. As a result, current recommendations for all patients receiving antidepressants include regular monitoring for signs of worsening depressive symptoms, especially when the medication is started or the dosage is changed. The other options are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with a suspected overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant. The nurse will prepare for what immediate concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressant overdoses are notoriously lethal. The primary organ systems affected are the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, and death usually results from either seizures or dysrhythmias.