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 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
The wife of a patient who has been diagnosed with depression calls the office and says, -It's been an entire week since he started that new medicine for his depression, and there's no change! The medicine is not working! What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients and family members need to be told that antidepressant drugs commonly require several weeks before full therapeutic effects are noted. The other answers are incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is prescribed for a patient. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effect during this drug therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotics may cause severe neutropenia. The other effects are adverse effects of conventional antipsychotics.