ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 32-year-old woman tells the nurse that she has noticed 'very sudden, jerky movements' mainly in her hands and arms. She says, 'They seem to come and go, primarily when I am trying to do something. I haven't noticed them when I'm sleeping.' This description suggests:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chorea. Chorea is characterized by sudden, jerky, involuntary movements that tend to be random and unpredictable. The description provided by the patient matches the hallmark features of chorea, such as the sudden and irregular movements mainly in the hands and arms that occur during voluntary actions. Tics (choice A) are repetitive, stereotyped movements or vocalizations. Athetosis (choice B) is characterized by slow, writhing, involuntary movements. Myoclonus (choice C) involves sudden, brief muscle contractions. Therefore, based on the patient's description, chorea is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a 40-year-old male patient who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which of the following symptoms would be expected for a patient with MS?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Loss of coordination and balance. In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination of nerve fibers impairs communication between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms such as loss of coordination and balance. This is due to disrupted signals affecting motor control. Unilateral weakness or paralysis (A) is more characteristic of a stroke or nerve injury, not MS. Memory loss and dementia (C) are not typical symptoms of MS, as it primarily affects the central nervous system. Sensation of pins and needles in both legs (D) is more commonly associated with peripheral nerve issues like peripheral neuropathy, not MS.
Question 3 of 5
On the basis of current knowledge of neurotransmitter effects, a nurse anticipates that the treatment plan for a patient with memory difficulties may include medications designed to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: prevent destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. Medications that prevent its destruction can help improve memory function. Inhibiting GABA production (choice A) would not be beneficial for memory as GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Increasing dopamine sensitivity (choice B) is more related to motivation and reward processing rather than memory. Decreasing dopamine at receptor sites (choice C) may lead to movement disorders but is not directly related to memory function. Thus, choice D is the most appropriate option for addressing memory difficulties.
Question 4 of 5
A patient hospitalized with a mood disorder has aggression, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. A nurse begins the care plan based on the expectation that the health care provider is most likely to prescribe a medication classified as a(n):
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: mood stabilizer. This patient is exhibiting symptoms of mania, a hallmark of bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers, like lithium or anticonvulsants, are the first-line treatment for managing manic episodes. Anticholinergics (A) are used for symptoms like tremors or EPS. Psychostimulants (C) can exacerbate mania. Antidepressants (D) can trigger manic episodes in bipolar patients. Thus, a mood stabilizer is the most appropriate choice for this patient.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has taken many conventional antipsychotic drugs over years. The health care provider, who is concerned about early signs of tardive dyskinesia, prescribes risperidone (Risperdal). A nurse planning care for this patient understands that atypical antipsychotics:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: produce fewer motor side effects. Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone have a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia compared to conventional antipsychotics. This is because atypical antipsychotics target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, leading to a reduced risk of motor side effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the cost, potency, and availability of atypical antipsychotics do not directly relate to the reduced risk of motor side effects associated with tardive dyskinesia.