ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Side Effects Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 56-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of dizziness, visual changes, and difficulty speaking. The nurse should suspect a diagnosis of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). Given the patient's symptoms of dizziness, visual changes, and difficulty speaking, TIA is the most likely diagnosis. TIAs are temporary episodes of decreased blood flow to the brain, causing these symptoms. Other choices are incorrect because migraines typically present with headache, multiple sclerosis with neurological deficits over time, and brain tumors with progressive symptoms. In this case, the sudden onset and transient nature of symptoms point towards TIA.
Question 2 of 5
A drug causes muscarinic-receptor blockade. A nurse will assess the patient for:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: dry mouth. Muscarinic-receptor blockade inhibits the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to decreased saliva production and dry mouth. Gynecomastia (B) is a side effect of antipsychotic medications, not muscarinic-receptor blockade. Pseudoparkinsonism (C) is a side effect of dopamine receptor blockade. Orthostatic hypotension (D) is a side effect of alpha-1 receptor blockade, not muscarinic-receptor blockade.
Question 3 of 5
The laboratory report for a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) shows a white blood cell count of 3000 mm3 and a granulocyte count of 1500 mm3. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A white blood cell count of 3000 mm3 and a granulocyte count of 1500 mm3 indicate severe neutropenia, a known side effect of clozapine. This condition requires immediate attention to prevent serious infections. The nurse should report these results to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible discontinuation of clozapine. Choice B is incorrect because giving the next dose could exacerbate the neutropenia and increase the risk of infection. Choice C is incorrect as aspirin is not indicated and forcing fluids is not the appropriate intervention for neutropenia. Choice D is also incorrect as repeating the laboratory tests may delay necessary interventions for the patient's condition.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a history of asthma says, "I’ve been very nervous lately. I think aromatherapy will help. I am ordering $250 worth of oils from an Internet site that promised swift results.” Select the nurse’s best action.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tell the patient, “Aromatherapy can complicate respiratory problems such as asthma. Let’s consider some other options.” This is the best action as it addresses the patient's asthma history and concerns about using aromatherapy. It shows the nurse's responsibility to educate the patient about potential risks and explore safer alternatives. A: Supporting the patient's efforts is important, but in this case, the patient's safety must be prioritized due to the existing health condition. B: Suggesting to check with friends does not provide reliable information and may delay appropriate intervention. C: Reminding the patient about medication costs is important, but it does not directly address the potential harm of aromatherapy in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
An older male patient has suffered with episodic pruritus and skin eruptions for over 2 years. This patient tells the nurse, "When my skin gets better for a few days, I start worrying that it’s going to start itching again soon. I think my worry may actually trigger the problems to start all over again.” Which self-help technique should the nurse consider suggesting for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Meditation. Meditation can help the patient manage stress and anxiety, which may be triggering or exacerbating the skin issues. By practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques through meditation, the patient can learn to better cope with worries and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced flare-ups. Incorrect choices: A: Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, not directly related to stress management or skin conditions. C: Purification is vague and not a recognized self-help technique for stress or skin issues. D: Acupuncture may offer benefits for some conditions but is not specifically indicated for stress management in this context.