ATI RN
Use of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 59-year-old patient has a herniated intervertebral disk. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to see on physical assessment of this individual?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyporeflexia. In a patient with a herniated intervertebral disk, compression of the spinal nerve can lead to decreased reflexes (hyporeflexia) due to nerve root involvement. This is because the nerve transmission is impaired, resulting in decreased reflex responses. Increased muscle tone (B) is less likely as the herniation typically leads to muscle weakness or atrophy. Positive Babinski sign (C) and presence of pathologic reflexes (D) are associated with upper motor neuron lesions, not typically seen in herniated disk cases.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has delusions and hallucinations. Before beginning treatment with a psychotropic medication, the health care provider wants to rule out the presence of a brain tumor. For which test will a nurse need to prepare the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To rule out a brain tumor, a CT scan or MRI is essential because they provide detailed images of the brain structure, allowing healthcare providers to visualize any abnormalities such as tumors. Step-by-step rationale: 1. CT scan and MRI are common imaging tests used to detect structural abnormalities in the brain, including tumors. 2. These tests provide detailed cross-sectional images of the brain, enabling healthcare providers to assess the presence of any masses or lesions. 3. By evaluating the images from a CT scan or MRI, healthcare providers can determine if a brain tumor is present before initiating treatment with psychotropic medication. Summary of other choices: - A: Cerebral arteriogram is used to visualize blood vessels in the brain and is not specifically for detecting brain tumors. - C: PET or SPECT scans are more useful in assessing brain function and blood flow, rather than detecting structural abnormalities like tumors.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has anxiety, increased heart rate, and fear. The nurse would suspect the presence of a high concentration of which neurotransmitter?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Norepinephrine. In anxiety and fear, the body's "fight or flight" response is activated, leading to increased heart rate and heightened arousal. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in this response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. A high concentration of norepinephrine is associated with these symptoms. A: GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that typically has a calming effect, so a high concentration of GABA would not produce symptoms of anxiety and increased heart rate. B: Histamine is involved in allergic reactions and regulates sleep-wake cycles, not typically associated with anxiety and increased heart rate. C: Acetylcholine is involved in muscle control and memory, not directly related to anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate and fear. In summary, the presence of anxiety, increased heart rate, and fear points towards a high concentration of norepinephrine due to
Question 4 of 5
A nurse cares for patients taking various medications, including buspirone (BuSpar), haloperidol (Haldol), trazodone (Desyrel), and phenelzine (Nardil). The nurse will order a special diet for the patient taking:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: phenelzine (Nardil). Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that requires a special diet low in tyramine to prevent hypertensive crisis. Tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented foods can interact with MAOIs. Buspirone, haloperidol, and trazodone do not have specific dietary restrictions related to their mechanisms of action.
Question 5 of 5
An individual is experiencing problems associated with memory. Which cerebral structures are most likely to be involved in this deficit? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Temporal lobe. The temporal lobe is crucial for memory functions, including the formation and retrieval of memories. It houses the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory consolidation. The prefrontal cortex (A) is more associated with executive functions and decision-making. The occipital lobe (B) is primarily involved in visual processing. The parietal lobe (D) is responsible for sensory processing and spatial awareness. Therefore, in the context of memory deficits, the temporal lobe is the most likely cerebral structure to be involved.