ATI RN
Use of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 69-year-old patient has been admitted to an adult psychiatric unit because his wife thinks he is getting more and more confused. He laughs when he is found to be forgetful, saying 'I'm just getting old!' After the nurse completes a thorough neurologic assessment, which findings would be indicative of Alzheimer disease? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Misplacing items, such as putting dish soap in the refrigerator, is indicative of Alzheimer's disease as it reflects difficulties with executive functioning and memory. This behavior goes beyond occasional forgetfulness (choice A) and having trouble finding the right word (choice D). Difficulty performing familiar tasks (choice B) can also be a sign of Alzheimer's, but misplacing items is more specific to memory and executive function impairment. In this case, the patient's behavior suggests a pattern of cognitive decline rather than just normal aging.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I want to try supplementing my selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with St. John’s wort.” Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. St. John's wort is known to interact with SSRIs, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. 2. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels. 3. Advising the patient of this danger is crucial to prevent harmful interactions. 4. This action prioritizes patient safety and ensures informed decision-making. Summary: B: Aromatherapy is not evidence-based for treating major depressive disorder and is not a priority in this scenario. C: Assessing for depression and suicide risk is important but addressing the potential drug interaction takes precedence. D: Decreasing the antidepressant dose should not be recommended without proper evaluation and medical guidance.