ATI RN
NCLEX Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has been hospitalized for severe depression in the past, but has had difficulty finding stabilization on medication. The client is found unconscious, but still breathing, with an empty bottle of sertraline (Zoloftâ) beside her. She is stabilized in an emergency department and is then admitted to a psychiatric unit. A nurse understands that a physician may order electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for this client for what reason?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. ECT has shown effectiveness in acutely suicidal clients and those who have not responded well to medication. Here's the rationale: 1. ECT is often considered when medication has not been successful in treating severe depression. 2. ECT is particularly useful in acute situations where immediate relief is needed, such as in suicidal clients. 3. ECT is not chosen because the physician does not want to try further medication, as there are specific indications for ECT. 4. Cost is not the primary factor when deciding on ECT; efficacy and safety are key considerations. 5. ECT does not provide instant relief, but it can significantly reduce symptoms over multiple sessions.
Question 2 of 5
The patient’s serum digoxin level is 3.0 ng/mL. What does the nurse know about this serum digoxin level?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a serum digoxin level of 3.0 ng/mL is considered high or elevated. The therapeutic range for digoxin is typically 0.5-2.0 ng/mL, so a level of 3.0 ng/mL indicates potential toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because a level of 3.0 ng/mL is not in the low range. Choice C is incorrect because it is above the normal therapeutic range. Choice D is incorrect because it implies the level is average, when in fact it is above the therapeutic range.
Question 3 of 5
A patient asks, “What are neurotransmitters? The doctor said mine are imbalanced.” Select the nurse’s best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides a clear and accurate definition of neurotransmitters, which are indeed natural chemicals that help transmit messages between brain cells. This response directly addresses the patient's question and educates them on the basics of neurotransmitters. Choice A (parasympathetic nervous system) is incorrect as it does not explain what neurotransmitters are. Choice B (Increase dietary fiber) is irrelevant to the topic of neurotransmitters. Choice C (psychostimulant) is also incorrect as it does not provide an explanation of neurotransmitters. In summary, only option D provides a direct and informative response to the patient's query.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient who was recently prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which side effects could the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Antipsychotic medications commonly cause anticholinergic side effects such as constipation due to decreased GI motility. Step 2: Antipsychotics can also lead to decreased sweating, causing the patient to be more sensitive to heat. Step 3: These side effects (constipation, decreased sweating, and increased sensitivity to heat) are commonly seen with antipsychotic medications. Summary: Choice B: Increased moisture around the eyes, vomiting, and frontal headache are not typical side effects of antipsychotic medications. Choice C: Slurred speech, hand tremors, and severe occipital headache are more indicative of other medication classes, such as sedatives or migraine medications. Choice D: Sleeplessness, irritability, and muscle weakness are not commonly associated with antipsychotic medications.
Question 5 of 5
The wife of a client with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'I’ve learned that my husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run in families?' The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because recent research has indeed identified a gene linked to schizophrenia, indicating a genetic component in the disorder. This response acknowledges the genetic basis of schizophrenia and provides an accurate and up-to-date explanation. Other choices are incorrect: A dismisses the genetic link, C jumps to discussing the children without addressing the genetic aspect, and D is false as both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have genetic components.