ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Drugs Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with the diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia. Which of the client’s neurotransmitters should a nurse expect to be elevated?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine. In catatonic schizophrenia, there is an excess of dopamine activity in the brain, leading to symptoms such as disorganized movements and behaviors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, motivation, and movement. Elevated dopamine levels are associated with psychotic symptoms seen in schizophrenia. Serotonin (Choice A) is more related to mood regulation, GABA (Choice C) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability, and histamine (Choice D) is involved in the sleep-wake cycle and immune response, but they are not specifically implicated in catatonic schizophrenia.
Question 2 of 5
During the maintenance phase of treatment, a patient with bipolar disorder asks, “Do I have to keep taking lithium even though my mood is stable now?” Select the nurse’s best response.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it emphasizes the importance of taking medication daily to prevent future relapses and recurrences in bipolar disorder. This response educates the patient on the necessity of maintenance treatment for long-term stability. Choice A is incorrect as it may imply stopping medication prematurely. Choice C provides a general guideline but lacks individualized advice. Choice D is incorrect as it questions the healthcare provider's decision without considering the patient's specific needs.
Question 3 of 5
An African American patient has developed hypertension. The nurse is aware that which group(s) of antihypertensive drugs are less effective in African American patients?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. African American patients tend to have better responses to diuretics and calcium channel blockers compared to beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. This is primarily due to genetic differences in how these drugs are metabolized in the body. Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors may be less effective in African American patients, leading to poorer blood pressure control. Additionally, these medications may have more side effects in this population. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to consider these factors when selecting antihypertensive medications for African American patients.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with bipolar disorder has an unstable mood, aggressiveness, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. The nurse begins care planning 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. For a patient with bipolar disorder experiencing unstable mood, aggressiveness, and talkativeness, a mood stabilizer would be the most appropriate medication. Mood stabilizers help regulate mood swings and prevent episodes of mania or depression. Anticholinergics (choice A) are not typically used to treat bipolar disorder. Psychostimulants (choice C) can exacerbate manic symptoms. Antidepressants (choice D) may trigger manic episodes if used alone without a mood stabilizer. Therefore, the most suitable option to address the symptoms described would be a mood stabilizer.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, “My doctor says my problem may be with the neurotransmitters in my brain. What are neurotransmitters?” The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides a clear and concise definition of neurotransmitters as chemical messengers in the brain responsible for brain communication. This response directly addresses the patient's question and educates them on the role of neurotransmitters. Answer A is incorrect as it delays providing the necessary information about neurotransmitters to the patient. Answer B is incorrect as it assumes the patient is concerned about having a serious mental disorder, which may not be the case. Answer C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the treatment of neurotransmitter problems and may give the patient false expectations.