ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Side Effects Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
Select the best desired outcome for a patient who uses valerian. The patient will report
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because valerian is commonly used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. The desired outcome for a patient using valerian would be to achieve undisturbed sleep throughout the night. Valerian is known for its calming and sedative effects, which can help promote better sleep quality. Option A is incorrect as valerian primarily targets sleep-related issues, not stress directly. Option C is incorrect as valerian is not typically used to increase interest in recreational activities. Option D is incorrect as early morning waking without an alarm clock is not necessarily a desired outcome for a patient using valerian.
Question 5 of 5
A 22-year-old patient recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and states "I'm not crazy" and is refusing to take his prescribed medication. Which type of factor is contributing to this patient's nonadherence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Client factors. In this scenario, the patient's belief that taking medication implies being "crazy" reflects a negative attitude or belief held by the patient (client factor). This belief is likely influencing the patient's decision to refuse medication. Clinician factors (B) would refer to issues related to the healthcare provider, structural factors (C) would pertain to systemic barriers, and environmental factors (D) would involve external influences on the patient. In this case, the primary reason for nonadherence is the patient's own beliefs and attitudes, making client factors the most relevant choice.