ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female client who has had bipolar disorder for several years decides to stop all of her medications because she is tired of the side effects. She also cancels all appointments with her therapist, stating that it is just too difficult to plan the visits in her hectic schedule. This client is considered:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Noncompliance occurs with many individuals with mental health disorders because of the ways the side effects of the medication affect an individual as well as other factors. It is important to work with clients to prevent noncompliance. Depression, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies are not indicated in the situation described.
Question 2 of 5
An adult female client has been diagnosed recently with mild depression but opts not to take the medication prescribed by her physician after talking with the physician about the benefits, risks, possible outcomes, and side effects. She decides to investigate alternative treatments. This client is making this decision based on the premise of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informed consent most accurately describes the situation because all aspects of taking the medication were discussed with the client before she made the decision to not take the medication. If she had already been in agreement with the regimen rather than seeking other alternatives, she would have been considered noncompliant.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is administering medications to a client with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. The nurse would expect to see which medication ordered for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the treatment of paranoid schizophrenia, the medication Risperdal (option D) would be the expected choice. Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug commonly used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including paranoia. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Option A, Lithium, is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not schizophrenia. Depakene (option B) is an anticonvulsant often prescribed for seizure disorders, not specifically for schizophrenia. Neurontin (option C) is typically used to manage neuropathic pain and certain types of seizures, rather than schizophrenia. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind medication choices for specific mental health conditions is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals. By grasping the pharmacological mechanisms and indications of various drugs, healthcare providers can ensure safe and effective treatment for individuals with mental health disorders like paranoid schizophrenia. This knowledge also helps in monitoring for potential side effects and assessing treatment outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Psychotropic medications can cause a parasympathetic and/or sympathetic response from the autonomic nervous system. Which of the following is considered a sympathetic response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of psychotropic medications affecting the autonomic nervous system, the correct answer is A) Pupil dilation, which is considered a sympathetic response. Sympathetic responses are associated with the "fight or flight" response, which includes processes like increased heart rate, pupil dilation, and bronchodilation to prepare the body for action. Option B) Increased saliva production is actually a parasympathetic response. Parasympathetic responses are often referred to as the "rest and digest" functions of the body, which include activities like digestion and salivation. Option C) Decreased heart rate is also a parasympathetic response. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, heart rate typically decreases as part of the body's relaxation response. Option D) Constricted airway is another sympathetic response, but in this particular question, the correct answer is pupil dilation. Understanding the autonomic nervous system's responses to psychotropic medications is crucial in the field of mental health and pharmacology. Knowledge of these responses can help healthcare professionals anticipate and manage potential side effects of these medications, ensuring the safety and well-being of their patients.
Question 5 of 5
While completing the history portion of an admission assessment of a client with schizophrenia, the nurse notices that the client is continually moving in the chair and frequently stands and then sits back down. The nurse knows that this client most likely is experiencing the side effect of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Akathisia. Akathisia is a side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by restlessness, an inability to sit still, and a compelling need to be in constant motion. This movement disorder can be quite distressing for the client and is important for the nurse to recognize as it may be mistaken for worsening psychiatric symptoms. Option A) Drug-induced parkinsonism presents with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which are not exhibited by the client in the scenario. Option B) Dystonia involves sustained muscle contractions leading to abnormal postures or repetitive movements, which are not described in the client's behavior. Option D) Akinesia refers to a lack of movement and is not consistent with the client's continuous movement and inability to stay still. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care for clients with schizophrenia and to differentiate between various side effects of psychotherapeutic drugs. Recognizing and addressing akathisia promptly can improve client comfort and adherence to treatment.