ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male client with schizophrenia lives in an assisted-living complex for individuals with mental health disorders. He is tired of the Parkinson-like symptoms he experiences with his antipsychotic medication and therefore stops taking his medication after much discussion with his treatment team. He is progressively withdrawing from reality but is not a safety risk at this point to himself or others. What is the best response of the nurse and treatment team?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Patient Self-Determination Act states that individuals who are not in an emergency or safety-threatening situation cannot be coerced, forced, or talked into following a suggested course, such as taking medication against their will. Monitoring safety and maintaining trust respects the client’s autonomy while addressing his condition.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
____ is a side effect that can occur while a client is taking an antipsychotic medication, causing muscle rigidity, high fever, unstable vital signs, confusion, and agitation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: NMS is a very serious side effect of antipsychotic drugs that can lead to coma and death. Muscle rigidity is usually the first symptom, with symptoms progressing rapidly after the onset and reaching peak intensity in 3 days. The other options are also side effects of antipsychotics but do not describe NMS.