ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male patient frequently inquires about the female student nurse's boyfriend, social activities, and school experiences. Which is the best initial response by the student?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial response is B because it establishes boundaries and maintains a patient-centered approach. Sharing personal information can blur professional boundaries and compromise the therapeutic relationship. Requesting a different assignment (A) may not address the underlying issue and could avoid addressing the patient's behavior directly. Sharing information to equalize the relationship (C) can lead to further boundary violations. Explaining that she cannot work with him if he persists (D) is premature and does not attempt to redirect the conversation back to the patient's needs.
Question 2 of 5
When considering facility admissions for mental healthcare, what characteristic is unique to a voluntary admission?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a voluntary admission, the patient willingly seeks mental healthcare and does not pose a substantial threat to themselves or others. This ensures that the patient has the capacity to make decisions about their own care. Choice B is incorrect because the right to seek legal counsel applies to involuntary admissions where the patient's rights are restricted. Choice C is incorrect as a written request is not always necessary for voluntary admissions. Choice D is incorrect because a previous diagnosis is not necessarily a requirement for voluntary admission.
Question 3 of 5
Which would be the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of a Psychotropic Medication Quiz, the most likely diagnosis for a patient exhibiting symptoms such as involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes would be Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms like chorea, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, but the distinct combination of symptoms seen in Huntington's sets it apart from other conditions. Option A, Tardive dyskinesia, is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications and typically presents with abnormal, involuntary movements of the face and body. Option B, Alzheimer's dementia, primarily affects memory and cognitive function without the characteristic motor symptoms seen in the patient. Option C, Pseudo-dementia, refers to cognitive deficits that mimic dementia but are caused by underlying psychiatric conditions rather than neurodegenerative disorders. In an educational context, understanding the differential diagnosis of movement disorders and cognitive decline is crucial for healthcare professionals working with patients on psychotropic medications. Recognizing the distinct features of each condition helps in accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning, and providing quality care to patients.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a long history of hypertension and diabetes now develops confusion. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarcts. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct diagnostic procedure that the nurse should expect to prepare the patient for first is a Computed Tomography (CT) scan (Option B). A CT scan is the most appropriate initial imaging study for differentiating between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarcts due to its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images of the brain, allowing for the visualization of any structural abnormalities such as infarcts or brain atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease. Skull x-rays (Option A) are not commonly used for diagnosing intracranial conditions due to their limited ability to provide detailed information about brain structures. Positron-emission tomography (PET) (Option C) and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (Option D) are functional imaging modalities that can assess brain function and blood flow but are typically used after structural abnormalities have been identified to further characterize the nature of the condition. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the rationale behind selecting specific diagnostic procedures to ensure appropriate and timely patient care. By knowing the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality, nurses can advocate for the most effective diagnostic approach, leading to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for patients exhibiting cognitive changes.
Question 5 of 5
A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. Which drug action causes these symptoms to develop?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Dopamine-blocking effects. This side effect of restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion is known as akathisia and is commonly associated with medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain, such as typical antipsychotic medications. Anticholinergic effects (Option A) typically present with symptoms like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation, not restlessness. Endocrine-stimulating effects (Option C) would not directly cause restlessness or the need to be in motion. The ability to stimulate spinal nerves (Option D) would not lead to the specific symptoms described in the question. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacological effects of psychotropic medications and the potential side effects they can cause. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working with individuals with mental illness, to be able to recognize and manage side effects like akathisia to ensure the overall well-being of their patients. Understanding drug actions and potential side effects is essential in providing safe and effective care in mental health settings.