ATI RN
Use of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse cares for patients taking various medications, including buspirone (BuSpar), haloperidol (Haldol), trazodone (Desyrel), and phenelzine (Nardil). The nurse will order a special diet for the patient taking:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: phenelzine (Nardil). Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that requires a special diet low in tyramine to prevent hypertensive crisis. Tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented foods can interact with MAOIs. Buspirone, haloperidol, and trazodone do not have specific dietary restrictions related to their mechanisms of action.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I want to try supplementing my selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with St. John’s wort.” Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. St. John's wort is known to interact with SSRIs, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. 2. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels. 3. Advising the patient of this danger is crucial to prevent harmful interactions. 4. This action prioritizes patient safety and ensures informed decision-making. Summary: B: Aromatherapy is not evidence-based for treating major depressive disorder and is not a priority in this scenario. C: Assessing for depression and suicide risk is important but addressing the potential drug interaction takes precedence. D: Decreasing the antidepressant dose should not be recommended without proper evaluation and medical guidance.
Question 3 of 5
Which CAM method is associated with using allergy injections of small amounts of an allergen in solution?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Naturopathy. Allergy injections of small amounts of an allergen in solution are associated with a treatment method called immunotherapy, commonly used in naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy focuses on treating the root cause of illnesses by supporting the body's natural healing abilities. Allergy injections aim to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. Homeopathy (B) uses highly diluted substances, not allergen injections. Chiropractic (C) focuses on spinal adjustments for musculoskeletal issues. Shiatsu (D) is a form of Japanese bodywork therapy involving massage techniques.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with depression confidently tells the nurse, "I’ve been supplementing my paroxetine with St. John’s wort. It has helped a great deal.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Educate the patient about the risks of selective serotonin syndrome. St. John's wort is known to interact with paroxetine, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. The nurse's priority is to ensure the patient is aware of this risk to prevent any harm. Choice A is incorrect because assessing changes in depression levels is important but not the priority in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as it is unrelated to the potential interaction between St. John's wort and paroxetine. Choice D is incorrect as adding valerian without addressing the potential interaction with St. John's wort can be harmful.
Question 5 of 5
What is the name of the lobe that controls visual processing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Occipital Lobe. This lobe is responsible for visual processing, interpreting visual information such as shapes, colors, and motion. It contains the primary visual cortex, which plays a crucial role in processing visual stimuli. The other choices are incorrect because A: Gyrus is a raised fold in the brain's surface, B: Frontal Lobe is primarily responsible for executive functions and motor skills, and D: Parietal Lobe is involved in sensory processing and spatial awareness.