ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications 101 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate to manage the patient's anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Relaxation exercises help calm the patient's physiological response during a panic attack by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This can reduce symptoms of anxiety. Encouraging relaxation also empowers the patient to self-manage their anxiety. Choices B and C do not address the root of the issue and may even exacerbate the panic attack. Choice D, encouraging the patient to talk about the stressor, may be beneficial in the long term but might be overwhelming during a panic attack.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to help the patient manage their condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encouraging the patient to follow a balanced diet and monitor blood glucose levels regularly. This is the most appropriate intervention because managing diabetes requires a combination of healthy eating habits and monitoring blood sugar levels. By following a balanced diet, the patient can regulate their blood sugar levels effectively. Regular monitoring helps the patient understand how their diet and lifestyle choices impact their condition. Choice B is incorrect because taking medication only when feeling unwell does not address the need for consistent management of blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect as exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect because managing diabetes is not just about symptom management but also prevention through lifestyle modifications.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing an acute panic attack. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques are effective in managing acute panic attacks by activating the body's relaxation response. This helps decrease the physical symptoms of panic, such as rapid breathing and heart rate. Encouraging the patient to face their fear directly (A) may escalate the panic attack. Reassuring the patient that there is nothing to fear (C) may invalidate their feelings and not address the immediate distress. Providing distractions (D) may not address the root cause of the panic attack and could potentially worsen the situation by avoiding the emotions causing the panic.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessing the patient for extrapyramidal symptoms. This is the priority nursing intervention because antipsychotic medications can cause these potentially serious side effects that require immediate attention. Extrapyramidal symptoms can include dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Regular assessment allows for prompt identification and intervention. Monitoring for weight gain (A), providing education on medication adherence (C), and reassuring the patient (D) are important aspects of care but assessing for extrapyramidal symptoms takes precedence due to the potential impact on the patient's safety and well-being.
Question 5 of 5
Becky tells you, “I have something secret to tell you, but you can’t tell anyone else.” The nurse agrees. What is the likely consequence of the nurse’s action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because agreeing to keep a secret with a client can blur professional boundaries, potentially leading to ethical issues and compromising the nurse-client relationship. This breaches confidentiality and can impact trust. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the negative consequences of maintaining a secret with a client. Sympathy, improved rapport, and enhanced trust can be achieved through professional and ethical communication, not through keeping secrets that may lead to boundary violations.