ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse should assess a patient taking a medication with anticholinergic properties for inhibited function of the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine, affecting the parasympathetic nervous system which controls rest and digest functions. Other choices are incorrect because anticholinergics do not directly affect sympathetic nervous system (B), reticular activating system (C), or medulla oblongata (D).
Question 2 of 5
A nurse administering psychotropic medications should be prepared to intervene when giving a drug that blocks the attachment of norepinephrine to alpha1 receptors because the patient may experience:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: orthostatic hypotension. Blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors can lead to vasodilation, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). This is a common side effect of alpha1 receptor blockers like some psychotropic medications. Increased psychotic symptoms (A) would not be a direct result of blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors. Severe appetite disturbance (B) is not typically associated with this mechanism of action. Hypertensive crisis (D) would be unlikely since blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors would lead to decreased blood pressure, not increased.
Question 3 of 5
A patient says, “I have taken mega doses of vitamins for 3 months to improve my circulation, but I think I feel worse.” Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. First, assess for symptoms and signs of toxicity from excess vitamin exposure because the patient mentioned feeling worse after taking mega doses of vitamins. This step is crucial to ensure patient safety. Option A is incorrect as simply advising caution without assessing for toxicity may delay necessary interventions. Option C is incorrect as assessing for circulatory integrity is not the immediate priority. Option D is also incorrect as educating the patient about research findings is important but not the immediate action needed in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
For which patient would it be most important for the nurse to urge immediate discontinuation of kava? A patient with a comorbid diagnosis of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
Which patient would most likely benefit from taking St. John’s wort? A patient with
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (C): St. John’s wort is commonly used to treat mild depressive symptoms due to its potential antidepressant effects. It may help improve mood and alleviate symptoms in individuals with mild depression. Summary of incorrect choices: A (mood swings): St. John’s wort is not typically recommended for mood swings as it is more targeted towards depressive symptoms. B (hypomanic symptoms): St. John’s wort can potentially worsen symptoms of mania or hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder. D (panic disorder with agoraphobia): St. John’s wort is not indicated for treating panic disorder or agoraphobia as it may not effectively target the underlying causes of these conditions.