ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient asks a nurse, 'What are neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance.' The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a clear and accurate definition of neurotransmitters as chemicals that pass messages between brain cells. This response addresses the patient's question directly and in a simple, understandable manner. The other choices are incorrect because: A: This choice assumes the patient's emotional state without addressing the question about neurotransmitters. C: This choice deflects the question back to the doctor without providing any useful information to the patient. D: This choice provides incorrect information about neurotransmitters, as they are not substances we eat daily but rather chemicals in the brain.
Question 2 of 5
A patient begins therapy with a phenothiazine medication. What teaching should a nurse provide related to the drug’s strong dopaminergic effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Phenothiazine medications have a strong dopaminergic effect, which can lead to extrapyramidal side effects like muscle stiffness. This is due to the dopamine blockade by the drug. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to report any muscle stiffness promptly to monitor for potential adverse effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific side effect related to the drug's dopaminergic effect. Chew sugarless gum and increase dietary fiber are more related to gastrointestinal side effects, while arising slowly from bed is typically advised for orthostatic hypotension, not muscle stiffness from dopaminergic effects.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.