ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient asks the nurse to explain how antipsychotic drugs work to make him feel better. The nurse understands that antipsychotics act in which way?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking actions of dopamine. Antipsychotic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce psychotic symptoms. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with various mental health disorders. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because antipsychotic drugs do not block epinephrine, promote prostaglandin synthesis, or enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid to alleviate psychotic symptoms. Dopamine blockade is the primary mechanism of action for antipsychotics in managing psychosis.
Question 2 of 5
An atypical antipsychotic is prescribed for a patient with psychosis. The nurse understands that this category of medications includes which drugs? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clozapine. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic known for its efficacy in treating refractory psychosis. It is typically used when other antipsychotics have failed. Fluphenazine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are typical antipsychotics, not atypical. Olanzapine (D) is also an atypical antipsychotic but is not the best choice in this scenario as clozapine is more specifically associated with treating psychosis that has not responded to other medications.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is prescribed lorazepam. What does the nurse know to be true regarding lorazepam?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: It is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders due to its anxiolytic properties. It acts by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain, leading to a calming effect. Choice B, status epilepticus, is incorrect as lorazepam is also used for acute management of seizures, but not specifically for status epilepticus. Choice C, insomnia, is incorrect as lorazepam is not typically prescribed for insomnia. Choice D, sedation induction, is incorrect as lorazepam is more commonly used for anxiety and not specifically for sedation induction.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is receiving aripiprazole. Which nursing intervention(s) will the nurse include in the patient’s care plan? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remain with the patient until medication is swallowed. This intervention is important to ensure medication compliance and prevent cheeking or hoarding of the medication. By staying with the patient until the medication is swallowed, the nurse can confirm that the full dose is taken, reducing the risk of treatment failure. Choice A is incorrect because aripiprazole can be taken with or without food, so administering it before meals on an empty stomach is not necessary for absorption. Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring vital signs is important when administering aripiprazole, it is primarily to detect side effects such as tachycardia rather than orthostatic hypotension specifically. Choice D is incorrect because while assessing for neuroleptic malignant syndrome is important with antipsychotic medications, it is not a specific nursing intervention related to aripiprazole administration.
Question 5 of 5
A patient appears to have had an overdose of phenothiazines. The nurse anticipates that which intervention(s) may be used to treat phenothiazine overdose? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Maintaining an airway Rationale: 1. Priority in phenothiazine overdose is airway management to prevent respiratory distress. 2. Maintaining airway ensures adequate oxygenation and ventilation. 3. Gastric lavage is not recommended due to the risk of aspiration. 4. Adequate hydration may be needed, but not a primary intervention. 5. Fluphenazine is a phenothiazine and not a treatment for overdose.