ATI RN
Classes of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is unable to perform rapid alternating movements such as rapidly patting her knees. The nurse should document this inability as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Rapid alternating movements inability is characteristic of dysdiadochokinesia. Step 2: Dysdiadochokinesia is the inability to perform rapid alternating movements due to cerebellar dysfunction. Step 3: Ataxia is a general term for lack of coordination but does not specifically refer to rapid alternating movements. Step 4: Astereognosis is the inability to recognize objects by touch, not related to rapid alternating movements. Step 5: Loss of kinesthesia is the loss of ability to sense body position and movement but does not specifically involve rapid movements. Summary: Choice C is correct as it directly relates to the patient's inability to perform rapid alternating movements. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the patient's symptom.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse wants to assess for disturbances in circadian rhythms in a patient admitted for depression. Which question best implements this assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it directly addresses circadian rhythms by asking about the patient's best and worst times of day, which helps assess their sleep-wake cycle disturbances common in depression. Choices A and D focus on hallucinations and cognitive functioning, not circadian rhythms. Choice B is related to memory impairment, not circadian rhythm disturbances.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has symptoms of acute anxiety related to the death of a parent in an automobile accident 2 hours earlier. The nurse should prepare to teach the patient about a medication from which group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Benzodiazepines. In acute anxiety, fast-acting anxiolytics like benzodiazepines are effective in providing immediate relief by enhancing the effects of GABA neurotransmitter, reducing anxiety symptoms quickly. Tricyclic antidepressants (A) are not ideal for acute anxiety due to slow onset of action. Atypical antipsychotics (B) are not first-line treatment for anxiety. Anticonvulsants (C) are not typically used for acute anxiety.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse caring for a patient taking a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) will develop outcome criteria related to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mood improvement. SSRI medications are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to improved mood. Outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI should focus on monitoring and assessing mood changes to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. B: Logical thought processes is incorrect because SSRI medications do not directly target cognitive processes, so it is not a specific outcome criteria related to SSRI use. C: Reduced levels of motor activity is incorrect because SSRI medications do not typically cause significant changes in motor activity as a primary effect, so it is not a relevant outcome criteria for monitoring patients on SSRIs. D: Decreased extrapyramidal symptoms is incorrect because extrapyramidal symptoms are typically associated with antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs. Monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms would not be a relevant outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, “I’ve been having problems getting a good night’s sleep. I read some information on the Internet and started taking kava kava.” Select the nurse’s priority response.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The FDA warning against using kava kava due to potential liver damage makes it the priority response. Firstly, addressing the potential harm from kava kava ensures patient safety. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for reliable information. Choice A lacks specificity and may not address the seriousness of the situation. Choice C introduces a new treatment without addressing the current issue. Choice D makes assumptions about the patient's condition without proper assessment, potentially leading to overlooking serious health risks.