A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. Which drug action causes these symptoms to develop?

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Psychobiological Disorder Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. Which drug action causes these symptoms to develop?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine-blocking effects. Restlessness and uncontrollable need to be in motion are symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects caused by dopamine blockade in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in movement control, and blocking its effects can lead to motor disturbances. Anticholinergic effects (choice A) typically cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Endocrine-stimulating effects (choice C) would not directly cause restlessness or the need to be in motion. Ability to stimulate spinal nerves (choice D) is not a common side effect of psychiatric medications and would not explain the symptoms described.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse can anticipate anticholinergic side effects are likely when a patient takes

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: imipramine. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with strong anticholinergic properties, leading to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention. These side effects are common with medications that block the action of acetylcholine in the body. Lithium (A) is used for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder and does not typically cause anticholinergic side effects. Buspirone (B) is an anxiolytic medication that does not have significant anticholinergic effects. Risperidone (D) is an atypical antipsychotic that may cause some anticholinergic side effects but is not as strongly associated with these effects as imipramine.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse caring for a patient taking a SSRI will develop outcome criteria related to

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should develop outcome criteria related to improvement in depression because SSRIs are primarily used to treat depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Monitoring improvement in depression is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the medication. Choice A (coherent thought processes) is not specific to SSRIs and may not directly correlate with the medication's therapeutic effects. Choice C (reduced levels of motor activity) is not a common side effect of SSRIs and is not typically monitored as an outcome criterion. Choice D (decreased extrapyramidal symptoms) is irrelevant as SSRIs do not target extrapyramidal symptoms, which are associated with antipsychotic medications.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse cares for four patients who are receiving clozapine, lithium, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine, respectively. With which patient should the nurse be most alert for problems associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance? The patient receiving

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: lithium. Lithium is known to cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly affecting sodium levels. The nurse should monitor for signs of hyponatremia or hypernatremia. Clozapine (B) is more associated with metabolic side effects. Fluoxetine (C) and venlafaxine (D) are less likely to cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances compared to lithium. Sodium monitoring is crucial with lithium to prevent serious complications.

Question 5 of 5

A professional football player is seen in the emergency department after losing consciousness from an illegal block. Prior to discharge, the nurse assists the patient to schedule an outpatient computed tomography (CT) scan for the next day. Which strategy should the nurse use to ensure the patient remembers the appointment?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Log the appointment day, time, and location into the player's cell phone calendar feature. This method utilizes technology to set a reminder for the appointment, increasing the likelihood of the patient remembering. By inputting the information directly into the player's cell phone calendar, it serves as a tangible reminder that the patient will frequently access. This strategy leverages the convenience and accessibility of smartphones, enhancing the chances of successful appointment attendance. Choice A is less effective because a piece of paper can be lost or forgotten easily. Choice C is unnecessary as the patient does not require hospital admission for a routine CT scan appointment. Choice D relies solely on verbal communication which may not be as reliable as a digital reminder in a traumatic situation where the patient may be disoriented or forgetful.

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