ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications 101 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an examination, the nurse asks a patient to bend forward from the waist and notices that the patient has lateral tilting. When his leg is raised straight up, the patient complains of a pain going down his buttock into his leg. The nurse suspects:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Herniated nucleus pulposus. When the patient bends forward and experiences pain going down the buttock into the leg, it suggests sciatic nerve irritation. This is a classic sign of a herniated nucleus pulposus, where the disc material impinges on the nerve root. Other choices are incorrect because scoliosis (A) refers to a lateral curvature of the spine, not associated with leg pain. Meniscus tear (B) is a knee joint injury, not related to the described symptoms. Spasm of paravertebral muscles (D) may cause back pain but not radiating pain down the leg.
Question 2 of 5
A patient tells the nurse that, 'All my life I've been called 'knock knees.'' The nurse knows that another term for knock knees is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 1. Genu valgum is the medical term for knock knees, where the knees angle inward and touch when standing straight. 2. Genu varum (Choice A) is the opposite condition, where the knees angle outward. 3. Pes planus (Choice C) refers to flat feet, not related to knee alignment. 4. Metatarsus adductus (Choice D) is a foot deformity, not associated with knee alignment.
Question 3 of 5
While gathering equipment after an injection, a nurse accidentally received a prick from an improperly capped needle. To interpret this sensation, which of these areas must be intact?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex. When a nurse receives a prick from a needle, the sensation is transmitted through the peripheral nerves to the lateral spinothalamic tract, which carries pain and temperature sensation to the thalamus. The thalamus then relays this information to the sensory cortex for interpretation. Choice A is incorrect because the corticospinal tract is responsible for voluntary motor movements, not sensory perception. Choice B is incorrect as the hypothalamus is involved in regulating bodily functions, not sensory perception. Choice D is incorrect as the anterior spinothalamic tract carries crude touch and pressure sensation, not pain sensation.
Question 4 of 5
During an assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices the following: an inability to identify vibrations at her ankle and to identify the position of her big toe, a slower and more deliberate gait, and a slightly impaired tactile sensation. All other neurologic findings are normal. The nurse should interpret that these findings indicate:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C (Correct Answer - Normal changes attributable to aging): 1. As people age, it is common to experience a decrease in sensory perception and motor function due to changes in the nervous system. 2. The inability to identify vibrations and position of the big toe, slower gait, and impaired tactile sensation are typical age-related changes. 3. Since all other neurologic findings are normal, it suggests these findings are likely due to normal aging processes. 4. There are no signs of acute dysfunction or specific lesions, supporting the interpretation that these findings are part of the natural aging process. Summary of other choices: A: CN dysfunction - Not supported as there are no findings indicative of cranial nerve dysfunction. B: Lesion in the cerebral cortex - Not supported as there are no signs of a specific lesion in the cerebral cortex. D: Demyelination of nerves attributable to a lesion - Not supported as there is no evidence of demyelination or lesion causing nerve damage.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is testing the function of CN XI. Which statement best describes the response the nurse should expect if this nerve is intact? The patient:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because CN XI, the spinal accessory nerve, controls the movement of the head and shoulders against resistance. Testing this nerve involves asking the patient to shrug the shoulders against resistance and turn the head against resistance. If the nerve is intact, the patient should be able to perform these movements with equal strength on both sides. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not pertain to the function of CN XI. A relates to hearing and CN VIII, B relates to tongue movement and CN XII, and C relates to eye movement and CN III, IV, and VI.