ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an examination, the nurse notices severe nystagmus in both eyes of a patient.. Which conclusion by the nurse is correct? Severe nystagmus in both eyes:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe nystagmus in both eyes may indicate disease of the cerebellum or brainstem. Nystagmus is an involuntary eye movement that can be a sign of neurological issues. The cerebellum and brainstem are responsible for coordinating eye movements, so abnormalities in these areas can lead to nystagmus. Other choices are incorrect because severe nystagmus is not a normal occurrence, not solely caused by nervousness, and does not indicate a visual problem requiring an ophthalmologist.
Question 2 of 5
On the basis of current knowledge of neurotransmitter effects, a nurse anticipates that the treatment plan for a patient with memory difficulties may include medications designed to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: prevent destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter essential for memory and learning. Medications that prevent its destruction can help improve memory function. Inhibiting GABA production (choice A) would not be beneficial for memory as GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Increasing dopamine sensitivity (choice B) is more related to motivation and reward processing rather than memory. Decreasing dopamine at receptor sites (choice C) may lead to movement disorders but is not directly related to memory function. Thus, choice D is the most appropriate option for addressing memory difficulties.
Question 3 of 5
A patient hospitalized with a mood disorder has aggression, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. A nurse begins the care plan based on the expectation that the health care provider is most likely to prescribe a medication classified as a(n):
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: mood stabilizer. This patient is exhibiting symptoms of mania, a hallmark of bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers, like lithium or anticonvulsants, are the first-line treatment for managing manic episodes. Anticholinergics (A) are used for symptoms like tremors or EPS. Psychostimulants (C) can exacerbate mania. Antidepressants (D) can trigger manic episodes in bipolar patients. Thus, a mood stabilizer is the most appropriate choice for this patient.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has taken many conventional antipsychotic drugs over years. The health care provider, who is concerned about early signs of tardive dyskinesia, prescribes risperidone (Risperdal). A nurse planning care for this patient understands that atypical antipsychotics:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: produce fewer motor side effects. Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone have a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia compared to conventional antipsychotics. This is because atypical antipsychotics target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, leading to a reduced risk of motor side effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the cost, potency, and availability of atypical antipsychotics do not directly relate to the reduced risk of motor side effects associated with tardive dyskinesia.
Question 5 of 5
A patient wants to learn more about integrative therapies. Which resource should the nurse suggest for the most reliable information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The NCCIH is a reputable organization that conducts research on integrative therapies, providing evidence-based information. They ensure the reliability and credibility of the information. The ANA (choice B) focuses more on nursing standards and policies, not specifically on integrative therapies. The FDA (choice C) regulates drugs and medical devices, not integrative therapies. The internet (choice A) is a vast source of information, but reliability can vary widely, making it less trustworthy compared to the NCCIH.