ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications 101 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices that his hands show tremors when he reaches for something and his head is always nodding. No associated rigidity is observed with movement. Which of these statements is most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. These findings are normal, resulting from aging. Tremors and nodding of the head without associated rigidity are common in older adults due to changes in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. This is known as senile tremors or essential tremors, which are benign and not indicative of a specific disease process. Hyperthyroidism (B) typically presents with other symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations. Parkinson's disease (C) is characterized by resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Evaluating for a cerebellar lesion (D) would involve different symptoms like ataxia and dysmetria. Thus, the most accurate statement is that these findings are normal in aging.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing the neurologic status of a patient who has a late-stage brain tumor. With the reflex hammer, the nurse draws a light stroke up the lateral side of the sole of the foot and inward, across the ball of the foot. In response, the patient's toes fan out, and the big toe shows dorsiflexion. The nurse interprets this result as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive Babinski sign, which is abnormal for adults. When the patient's toes fan out and the big toe dorsiflexes in response to the stroke with the reflex hammer on the sole of the foot, it indicates a positive Babinski sign. This abnormal response suggests upper motor neuron dysfunction, possibly due to the brain tumor affecting the corticospinal tract. In adults, a positive Babinski sign is indicative of pathology and not a normal finding. Summary: A: Incorrect - Negative Babinski sign is normal for adults, not applicable in this case. C: Incorrect - Clonus is characterized by rhythmic muscle contractions and is not demonstrated in the scenario described. D: Incorrect - Achilles reflex involves tapping the Achilles tendon to assess the integrity of the S1 nerve root, not relevant to the response observed in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Computed tomography (CT) scan. In this scenario, a CT scan would be most appropriate as it can quickly identify signs of multiple infarctions, such as ischemic strokes, which can present similarly to dementia. A CT scan provides detailed images of the brain's structure, allowing for visualization of infarcts and helping differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions. Reasons why other choices are incorrect: B: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan - PET scans are used to detect metabolic changes in the brain, which may not be as helpful in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions. C: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) - fMRI measures brain activity and may not be as effective in identifying structural abnormalities associated with infarctions. D: Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan - SPECT scans are useful for evaluating blood flow in the brain but may not provide
Question 4 of 5
A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. A nurse can correctly analyze that these symptoms are related to which drug action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine-blocking effects. Restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion are symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects, commonly caused by dopamine-blocking medications used to treat mental illness. Dopamine blockade can lead to an imbalance in the neurotransmitter system, resulting in movement disorders like akathisia. Anticholinergic effects (choice A) typically cause dry mouth and constipation, not restlessness. Endocrine-stimulating effects (choice C) would not manifest as restlessness. The ability to stimulate spinal nerves (choice D) is not directly related to the symptoms described.
Question 5 of 5
Priority teaching for a patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) should include which instruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a serious condition where the body's white blood cell count drops significantly, leading to infections like sore throat and fever. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial for timely medical intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to potential side effects or complications of clozapine therapy.