ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the taking of the health history of a 78-year-old man, his wife states that he occasionally has problems with short-term memory loss and confusion: 'He can't even remember how to button his shirt.' When assessing his sensory system, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Before testing the sensory system, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the patient's mental status and ability to follow directions. This is important because cognitive impairment, such as short-term memory loss and confusion, can impact the accuracy of sensory testing results. By assessing the patient's mental status first, the nurse can ensure that the sensory test results are valid and reliable. This step is essential in providing accurate and comprehensive care for the patient. A: The nurse should test the sensory system, but assessing mental status is also necessary. B: Mental status can affect sensory ability, so assessing it is crucial. C: While explaining tests is important, assessing mental status should be the priority before testing.
Question 2 of 5
A 32-year-old woman tells the nurse that she has noticed 'very sudden, jerky movements' mainly in her hands and arms. She says, 'They seem to come and go, primarily when I am trying to do something. I haven't noticed them when I'm sleeping.' This description suggests:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chorea. Chorea is characterized by sudden, jerky, involuntary movements that tend to be random and unpredictable. The description provided by the patient matches the hallmark features of chorea, such as the sudden and irregular movements mainly in the hands and arms that occur during voluntary actions. Tics (choice A) are repetitive, stereotyped movements or vocalizations. Athetosis (choice B) is characterized by slow, writhing, involuntary movements. Myoclonus (choice C) involves sudden, brief muscle contractions. Therefore, based on the patient's description, chorea is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a 40-year-old male patient who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which of the following symptoms would be expected for a patient with MS?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Loss of coordination and balance. In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination of nerve fibers impairs communication between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms such as loss of coordination and balance. This is due to disrupted signals affecting motor control. Unilateral weakness or paralysis (A) is more characteristic of a stroke or nerve injury, not MS. Memory loss and dementia (C) are not typical symptoms of MS, as it primarily affects the central nervous system. Sensation of pins and needles in both legs (D) is more commonly associated with peripheral nerve issues like peripheral neuropathy, not MS.
Question 5 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.