ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
In preparing discharge planning for a client who has been prescribed lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder, the nurse must be sure that the client demonstrates an understanding of the need to monitor his or her diet for intake of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of a client being prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder, it is crucial for the nurse to ensure the client understands the need to monitor their diet for sodium intake. Lithium is a mood-stabilizing medication commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and it interacts with sodium levels in the body. Consuming high amounts of sodium can lead to increased sodium levels in the blood, potentially affecting the efficacy of lithium and leading to toxicity. Option A: Potassium is not directly related to lithium therapy monitoring. While potassium levels are important for overall health, they are not specifically monitored in relation to lithium treatment. Option B: Carbohydrates are not typically monitored in relation to lithium therapy. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, carbohydrates do not have a direct impact on lithium levels in the body. Option C: Protein intake is not specifically monitored in relation to lithium therapy. While adequate protein intake is important for overall health, it is not directly linked to lithium levels in the body. Educationally, understanding the importance of monitoring sodium intake in the context of lithium therapy is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment for clients with bipolar disorder. By providing this knowledge to clients, nurses empower them to actively participate in their care and manage their condition effectively.
Question 2 of 5
A female client who has had bipolar disorder for several years decides to stop all of her medications because she is tired of the side effects. She also cancels all appointments with her therapist, stating that it is just too difficult to plan the visits in her hectic schedule. This client is considered:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Noncompliance occurs with many individuals with mental health disorders because of the ways the side effects of the medication affect an individual as well as other factors. It is important to work with clients to prevent noncompliance. Depression, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies are not indicated in the situation described.
Question 3 of 5
A male client with schizophrenia lives in an assisted-living complex for individuals with mental health disorders. He is tired of the Parkinson-like symptoms he experiences with his antipsychotic medication and therefore stops taking his medication after much discussion with his treatment team. He is progressively withdrawing from reality but is not a safety risk at this point to himself or others. What is the best response of the nurse and treatment team?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Patient Self-Determination Act states that individuals who are not in an emergency or safety-threatening situation cannot be coerced, forced, or talked into following a suggested course, such as taking medication against their will. Monitoring safety and maintaining trust respects the client’s autonomy while addressing his condition.
Question 4 of 5
An adult female client has been diagnosed recently with mild depression but opts not to take the medication prescribed by her physician after talking with the physician about the benefits, risks, possible outcomes, and side effects. She decides to investigate alternative treatments. This client is making this decision based on the premise of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informed consent most accurately describes the situation because all aspects of taking the medication were discussed with the client before she made the decision to not take the medication. If she had already been in agreement with the regimen rather than seeking other alternatives, she would have been considered noncompliant.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering medications to a client with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. The nurse would expect to see which medication ordered for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the treatment of paranoid schizophrenia, the medication Risperdal (option D) would be the expected choice. Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug commonly used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, including paranoia. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Option A, Lithium, is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not schizophrenia. Depakene (option B) is an anticonvulsant often prescribed for seizure disorders, not specifically for schizophrenia. Neurontin (option C) is typically used to manage neuropathic pain and certain types of seizures, rather than schizophrenia. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind medication choices for specific mental health conditions is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals. By grasping the pharmacological mechanisms and indications of various drugs, healthcare providers can ensure safe and effective treatment for individuals with mental health disorders like paranoid schizophrenia. This knowledge also helps in monitoring for potential side effects and assessing treatment outcomes.