ATI RN
Use of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
Intergenerational conflict may arise in immigrant families because the process of acculturation may be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Acculturation involves adapting to a new culture. Step 2: Children often adapt more easily than adults due to flexibility. Step 3: Children's exposure to the new culture from a young age helps. Step 4: This ease for children can lead to intergenerational conflict. Summary: Ignoring cultural beliefs (A), traumatic experiences (B), and assimilation (D) do not directly address why acculturation may be easier for children, making them incorrect choices.
Question 2 of 5
A woman, 68 years of age, presents with blunted affect; she seems indifferent to her surroundings and says that she has no sense of pleasure in life. She complains that she hears voices and fears that she is about to be killed. She is admitted to the acute psychiatric ward, where she is given an antipsychotic –Drug A. After treatment, her hallucinations and paranoia resolve, but she complains that she has a tremor and cannot move about quickly. After a change in her medication to Drug B, all of her symptoms improved. She does not need to have weekly blood tests. Which one of the following pairs most likely corresponds to Drug A and Drug B?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Haloperidol Olanzapine. Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic known for its effectiveness in treating psychosis but can commonly cause extrapyramidal side effects like tremors. In this case, Drug A is likely Haloperidol, which improved the patient's hallucinations and paranoia but caused tremors. Drug B, Olanzapine, is a second-generation antipsychotic that is effective in treating psychosis without the same risk of extrapyramidal side effects, making it a suitable alternative for this patient. Option A, Fluphenazine Clozapine, is incorrect because Clozapine is not associated with the extrapyramidal side effects seen in the patient. Option C, Risperidone Sertraline, is incorrect as Sertraline is an antidepressant and not an antipsychotic. Option D, Thioridazine Clozapine, is incorrect because Thioridazine is more commonly associated with cardiac side effects rather than tremors. Educationally, understanding the differences between first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics is crucial in selecting appropriate treatments for patients while considering side effect profiles. This case highlights the importance of individualized medication selection to balance symptom relief and side effect management in psychiatric care.
Question 3 of 5
A 17-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia was treated with Fluphenazine. Three days later, he developed a high body temperature and lead-pipe rigidity. The appropriate treatment for this patient would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Discontinue Fluphenazine and administer dantrolene. The symptoms described - high body temperature and lead-pipe rigidity - are indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like Fluphenazine. Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to treat NMS by reducing muscle rigidity and hyperthermia. Option A is incorrect because haloperidol, another antipsychotic medication, can worsen NMS symptoms. Option B is incorrect as adding an anticholinergic can lead to further complications. Option C is incorrect as benzodiazepines do not directly treat NMS. Educationally, understanding the side effects of psychotropic medications is crucial for healthcare professionals working with individuals with mental health conditions. Recognizing and managing NMS promptly is essential to prevent serious complications and improve patient outcomes. This question highlights the importance of monitoring for adverse drug reactions and taking appropriate actions to ensure patient safety.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse would anticipate that treatment for a patient with memory difficulties might include medications designed to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) prevent destruction of acetylcholine. Memory difficulties are often associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, where there is a deficit in acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning. Medications that prevent the destruction of acetylcholine, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, help to maintain higher levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain, thereby improving memory function. Option A, inhibiting GABA, is incorrect because GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in regulating neuronal activity, not specifically related to memory processes. Option C, reducing serotonin metabolism, is also incorrect as serotonin is more closely associated with mood regulation and not primarily targeted for memory improvements. Option D, increasing dopamine activity, is incorrect because dopamine is mainly involved in reward and pleasure pathways in the brain, not directly linked to memory enhancement. Educationally, understanding the role of neurotransmitters in memory and the mechanisms of action of psychotropic medications is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who play a key role in medication administration and patient care. By grasping the rationale behind using specific medications for memory difficulties, nurses can provide better patient education, monitor for potential side effects, and contribute effectively to the interdisciplinary team managing patients with cognitive impairments.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder has an unstable mood, aggressiveness, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. The nurse expects the health care provider to prescribe a medication from which group?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of treating a patient with bipolar disorder exhibiting symptoms of unstable mood, aggressiveness, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability, the correct medication group is mood stabilizers, which in this case would help manage the patient's mood swings and prevent episodes of mania or depression. Mood stabilizers like lithium, valproate, or carbamazepine are commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder as they help regulate and stabilize mood. Option A, psychostimulants, are not appropriate for bipolar disorder as they can exacerbate manic symptoms and increase the risk of mood instability. Option C, anticholinergics, are used for conditions like Parkinson's disease or to manage side effects of other medications, not for bipolar disorder. Option D, antidepressants, can be used in bipolar disorder but need to be carefully prescribed alongside a mood stabilizer to prevent triggering a manic episode. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind choosing the correct medication group for specific mental health conditions is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to provide safe and effective care. It highlights the importance of knowing the pharmacological mechanisms of psychotropic medications and their appropriate use in managing different symptoms of psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder.