Ling has a nursing diagnosis of risk for other-directed violence. Ling's Eastern culture family is having difficulty coping with the illness due to their beliefs. A favorable therapeutic modality for this patient might include:

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Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions

Question 1 of 5

Ling has a nursing diagnosis of risk for other-directed violence. Ling's Eastern culture family is having difficulty coping with the illness due to their beliefs. A favorable therapeutic modality for this patient might include:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Family therapy. Family therapy is the most suitable option as it involves addressing the family's difficulties in coping with Ling's illness due to their cultural beliefs. By involving the family in therapy, it can help improve communication, understanding, and support for Ling. Outpatient therapy (A) may not address the family dynamics adequately. Long-term inpatient care (C) may not be necessary and could potentially isolate Ling from her family. Assimilation therapy (D) is not a recognized therapeutic modality and may not address the root issue of cultural differences within the family.

Question 2 of 5

Which would be the most likely diagnosis for this patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of a Psychotropic Medication Quiz, the most likely diagnosis for a patient exhibiting symptoms such as involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes would be Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms like chorea, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, but the distinct combination of symptoms seen in Huntington's sets it apart from other conditions. Option A, Tardive dyskinesia, is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications and typically presents with abnormal, involuntary movements of the face and body. Option B, Alzheimer's dementia, primarily affects memory and cognitive function without the characteristic motor symptoms seen in the patient. Option C, Pseudo-dementia, refers to cognitive deficits that mimic dementia but are caused by underlying psychiatric conditions rather than neurodegenerative disorders. In an educational context, understanding the differential diagnosis of movement disorders and cognitive decline is crucial for healthcare professionals working with patients on psychotropic medications. Recognizing the distinct features of each condition helps in accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning, and providing quality care to patients.

Question 3 of 5

A patient with a long history of hypertension and diabetes now develops confusion. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarcts. Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct diagnostic procedure that the nurse should expect to prepare the patient for first is a Computed Tomography (CT) scan (Option B). A CT scan is the most appropriate initial imaging study for differentiating between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarcts due to its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images of the brain, allowing for the visualization of any structural abnormalities such as infarcts or brain atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease. Skull x-rays (Option A) are not commonly used for diagnosing intracranial conditions due to their limited ability to provide detailed information about brain structures. Positron-emission tomography (PET) (Option C) and Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (Option D) are functional imaging modalities that can assess brain function and blood flow but are typically used after structural abnormalities have been identified to further characterize the nature of the condition. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the rationale behind selecting specific diagnostic procedures to ensure appropriate and timely patient care. By knowing the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality, nurses can advocate for the most effective diagnostic approach, leading to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for patients exhibiting cognitive changes.

Question 4 of 5

A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. Which drug action causes these symptoms to develop?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Dopamine-blocking effects. This side effect of restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion is known as akathisia and is commonly associated with medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain, such as typical antipsychotic medications. Anticholinergic effects (Option A) typically present with symptoms like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation, not restlessness. Endocrine-stimulating effects (Option C) would not directly cause restlessness or the need to be in motion. The ability to stimulate spinal nerves (Option D) would not lead to the specific symptoms described in the question. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacological effects of psychotropic medications and the potential side effects they can cause. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working with individuals with mental illness, to be able to recognize and manage side effects like akathisia to ensure the overall well-being of their patients. Understanding drug actions and potential side effects is essential in providing safe and effective care in mental health settings.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse can anticipate anticholinergic side effects are likely when a patient takes:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Imipramine (Tofranil) because it is a tricyclic antidepressant that commonly exhibits anticholinergic side effects due to its pharmacological properties. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine have strong anticholinergic effects, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and cognitive impairment. Option A) Lithium (Lithobid) is a mood stabilizer commonly used in bipolar disorder. While lithium can have side effects like tremors and thyroid issues, it does not typically cause anticholinergic effects. Option B) Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anxiolytic medication that does not have anticholinergic properties. It primarily works on serotonin receptors and does not lead to anticholinergic side effects. Option D) Risperidone (Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic that does not exert significant anticholinergic effects. Its side effect profile is more commonly associated with metabolic issues like weight gain and sedation. Educationally, understanding the side effect profiles of psychotropic medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients. Recognizing the potential side effects allows nurses to monitor patients effectively, intervene promptly, and educate patients about what to expect. This knowledge also helps in assessing the overall impact of the medication on the patient's well-being and quality of life.

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