ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most health care providers' drug of choice for the treatment of depression because:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The side effect most commonly reported, gastrointestinal (GI) upset, usually can be avoided if the client takes the medication with food. SSRIs can be used for both short- and long-term therapy; they are not the oldest class of antidepressants; and they usually take a few weeks before onset of effect.
Question 2 of 5
A female client calls the clinic for advice after forgetting to take her morning dose of twice-daily lithium 5 hours ago. Which instructions should the nurse give the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct instruction for the nurse to give the client. The rationale behind this is that lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that maintaining a consistent blood level is crucial to avoid toxicity or lack of efficacy. By eliminating the missed dose and sticking to the regular dosing schedule, the client minimizes the risk of fluctuations in lithium levels. Option A is incorrect because taking two doses too close together can increase the risk of toxicity. Option B is also incorrect because splitting the dose may lead to inconsistent blood levels. Option D is incorrect as it suggests doubling up on the doses, which can also increase the risk of toxicity. From an educational perspective, it is important for nurses to understand the pharmacokinetics of psychotherapeutic drugs like lithium to provide safe and effective care to clients. Teaching clients about the importance of adherence to dosing schedules and the risks associated with missed doses is crucial in managing mental health conditions effectively. This scenario highlights the significance of precise medication management in psychiatric care.
Question 3 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 4 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 diagnosed 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: 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. All three remaining options go against the Act. In addition, an involuntary emergency hold in a mental facility is not reasonable because the client is not a threat to himself or others.
Question 5 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. Client teaching, such as how and when to take the medication, would occur if she decided to take the medication. The client's right to privacy is not addressed in this scenario.