ATI RN
Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs NCLEX Style Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Several children are admitted for diagnosis with possible attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Which is most important for the nurse to observe?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: A boy with an inability to complete tasks. This is important because it is a key symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Observing this behavior can help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate interventions. Explanation: 1. Inability to complete tasks is a common symptom of ADHD, indicating difficulties with focus and organization. 2. Lethargy (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of ADHD, which is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity. 3. Lack of impulsivity (Choice B) contradicts the typical presentation of impulsivity seen in ADHD. 4. Smooth coordination (Choice C) is not a primary symptom of ADHD and does not directly relate to the disorder's diagnosis. In summary, observing a boy with an inability to complete tasks is crucial for evaluating ADHD, as it aligns with the disorder's core symptoms, unlike the other choices.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse witnesses a patient’s seizure involving generalized contraction of the body followed by jerkiness of the arms and legs. The nurse reports this as which type of seizure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tonic-clonic seizure. This type of seizure involves both tonic (muscle stiffness) and clonic (jerking movements) phases, which align with the patient's presentation of generalized body contractions followed by jerkiness of the arms and legs. Myoclonic seizures (A) involve brief, sudden muscle contractions. Absence seizures (B) are characterized by brief lapses in consciousness without convulsions. Psychomotor seizures (D) involve complex motor behaviors and altered consciousness, which do not match the patient's symptoms. Therefore, based on the description provided, the most fitting type of seizure is a tonic-clonic seizure.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is having absence seizures. Which of the following does the nurse expect to be prescribed for this type of seizure? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Valproic acid. Valproic acid is commonly prescribed for absence seizures due to its effectiveness in controlling this specific type of seizure. It works by increasing the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, helping to prevent the abnormal electrical activity that leads to absence seizures. Phenytoin (A) and Phenobarbital (B) are not typically used for absence seizures. Phenytoin is more commonly used for focal and tonic-clonic seizures, while Phenobarbital is often used for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Clonazepam (D) is also not the first-line treatment for absence seizures. It is more commonly used for myoclonic seizures and certain types of epilepsy syndromes.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has initiated teaching for a family member of a patient with Alzheimer disease. The nurse realizes more teaching is needed if the family member makes which statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because Alzheimer's disease currently has no cure. Step 1: Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that worsens over time, leading to memory loss (A). Step 2: The exact cause is unknown, with various theories proposed (B). Step 3: Behavioral symptoms like personality changes, wandering, and aggression are common (C). Step 4: There is no cure for Alzheimer's; current treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow progression, not cure the disease (D). The other options are accurate statements related to Alzheimer's disease, making them incorrect choices in this context.
Question 5 of 5
What would the nurse teach a patient who is taking anticholinergic therapy for Parkinson disease? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because alcohol can enhance the side effects of anticholinergic therapy, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol can also worsen symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Choices B and C are incorrect because there is no direct interaction between cigarettes, caffeine, and anticholinergic therapy. Choice D is incorrect because while it may help relieve dry mouth, it is not specifically related to the use of anticholinergic therapy for Parkinson's disease.