ATI RN
Classes of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
The ability that humans have to perform very skilled movements such as writing is controlled by the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Corticospinal tract. This tract is responsible for carrying signals for voluntary skilled movements from the primary motor cortex to the spinal cord. This includes precise movements like writing. The basal ganglia (A) is involved in motor planning and coordination, not in the direct control of skilled movements. The spinothalamic tract (C) is responsible for transmitting sensory information about pain and temperature, not motor control. The extrapyramidal tract (D) is involved in regulating muscle tone and reflexes, not in executing skilled movements like writing.
Question 2 of 5
When the nurse asks a 68-year-old patient to stand with his feet together and arms at his side with his eyes closed, he starts to sway and moves his feet farther apart. The nurse would document this finding as:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Positive Romberg sign. This finding indicates a positive Romberg test, which assesses proprioception and vestibular function. The patient swaying and widening his stance with eyes closed suggests a loss of balance control when visual input is removed. This can be indicative of sensory ataxia, a dysfunction in proprioception. Lack of coordination (choice B) is a broad term and does not specifically describe the patient's response. Ataxia (choice A) refers to a lack of muscle control during voluntary movements, not related to balance with eyes closed. Negative Homans sign (choice C) is a test for deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities, not relevant in this case.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is testing superficial reflexes on an adult patient. When stroking up the lateral side of the sole and across the ball of the foot, the nurse notices the plantar flexion of the toes. How should the nurse document this finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Plantar reflex present. This is the correct documentation for observing plantar flexion of the toes during stroking of the sole. This response indicates a normal plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski reflex, in adults. A positive Babinski sign (choice A) would involve dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes, which is abnormal in adults. Choice B (Plantar reflex abnormal) is incorrect because the observed plantar flexion is actually a normal response. Choice D (Plantar reflex 2+ on a scale from '0 to 4+') is not appropriate for documenting superficial reflexes.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had neurosurgery. To assess for increased intracranial pressure, what would the nurse include in the assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assessing the level of consciousness, motor function, pupillary response, and vital signs are crucial indicators of increased intracranial pressure after neurosurgery. Level of consciousness can indicate neurological changes, motor function may show signs of weakness or paralysis related to brain damage, pupillary response can reflect brainstem function, and vital signs can reveal changes in cerebral perfusion. Choice A is incorrect because it does not include vital signs, which are essential in monitoring for increased intracranial pressure. Choice B is incorrect as it does not cover pupillary response, which is a key indicator of brainstem function. Choice D is incorrect as it lacks the assessment of vital signs, which are vital in detecting changes in cerebral perfusion.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is unable to perform rapid alternating movements such as rapidly patting her knees. The nurse should document this inability as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Rapid alternating movements inability is characteristic of dysdiadochokinesia. Step 2: Dysdiadochokinesia is the inability to perform rapid alternating movements due to cerebellar dysfunction. Step 3: Ataxia is a general term for lack of coordination but does not specifically refer to rapid alternating movements. Step 4: Astereognosis is the inability to recognize objects by touch, not related to rapid alternating movements. Step 5: Loss of kinesthesia is the loss of ability to sense body position and movement but does not specifically involve rapid movements. Summary: Choice C is correct as it directly relates to the patient's inability to perform rapid alternating movements. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the patient's symptom.