ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client who has been diagnosed recently with a mental health disorder and has been prescribed a psychotropic medication. Which interventions regarding the medication should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select One that does not apply)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should teach signs and symptoms of side effects, provide information about the drug, and have the client and significant other verbally explain when it is necessary to call the physician. The nurse should never provide written information about decreasing dosages without contacting the physician. The physician will determine whether side effects can be controlled, or if dosage adjustments are necessary. In addition, improvement in symptoms is most likely the desired effect of the medication and ensures that the dosage and medications are correct.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse suspects that a patient who is experiencing facial grimacing, involuntary upward eye movement, and muscle spasms of the tongue and face may have which condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tardive dyskinesia. This condition is characterized by involuntary movements of the tongue, face, and limbs, which align with the patient's symptoms. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Akathisia involves restlessness and the inability to sit still. B: Acute dystonia presents with muscle spasms and abnormal postures, but not specifically facial grimacing or upward eye movement. D: Pseudoparkinsonism includes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and rigidity, but not the facial grimacing and eye movements described in the patient.
Question 3 of 5
A patient asks the nurse to explain how antipsychotic drugs work to make him feel better. The nurse understands that antipsychotics act in which way?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking actions of dopamine. Antipsychotic drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce psychotic symptoms. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with various mental health disorders. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because antipsychotic drugs do not block epinephrine, promote prostaglandin synthesis, or enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid to alleviate psychotic symptoms. Dopamine blockade is the primary mechanism of action for antipsychotics in managing psychosis.
Question 4 of 5
An antipsychotic agent, fluphenazine, is ordered for a patient with psychosis. The nurse understands that this agent can lead to symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS). What are the symptoms of EPS?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tremors. Fluphenazine can lead to symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS), with tremors being a common manifestation. Extrapyramidal symptoms include muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and abnormal body movements. Parkinsonism (choice A) is a specific type of EPS characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Nausea and vomiting (choice B) are not typical symptoms of EPS. Hyperthermia and dysrhythmias (choice C) are unrelated to EPS. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it aligns with the expected symptoms of EPS associated with fluphenazine administration.
Question 5 of 5
An atypical antipsychotic is prescribed for a patient with psychosis. The nurse understands that this category of medications includes which drugs? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clozapine. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic known for its efficacy in treating refractory psychosis. It is typically used when other antipsychotics have failed. Fluphenazine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are typical antipsychotics, not atypical. Olanzapine (D) is also an atypical antipsychotic but is not the best choice in this scenario as clozapine is more specifically associated with treating psychosis that has not responded to other medications.