ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a 40-year-old male patient who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which of the following symptoms would be expected for a patient with MS?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Loss of coordination and balance. In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination of nerve fibers impairs communication between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms such as loss of coordination and balance. This is due to disrupted signals affecting motor control. Unilateral weakness or paralysis (A) is more characteristic of a stroke or nerve injury, not MS. Memory loss and dementia (C) are not typical symptoms of MS, as it primarily affects the central nervous system. Sensation of pins and needles in both legs (D) is more commonly associated with peripheral nerve issues like peripheral neuropathy, not MS.
Question 2 of 5
A patient hospitalized with a mood disorder has aggression, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. A nurse begins the care plan based on the expectation that the health care provider is most likely to prescribe a medication classified as a(n):
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: mood stabilizer. This patient is exhibiting symptoms of mania, a hallmark of bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers, like lithium or anticonvulsants, are the first-line treatment for managing manic episodes. Anticholinergics (A) are used for symptoms like tremors or EPS. Psychostimulants (C) can exacerbate mania. Antidepressants (D) can trigger manic episodes in bipolar patients. Thus, a mood stabilizer is the most appropriate choice for this patient.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has taken many conventional antipsychotic drugs over years. The health care provider, who is concerned about early signs of tardive dyskinesia, prescribes risperidone (Risperdal). A nurse planning care for this patient understands that atypical antipsychotics:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: produce fewer motor side effects. Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone have a lower risk of causing tardive dyskinesia compared to conventional antipsychotics. This is because atypical antipsychotics target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, leading to a reduced risk of motor side effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the cost, potency, and availability of atypical antipsychotics do not directly relate to the reduced risk of motor side effects associated with tardive dyskinesia.
Question 4 of 5
A patient wants to learn more about integrative therapies. Which resource should the nurse suggest for the most reliable information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The NCCIH is a reputable organization that conducts research on integrative therapies, providing evidence-based information. They ensure the reliability and credibility of the information. The ANA (choice B) focuses more on nursing standards and policies, not specifically on integrative therapies. The FDA (choice C) regulates drugs and medical devices, not integrative therapies. The internet (choice A) is a vast source of information, but reliability can vary widely, making it less trustworthy compared to the NCCIH.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has tried a variety of CAM approaches to manage health concerns. The nurse asks, "How is going to CAM practitioners different from seeing your medical doctors?” The patient is most likely to respond, "The CAM practitioners
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: CAM practitioners typically focus on holistic care and spend more time with patients compared to medical doctors. Step 2: By spending more time talking, CAM practitioners can gather detailed information about the patient's health concerns and lifestyle. Step 3: This allows for a more personalized approach to treatment, addressing not just symptoms but also underlying causes. Step 4: In contrast, medical doctors may have limited time for each patient due to the volume of patients they see. Step 5: Therefore, the patient is likely to respond that CAM practitioners spend more time talking with them, as it aligns with the holistic and personalized approach of CAM.