ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing a patient's medical record and notes that he is in a coma. Using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which number indicates that the patient is in a coma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (6) because a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 6 indicates severe brain injury and coma. The GCS assesses a patient's level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with a total score ranging from 3 to 15. A score of 6 means the patient is in a deep coma with minimal to no responsiveness. Choice B (12) and C (15) indicate normal consciousness levels, while D (24) is not a possible GCS score.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse should assess a patient taking a medication with anticholinergic properties for inhibited function of the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine, affecting the parasympathetic nervous system which controls rest and digest functions. Other choices are incorrect because anticholinergics do not directly affect sympathetic nervous system (B), reticular activating system (C), or medulla oblongata (D).
Question 3 of 5
A patient begins therapy with a phenothiazine medication. What teaching should a nurse provide related to the drug’s strong dopaminergic effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Phenothiazine medications have a strong dopaminergic effect, which can lead to extrapyramidal side effects like muscle stiffness. This is due to the dopamine blockade by the drug. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to report any muscle stiffness promptly to monitor for potential adverse effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific side effect related to the drug's dopaminergic effect. Chew sugarless gum and increase dietary fiber are more related to gastrointestinal side effects, while arising slowly from bed is typically advised for orthostatic hypotension, not muscle stiffness from dopaminergic effects.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse administering psychotropic medications should be prepared to intervene when giving a drug that blocks the attachment of norepinephrine to alpha1 receptors because the patient may experience:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: orthostatic hypotension. Blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors can lead to vasodilation, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). This is a common side effect of alpha1 receptor blockers like some psychotropic medications. Increased psychotic symptoms (A) would not be a direct result of blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors. Severe appetite disturbance (B) is not typically associated with this mechanism of action. Hypertensive crisis (D) would be unlikely since blocking norepinephrine attachment to alpha1 receptors would lead to decreased blood pressure, not increased.
Question 5 of 5
A patient says, “I have taken mega doses of vitamins for 3 months to improve my circulation, but I think I feel worse.” Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. First, assess for symptoms and signs of toxicity from excess vitamin exposure because the patient mentioned feeling worse after taking mega doses of vitamins. This step is crucial to ensure patient safety. Option A is incorrect as simply advising caution without assessing for toxicity may delay necessary interventions. Option C is incorrect as assessing for circulatory integrity is not the immediate priority. Option D is also incorrect as educating the patient about research findings is important but not the immediate action needed in this situation.