ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse places a key in the hand of a patient and he identifies it as a penny. What term would the nurse use to describe this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Astereognosis. Astereognosis is the inability to recognize objects by touch alone. In this scenario, the patient is unable to correctly identify the key as a key, mistaking it for a penny. This indicates a deficit in tactile object recognition, which is characteristic of astereognosis. A: Extinction refers to the inability to perceive a stimulus on one side when a similar stimulus is presented on the other side simultaneously. This does not apply to the scenario described. C: Graphesthesia is the ability to recognize numbers or letters traced on the skin without visual input. This is not relevant to the patient's inability to identify the key by touch. D: Tactile discrimination involves the ability to differentiate between different textures or shapes using touch. This is not the issue presented in the scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A 78-year-old man has a history of a cerebrovascular accident. The nurse notes that when he walks, his left arm is immobile against the body with flexion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers and adduction of the shoulder. His left leg is stiff and extended and circumducts with each step. What type of gait disturbance is this individual experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Spastic hemiparesis. This individual is displaying classic signs of spastic hemiparesis, a type of gait disturbance commonly seen after a cerebrovascular accident. The immobile left arm with flexion and adduction, along with the stiff and extended left leg that circumducts, are indicative of upper motor neuron damage affecting the corticospinal tract. This results in increased muscle tone, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, and weakness on one side of the body. Scissors gait (choice A) is characterized by legs crossing over each other during walking and is typically seen in spastic diplegia. Cerebellar ataxia (choice B) presents with uncoordinated movements, wide-based staggering gait, and intention tremors, which are not present in this case. Parkinsonian gait (choice C) is characterized by shuffling steps, decreased arm swing, and festination, which do not match the symptoms described
Question 3 of 5
A man who was found wandering in a park at 2 AM has been brought to the emergency department for an examination; he said he fell and hit his head. During the examination, the nurse asks him to use his index finger to touch the nurse's finger, then his own nose, then the nurse's finger again (which has been moved to a different location). The patient is clumsy, unable to follow the instructions, and overshoots the mark, missing the finger. The nurse should suspect which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute alcohol intoxication. The patient's inability to follow the finger-to-nose test and clumsiness are classic signs of cerebellar dysfunction, which is commonly seen in individuals under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, leading to impaired coordination and balance. This is confirmed by the patient overshooting the mark and missing the target. The other choices (A, B, D) are less likely as they do not explain the patient's specific presentation and symptoms, which are indicative of acute alcohol intoxication.
Question 4 of 5
The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks a nurse, 'My child’s doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that?' Select the nurse’s best reply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain. Rationale: 1. PET scans use a radioactive substance injected into the bloodstream to highlight areas of high metabolic activity in the brain. 2. This helps in assessing brain function by showing how well different areas of the brain are working. 3. It is commonly used in diagnosing conditions like schizophrenia to observe brain activity patterns that may indicate the presence of the disorder. Summary: A: Incorrect - PET does not use a magnetic field or gamma waves and does not rely on metal implants. B: Incorrect - PET is not an x-ray image and does not specifically show structures or past brain injuries. C: Incorrect - PET does not pass an electrical current or measure brain wave activity; it focuses on blood flow and metabolic activity.
Question 5 of 5
The therapeutic action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) blocks neurotransmitter reuptake, causing:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap. MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap, enhancing their effects. This results in improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression or anxiety. Choice B is incorrect because MAOIs do not directly affect the concentration of neurotransmitters in the serum. Choice C is incorrect as MAOIs do not cause destruction of receptor sites. Choice D is incorrect because MAOIs do not directly stimulate the limbic system; rather, they modulate neurotransmitter levels to improve symptoms.