ATI RN
Classes of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse wants to assess for disturbances in circadian rhythms in a patient admitted for depression. Which question best implements this assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it directly addresses circadian rhythms by asking about the patient's best and worst times of day, which helps assess their sleep-wake cycle disturbances common in depression. Choices A and D focus on hallucinations and cognitive functioning, not circadian rhythms. Choice B is related to memory impairment, not circadian rhythm disturbances.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse caring for a patient taking a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) will develop outcome criteria related to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mood improvement. SSRI medications are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to improved mood. Outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI should focus on monitoring and assessing mood changes to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. B: Logical thought processes is incorrect because SSRI medications do not directly target cognitive processes, so it is not a specific outcome criteria related to SSRI use. C: Reduced levels of motor activity is incorrect because SSRI medications do not typically cause significant changes in motor activity as a primary effect, so it is not a relevant outcome criteria for monitoring patients on SSRIs. D: Decreased extrapyramidal symptoms is incorrect because extrapyramidal symptoms are typically associated with antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs. Monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms would not be a relevant outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, “I’ve been having problems getting a good night’s sleep. I read some information on the Internet and started taking kava kava.” Select the nurse’s priority response.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The FDA warning against using kava kava due to potential liver damage makes it the priority response. Firstly, addressing the potential harm from kava kava ensures patient safety. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for reliable information. Choice A lacks specificity and may not address the seriousness of the situation. Choice C introduces a new treatment without addressing the current issue. Choice D makes assumptions about the patient's condition without proper assessment, potentially leading to overlooking serious health risks.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, "I get sick so much, so I started taking ginseng to boost my immune system.” The patient’s only other medication is warfarin daily. Which potential complication should be included in the nursing assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spontaneous bleeding. Ginseng can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding due to its anticoagulant properties. The rationale: Ginseng can potentiate the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This interaction is a significant concern for patients on anticoagulant therapy like warfarin. Gastrointestinal distress (choice A) and drowsiness (choice D) are not common interactions with ginseng. Thromboembolism (choice C) is less likely as ginseng's anticoagulant properties would tend to increase bleeding risk rather than promote clot formation.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse plans health education for a patient who will be receiving warfarin for several weeks after knee-replacement surgery. Which substance should the nurse caution the patient to avoid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, an anticoagulant. This combination can lead to excessive bleeding. Black cohosh, lavender, and mandarin do not have known interactions with warfarin. It is essential for the nurse to caution the patient to avoid fish oil to prevent potential complications.