Under which circumstance should a nurse administer a prn dose of benztropine?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because benztropine is commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms like tremors and shuffling gait caused by antipsychotic medications. Administering a prn dose in this circumstance helps alleviate these specific symptoms. Choice A is incorrect as benztropine is not indicated for managing aggression. Choice B is also incorrect as benztropine is not used for calming purposes before bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as benztropine is not indicated for constipation relief. Administering benztropine prn for tremors and shuffling gait aligns with its pharmacological action and therapeutic use.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing blood pressure before administering furosemide is crucial to monitor for hypotension, a common side effect. This step ensures patient safety and helps guide appropriate dosage adjustments. Option A is incorrect as sudden position changes can lead to orthostatic hypotension. Option C is incorrect as furosemide is usually taken in the morning for diuretic effect. Option D is incorrect as monitoring blood pressure is essential in patients taking furosemide.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Norepinephrine. Increased heart rate and blood pressure are physiological responses associated with the "fight or flight" response, which is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter released by sympathetic nerve endings, leading to these physical symptoms. GABA (A) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability and would not cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Histamine (B) is involved in allergic reactions and immune responses, not directly related to fear responses. Acetylcholine (C) is a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contractions and autonomic functions, but it does not directly modulate fear responses or increase heart rate and blood pressure in the context of fear.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serotonin and dopamine. Antipsychotic medications work by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is involved in regulating emotions and movement, while serotonin plays a role in mood regulation. Understanding how these neurotransmitters are processed is crucial for explaining the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs. Choice A is incorrect because GABA is not typically targeted by antipsychotic medications. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to structures rather than neurotransmitters. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are a different class of drugs than antipsychotics, and serotonin, which is relevant but not the primary neurotransmitter targeted by antipsychotic medications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: administering an immediate-release opioid. Breakthrough pain in cancer patients requires a quick-acting pain relief method. Immediate-release opioids are designed to provide rapid pain relief, making them the appropriate choice in this scenario. NSAIDs (Choice A) may not be sufficient for severe cancer pain. Changing the opioid route to rectal administration (Choice C) may not provide quicker relief than transdermal opioids. Continuing the current therapy without addressing breakthrough pain (Choice D) can lead to inadequate pain control.