ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications 101 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
When the nurse is testing the triceps reflex, what is the expected response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Extension of the forearm. During the triceps reflex test, tapping the triceps tendon should elicit a brisk extension of the forearm. This reflex is mediated by the C7 nerve root. Option A (Flexion of the hand) is incorrect as it does not involve the triceps muscle. Option B (Pronation of the hand) is incorrect as it is not the expected response of the triceps reflex. Option D (Flexion of the forearm) is incorrect as the triceps reflex specifically tests for extension, not flexion, of the forearm.
Question 2 of 5
In a person with an upper motor neuron lesion such as a cerebrovascular accident, which of these physical assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperreflexia. In upper motor neuron lesions like cerebrovascular accidents, there is disruption of inhibitory signals leading to increased reflex activity. This results in hyperreflexia, where reflexes are exaggerated. This occurs due to lack of inhibition from the brain on the spinal reflex arc. The other choices are incorrect because fasciculations (B) are seen in lower motor neuron lesions, loss of muscle tone and flaccidity (C) are characteristics of lower motor neuron lesions, and atrophy and wasting of muscles (D) occur due to disuse or denervation in lower motor neuron lesions, not in upper motor neuron lesions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing the neurologic status of a patient who has a late-stage brain tumor. With the reflex hammer, the nurse draws a light stroke up the lateral side of the sole of the foot and inward, across the ball of the foot. In response, the patient's toes fan out, and the big toe shows dorsiflexion. The nurse interprets this result as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive Babinski sign, which is abnormal for adults. When the patient's toes fan out and the big toe dorsiflexes in response to the stroke with the reflex hammer on the sole of the foot, it indicates a positive Babinski sign. This abnormal response suggests upper motor neuron dysfunction, possibly due to the brain tumor affecting the corticospinal tract. In adults, a positive Babinski sign is indicative of pathology and not a normal finding. Summary: A: Incorrect - Negative Babinski sign is normal for adults, not applicable in this case. C: Incorrect - Clonus is characterized by rhythmic muscle contractions and is not demonstrated in the scenario described. D: Incorrect - Achilles reflex involves tapping the Achilles tendon to assess the integrity of the S1 nerve root, not relevant to the response observed in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Computed tomography (CT) scan. In this scenario, a CT scan would be most appropriate as it can quickly identify signs of multiple infarctions, such as ischemic strokes, which can present similarly to dementia. A CT scan provides detailed images of the brain's structure, allowing for visualization of infarcts and helping differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions. Reasons why other choices are incorrect: B: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan - PET scans are used to detect metabolic changes in the brain, which may not be as helpful in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions. C: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) - fMRI measures brain activity and may not be as effective in identifying structural abnormalities associated with infarctions. D: Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan - SPECT scans are useful for evaluating blood flow in the brain but may not provide
Question 5 of 5
A patient taking medication for mental illness develops restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion. A nurse can correctly analyze that these symptoms are related to which drug action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine-blocking effects. Restlessness and an uncontrollable need to be in motion are symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects, commonly caused by dopamine-blocking medications used to treat mental illness. Dopamine blockade can lead to an imbalance in the neurotransmitter system, resulting in movement disorders like akathisia. Anticholinergic effects (choice A) typically cause dry mouth and constipation, not restlessness. Endocrine-stimulating effects (choice C) would not manifest as restlessness. The ability to stimulate spinal nerves (choice D) is not directly related to the symptoms described.