ATI RN
Classes of Psychotropic Medications Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which area of the brain is regulates long term memory?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for the formation and consolidation of long-term memories. It plays a crucial role in memory encoding and retrieval processes. Damage to the hippocampus can lead to difficulties in forming new memories. B: Parietal lobe is involved in sensory processing and spatial orientation. C: Temporal lobe is important for memory and auditory processing, but the hippocampus within the temporal lobe is specifically responsible for long-term memory. D: Occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing. In summary, the hippocampus is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with regulating long-term memory, while the other brain areas have different functions unrelated to long-term memory regulation.
Question 2 of 5
A patient presents to the PMHNP with report of having anxiety, frequent occurrences of feeling frozen in place and like his heart is pounding out of his chest, as well as having difficulty sleeping. The PMHNP suspects the patient has an elevated level of which neurotransmitter?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Norepinephrine. Symptoms described by the patient, such as feeling frozen, heart pounding, and difficulty sleeping, are consistent with increased arousal and anxiety, which are associated with elevated levels of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in the body's stress response, triggering the "fight or flight" reaction. Serotonin (Choice A) is more related to mood regulation and emotions, while GABA (Choice B) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety. Dopamine (Choice D) is involved in reward and pleasure pathways, not directly associated with the symptoms described. Thus, the correct choice is C, norepinephrine, due to its role in stress response and arousal.
Question 3 of 5
Which medication class does not affect serotonin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A (Benzodiazepines) Rationale: 1. Benzodiazepines work on GABA receptors, not serotonin receptors. 2. MOAIs inhibit serotonin breakdown. 3. SSRIs block serotonin reuptake. 4. Tricyclic antidepressants increase serotonin levels. Summary: Benzodiazepines do not directly affect serotonin like the other medication classes. MOAIs, SSRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants all modulate serotonin levels in the brain.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following teaching provided by the PMHNP is correct when teaching a patient about EPS?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: EPS stands for Extrapyramidal Symptoms, which are side effects commonly associated with antipsychotic medications. Step 2: Tardive dyskinesia is a type of EPS characterized by abnormal, repetitive facial and tongue movements. Step 3: Teaching about tardive dyskinesia is important because it is a serious, potentially irreversible side effect. Step 4: Teaching patients to recognize signs of tardive dyskinesia helps in early detection and management. Step 5: Choices A, C, and D describe other types of EPS symptoms, not tardive dyskinesia, making them incorrect. Step 6: Therefore, the correct teaching about EPS related to tardive dyskinesia aligns with choice B.
Question 5 of 5
The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, as playacting as a police officer and causing fear in other children could be a potential symptom of traumatization. This behavior may stem from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, leading the child to reenact them to make sense of their feelings and gain a sense of control. The child may be processing feelings of powerlessness or fear related to trauma through this play. A: The need to dominate others - While the behavior may involve exerting control, it is more likely a coping mechanism for trauma rather than a desire to dominate. B: Inventing traumatic events - There is no indication that the child is inventing traumatic events; rather, the behavior suggests a response to real trauma. C: A need to develop close relationships - The behavior is not indicative of seeking close relationships but rather a way of expressing distress and trying to make sense of traumatic experiences.