Which of the following drugs was most likely prescribed to the patient experiencing heavy drowsiness?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Amitriptyline. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is sometimes used off-label for its sedative effects, making it a likely choice for a patient experiencing heavy drowsiness. Option B) Lithium is a mood stabilizer used primarily in the treatment of bipolar disorder and is not typically associated with drowsiness as a side effect. Option C) Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, and it is not known to cause heavy drowsiness. Option D) Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat psychotic disorders and agitation but is not usually associated with causing heavy drowsiness. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and primary uses of different drug classes is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to make appropriate clinical decisions. Knowing the specific indications and side effect profiles of various medications helps in providing safe and effective care to patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Insomnia is a common early adverse effect of lithium therapy due to its impact on sleep patterns. Patients may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the initial days of treatment. This side effect typically resolves as the body adjusts to the medication. Constipation, weight loss, hypertension, and edema are less commonly associated with lithium therapy in the early stages.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that is commonly used to treat conditions like Tourette syndrome, which presents with symptoms of repeated head jerking, blinking, and grimacing. Aripiprazole works by modulating dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of these involuntary movements. Option A) Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it may help with some symptoms associated with Tourette syndrome, it is not the first-line treatment for the specific symptoms described in the question. Option C) Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that is often used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders. While it may help with some symptoms of Tourette syndrome, it is not the primary medication used to address the specific symptoms of repeated head jerking, blinking, and grimacing. Option D) Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist primarily used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It is not indicated for the treatment of movement disorders like Tourette syndrome. Educationally, understanding the mechanisms of action and indications of different drug classes is crucial for nursing practice. By knowing which medications are appropriate for specific conditions, nurses can provide safe and effective care to their patients. In this case, recognizing that aripiprazole is the preferred choice for treating Tourette syndrome symptoms can lead to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Bupropion is a medication that is commonly used to treat depression, ADHD, and smoking cessation. Given the woman's symptoms of feeling fearful, helpless, and worried, as well as her difficulty organizing thoughts and smoking habit, bupropion would be a suitable choice as it can address both depressive and attention deficit disorders, as well as aid in smoking cessation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The opening of K+ channels on postsynaptic neurons is a key molecular action that mediates the analgesic effect of opioids like morphine. This action leads to hyperpolarization of the neuron, reducing its excitability and inhibiting pain transmission. Therefore, in a patient with severe pain due to multiple fractures, the opening of K+ channels by morphine would be the most likely mechanism responsible for the analgesic effect.