ATI RN
Psychotherapeutic Drugs Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement is true concerning lithium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because concurrent use of NSAIDs can increase lithium levels by reducing its renal clearance. This is due to NSAIDs inhibiting the renal excretion of lithium, leading to potential lithium toxicity. Option A is incorrect as the maximum dose of lithium is typically around 2.4 g/day. Option B is also incorrect as the therapeutic range for lithium is usually between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for acute mania and 0.6 to 1.0 mEq/L for maintenance therapy. Option C is incorrect because lithium is known to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid, rather than increasing receptor sensitivity.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is taking lithium. The nurse should be aware of the importance of which nursing intervention(s)? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Observe the patient for motor tremors. Motor tremors are common side effects of lithium therapy, indicating toxicity. By observing for tremors, the nurse can detect early signs of lithium toxicity and take necessary actions. Monitoring for hypotension (choice B) and orthostatic hypotension (choice D) are not related to lithium therapy. Drawing lithium blood levels immediately after a dose (choice C) is not necessary as lithium levels are usually checked before the next dose.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient who is complaining of hearing voices. What is this patient experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hallucinations are false sensory perceptions that are experienced without an external stimulus but seem real to the patient. Auditory hallucinations are prominent in a schizophrenic patient. Additional sensory hallucinations include those of touch, sight, smell, and body sensation. Delusions are false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. Flight of ideas is characterized by rapid changes in thought from one topic to another. Disorganized thinking is commonly associated with psychoses and consists of a flight of ideas during which the individual jumps from one idea or topic to another one.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with schizophrenia has been nonadherent with his home medication regimen. He requires frequent admissions to the intensive psychiatric unit for treatment of acute psychotic episodes. Which medication regimen would be appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depot antipsychotic medications are long-acting injections that may be used with noncompliant patients and may assist in avoiding repeated hospital admissions. Daily home nursing visits are not an efficient way to ensure medication compliance. Continuous inpatient hospitalization is not an efficient way to ensure medication compliance. Subcutaneous medication administration is not an option for this patient.
Question 5 of 5
What is the most common cause of nonadherence to antipsychotic pharmacologic treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extrapyramidal effects are the most common reason for nonadherence to antipsychotic therapy. The four categories of extrapyramidal effects are dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonism, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia. Although expense may be a concern, it is not the most common reason for noncompliance. Chemical dependency is not a feature of therapy with antipsychotic drugs. Although knowledge deficit is a concern, it is not the most common reason for noncompliance.