ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
While assessing a 7-month-old infant, the nurse makes a loud noise and notices the following response: abduction and flexion of the arms and legs; fanning of the fingers, and curling of the index finger and thumb in a C position, followed by the infant bringing in the arms and legs to the body. What does the nurse know about this response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the described response is the Moro reflex, an expected startle reflex seen in infants around 7 months of age. The Moro reflex involves the abduction and flexion of the arms and legs, fanning of the fingers, and curling of the index finger and thumb in a C position, followed by bringing in the arms and legs. This reflex typically appears around birth and peaks at 2 months, then diminishes as the baby grows. It is a primitive reflex that serves as a protective response to a sudden loss of support or loud noise. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the response described is not indicative of brachial nerve palsy, should not have disappeared by 1-4 months, and does not need to be bilaterally symmetric to be considered normal.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is reviewing a patient's medical record and notes that he is in a coma. Using the Glasgow Coma Scale, which number indicates that the patient is in a coma?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (6) because a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 6 indicates severe brain injury and coma. The GCS assesses a patient's level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with a total score ranging from 3 to 15. A score of 6 means the patient is in a deep coma with minimal to no responsiveness. Choice B (12) and C (15) indicate normal consciousness levels, while D (24) is not a possible GCS score.
Question 3 of 5
A patient asks a nurse, 'What are neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance.' The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a clear and accurate definition of neurotransmitters as chemicals that pass messages between brain cells. This response addresses the patient's question directly and in a simple, understandable manner. The other choices are incorrect because: A: This choice assumes the patient's emotional state without addressing the question about neurotransmitters. C: This choice deflects the question back to the doctor without providing any useful information to the patient. D: This choice provides incorrect information about neurotransmitters, as they are not substances we eat daily but rather chemicals in the brain.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse should assess a patient taking a medication with anticholinergic properties for inhibited function of the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: parasympathetic nervous system. Anticholinergic medications block acetylcholine, affecting the parasympathetic nervous system which controls rest and digest functions. Other choices are incorrect because anticholinergics do not directly affect sympathetic nervous system (B), reticular activating system (C), or medulla oblongata (D).
Question 5 of 5
A patient begins therapy with a phenothiazine medication. What teaching should a nurse provide related to the drug’s strong dopaminergic effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Phenothiazine medications have a strong dopaminergic effect, which can lead to extrapyramidal side effects like muscle stiffness. This is due to the dopamine blockade by the drug. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to report any muscle stiffness promptly to monitor for potential adverse effects. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific side effect related to the drug's dopaminergic effect. Chew sugarless gum and increase dietary fiber are more related to gastrointestinal side effects, while arising slowly from bed is typically advised for orthostatic hypotension, not muscle stiffness from dopaminergic effects.