ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications 101 Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
While gathering equipment after an injection, a nurse accidentally received a prick from an improperly capped needle. To interpret this sensation, which of these areas must be intact?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex. When a nurse receives a prick from a needle, the sensation is transmitted through the peripheral nerves to the lateral spinothalamic tract, which carries pain and temperature sensation to the thalamus. The thalamus then relays this information to the sensory cortex for interpretation. Choice A is incorrect because the corticospinal tract is responsible for voluntary motor movements, not sensory perception. Choice B is incorrect as the hypothalamus is involved in regulating bodily functions, not sensory perception. Choice D is incorrect as the anterior spinothalamic tract carries crude touch and pressure sensation, not pain sensation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is testing the function of CN XI. Which statement best describes the response the nurse should expect if this nerve is intact? The patient:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because CN XI, the spinal accessory nerve, controls the movement of the head and shoulders against resistance. Testing this nerve involves asking the patient to shrug the shoulders against resistance and turn the head against resistance. If the nerve is intact, the patient should be able to perform these movements with equal strength on both sides. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not pertain to the function of CN XI. A relates to hearing and CN VIII, B relates to tongue movement and CN XII, and C relates to eye movement and CN III, IV, and VI.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
During the assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices that his hands show tremors when he reaches for something and his head is always nodding. No associated rigidity is observed with movement. Which of these statements is most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. These findings are normal, resulting from aging. Tremors and nodding of the head without associated rigidity are common in older adults due to changes in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. This is known as senile tremors or essential tremors, which are benign and not indicative of a specific disease process. Hyperthyroidism (B) typically presents with other symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations. Parkinson's disease (C) is characterized by resting tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Evaluating for a cerebellar lesion (D) would involve different symptoms like ataxia and dysmetria. Thus, the most accurate statement is that these findings are normal in aging.
Question 5 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.