Question 1

A client is beginning to take an analeptic drug.At this time the nurse would assess for which of the following adverse effects?&#10;A) Bradycardia&#10;B) Drowsiness at night&#10;C) Decreased mental alertness&#10;D) Nervousness&#10;

Accepted Answer

Analeptic drugs stimulate the central nervous system and can cause nervousness or restlessness as an adverse effect. Bradycardia, drowsiness, and decreased mental alertness are more likely to be adverse effects of sedative drugs.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to transcribe medication orders on a client newly admitted to the nursing unit.The nurse concludes that the client could have a history of narcolepsy after noting which of the following medications on the physician order sheet?

A) Sibutramine (Meridia)
B) Doxapram (Dopram)
C) Modafinil (Provigil)
D) Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Modafinil (Provigil)

Accepted Answer

Modafinil (Provigil) is a medication used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Sibutramine (Meridia) is a weight loss medication, Doxapram (Dopram) is a medication used to stimulate breathing, and Atomoxetine (Strattera) is used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Question 3

The nurse notes that a client has an order for a central nervous system stimulant.The nurse recalls that this type of drug has which of the following mechanisms of action?&#10;A) Decreases the production of excitatory neurotransmitters&#10;B) Increases the presynaptic amount of neurotransmitter&#10;C) Blocks the activity of the inhibitory neurons&#10;D) Enhances the release of $\gamma$-aminobutyric acid and glycine

Accepted Answer

Blocks the activity of the inhibitory neurons&#10;

Question 4

The clinic nurse is doing a routine assessment of a client taking atomoxetine (Strattera).The nurse notes slight jaundice and,when questioned,the client reports itching of the skin.What should the nurse do next?

A) Tell the client a repeat visit will be needed in 1 week for reassessment
B) Warn the client that the total dose may need to be increased
C) Recommend that the client take oatmeal baths for symptom relief
D) Notify the health care provider of these symptoms

Accepted Answer

Jaundice and itching of skin are signs of liver dysfunction, which is a known side effect of atomoxetine. The nurse should notify the health care provider immediately to assess the severity of the symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include discontinuing the medication. Waiting a week for a repeat visit could delay potential treatment and allowing the medication dose to be increased could exacerbate the symptoms. Oatmeal baths may provide symptom relief but do not address the underlying issue.

Question 5

The nurse would question an order for which of the following types of drugs when newly ordered for a client who is taking an amphetamine?&#10;A) A diuretic&#10;B) An antihypertensive&#10;C) A monoamine oxidase inhibitor&#10;D) An estrogen&#10;

Accepted Answer

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) should not be given to a client taking amphetamine since both drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, which could result in hypertensive crisis, hyperthermia, and seizures. This combination is contraindicated.

Question 6

A client has abruptly stopped taking amphetamines.The nurse assesses this client regularly to detect which of the following possible signs of acute drug withdrawal?&#10;A) Restlessness and anxiety&#10;B) Confusion and fever&#10;C) Joint and muscle aches&#10;D) Abdominal pain&#10;

Accepted Answer

Amphetamine withdrawal can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, and fatigue. Confusion and fever, joint and muscle aches, and abdominal pain are not typically associated with amphetamine withdrawal.

Question 7

A client is considering beginning drug therapy with sibutramine (Meridia).The nurse considers client teaching about the medication to be successful if the client makes which of the following statements?

A) "The medication may be stopped if I get high blood pressure."
B) "I may get diarrhea depending on the size of the dose."
C) "If I take too much of this medication,it could lead to drug dependence."
D) "I really need to exercise and cut down my caloric intake to have the best results."

Accepted Answer

Option D is the correct answer because it promotes a healthy lifestyle change that is necessary for successful weight loss when taking sibutramine. Option A is incorrect as stopping the medication abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms, Option B is incorrect as diarrhea is not a common side effect of sibutramine, and Option C is incorrect as sibutramine is not known to cause drug dependence.

Question 8

The nurse is working with four clients with the health problems listed below.For which of them would an order for methylphenidate (Ritalin)be least appropriate?&#10;A) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder&#10;B) Narcolepsy&#10;C) Depression in the older adult&#10;D) Obesity&#10;

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It should not be used for depression or obesity, as it is not effective for these conditions and may even exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, choice D, which is obesity, would be the least appropriate for the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Question 9

A client has begun taking dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine).The nurse should include in a client teaching plan that which of the following is an adverse effect of this drug?&#10;A) A feeling of lethargy&#10;B) A feeling of irritability&#10;C) Bradycardia&#10;D) Increased appetite&#10;

Accepted Answer

Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant medication and can cause irritability as an adverse effect. It may also cause appetite suppression, tachycardia, and insomnia. Lethargy and bradycardia are not common adverse effects of this medication.

Question 10

A client has begun drug therapy with methylphenidate (Ritalin).The nurse determines that the client understands the most common adverse medication effects when the client states to self-assess for which of the following?

A) Nervousness and inability to fall asleep
B) Rapid and irregular heartbeat
C) Rash or itching of the skin
D) Allergic reaction

Accepted Answer

Nervousness and inability to fall asleep are common adverse effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin). While rapid and irregular heartbeat, rash or itching of the skin, and allergic reaction are all possible adverse effects, they are less common than nervousness and insomnia. It is important for the client to be aware of all potential adverse effects and to report any concerns to their healthcare provider.

Question 11

The nurse would assess for caffeine use as an aggravating factor in which of the following disease processes or conditions?&#10;A) Myelin degeneration&#10;B) Cardiac dysrhythmias&#10;C) Colonic constipation&#10;D) Heart block&#10;

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse would assess for caffeine use...

Question 12

An adult client began drug therapy with diethylpropion (Tenuate)4 weeks ago for the purpose of weight loss.The nurse determines that the client is experiencing optimal weight loss after noting a total weight loss of how many pounds?

A) 2 to 4
B) 4 to 8
C) 12 to 15
D) 20 to 25

Accepted Answer

The answer of An adult client began drug therapy with...

Question 13

A nurse administering a cerebral stimulant such as an amphetamine recalls which of the following about the actions of this drug?&#10;A) Stimulates the release of epinephrine from storage&#10;B) Directly stimulates $\alpha$ and $\beta$ receptor sites&#10;C) Has primary action in the cerebellum&#10;D) Exerts effects outside the reticular formation of the brain&#10;

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse administering a cerebral stimulant such...

Question 14

The nurse anticipates that which of the following clients would be the best candidate for single-dose drug therapy with doxapram (Dopram)?&#10;A) A client with low blood pressure&#10;B) A client who had a seizure&#10;C) A client admitted with myxedema coma&#10;D) A postoperative client with respiratory depression&#10;

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse anticipates that which of the...

Question 15

A client taking methylphenidate (Ritalin SR)has come to the pediatric clinic for an annual physical examination.The nurse would be sure to document which of the following item of data before the health care provider examines the client?

A) Height and weight
B) Urine for analysis
C) Blood pressure
D) Temperature

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client taking methylphenidate (Ritalin SR)has come...

Deck 18: Central Nervous System Stimulants