Deck 16: Drugs for Emotional and Mood Disorders

Question 1

The client tells the nurse "I thought I was just depressed, but my doctor says I have bipolar disorder. What is that?" What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Bipolar disorder just means that your mood alternates with the seasons, and it becomes worse in the winter."
B) "Bipolar disorder means you have cycles of depression as well as hyperactivity, or mania."
C) "Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that includes attention deficit disorder symptoms."
D) "Bipolar disorder is just another type of depression, except your depression occurs in cycles."

Answer 1

"Bipolar disorder means you have cycles of depression as well as hyperactivity, or mania."

Question 2

The mother of a seven -year -old child says to the nurse "My child is distractible in school, cannot complete assignments on time, and interrupts other children while they are speaking. What do you think?" What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "This sounds like your child is depressed; depression looks different in children and is very serious."
B) "This sounds like bipolar disorder; you might want to have your child tested by a child psychiatrist."
C) "This could be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); you might want to have your child tested."
D) "This sounds like typical seven -year -old behaviours to me; if they do not resolve, have your child tested."

Answer 2

"This could be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); you might want to have your child tested."

Question 3

The client has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. The physician prescribes lithium (Carbolith). The client's current lithium level is 0.4 What will the nurse expect to assess in this client?

A) a return to baseline behaviour, calm and rational
B) signs and symptoms of depression
C) a decrease in manic behaviour
D) hyperactivity and pressured speech

Answer 3

hyperactivity and pressured speech

Question 4

The client has been receiving amitriptyline (Elavil) for two weeks. He tells the nurse he doesn't think this medicine is working, as he is still depressed. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "It is working, but it can take several months to have an effect."
B) "You might still feel depressed, but you are looking much better."
C) "It is working, but it can take several weeks to have an effect."
D) "This may not be the best medicine for you; I'll call your doctor."

Question 5

The nurse has completed medication education for a client prior to the client receiving phenelzine (Nardil). The nurse evaluates the education as effective when the client makes which statement(s)? Select all that apply.

A) "I'll have to give up my beer at the football games."
B) "I am not supposed to have processed meats or cheese."
C) "I really shouldn't eat at a restaurant; too many foods are on my restricted list."
D) "I can't eat fried chicken and gravy."
E) "I am really going to miss my morning coffee and sweet roll."

Question 6

The nurse is conducting a group education session for clients who have been diagnosed with depression. The nurse evaluates the education as effective when a client makes which comment(s) about the cause of depression? Select all that apply.

A) "We really don't know what causes depression; it has not been studied very much."
B) "Depression results from unresolved conflicts in your childhood."
C) "Depression results from parents who are cold and distant and don't really care about their children."
D) "Depression includes impaired relationships, and is also an inherited illness."
E) "Depression has many causes; they could include environmental as well as brain based disorders."

Question 7

The nurse has completed medication education with the client who is receiving lithium (Carbolith). What is the best client outcome?

A) The client will be able to work a normal work schedule and will receive adequate sleep.
B) The client will identify signs of lithium (Carbolith) toxicity and verbalize measures to avoid it.
C) The client will report stabilization of mood, including absence of mania or depression.
D) The client will engage in activities of daily living and report enjoyment with them.

Question 8

The client receives imipramine (Tofranil) as treatment for depression. He is admitted to the Emergency Department following an intentional overdose of this medication. What will the best assessment of the nurse include?

A) the client's liver function
B) the client's neurological function
C) the client's cardiac status
D) the client's renal status

Question 9

The client has been depressed and the physician plans to begin treatment with an antidepressant medication. In performing the initial assessment, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?

A) "Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?"
B) "How long have you been depressed?"
C) "How much alcohol do you consume during the week?"
D) "Are you allergic to any medications?"

Question 10

The client has been receiving phenelzine (Nardil) for two months. She comes to the clinic and tells the nurse she had red wine and pepperoni pizza for lunch. What is the priority action of the nurse at this time?

A) Notify the client's physician.
B) Assess the client's blood pressure.
C) Drive the client to the nearest emergency department.
D) Ask the client if she has dizziness or a headache.

Question 11

The ten -year -old client is receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin). The client's mother tells the nurse he just won't sleep while on his medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Do not give the medication after 4:00 p.m."
B) "This is serious; you should ask the doctor about atomoxetine (Strattera)."
C) "Do not give the medication after 6:00 p.m."
D) "You can give him a 25 mg diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablet at bedtime."

Question 12

What is the priority outcome for a six -year -old client who had been started on methylphenidate (Ritalin)?

A) The client will be able to complete age -appropriate chores at home.
B) The client will avoid altercations with peers.
C) The client will use age -appropriate play with peers.
D) The client will maintain weight within norms for this age group.

Question 13

The client asks the nurse why she needs to continue using table salt because her prescribed lithium (Carbolith) is a salt. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "The amount is not important; just increase your table salt if you notice signs of lithium (Carbolith) toxicity."
B) "Salt is very important to avoid lithium (Carbolith) toxicity, but not as important as drinking 1 to 1.5 L of water per day."
C) "You must continue to use salt to avoid lithium (Carbolith) toxicity. If you use sea salt, you don't need as much."
D) "You must use table salt or your kidneys will retain lithium (Carbolith); and you will become toxic."

Question 14

The physician has prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for the client who is anxious and depressed. The client calls the nurse to report that he has experienced delayed ejaculation since being on this medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "I am concerned that you will become suicidal if you stop the medication."
B) "This does happen, but treating your depression is a bigger priority."
C) "I will let your doctor know, and he will most likely change your medication."
D) "Keep taking the medicine, as this usually goes away after a few months."

Question 15

The 8 -year -old client is receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin). The client's mother tells the nurse that he won't eat while on his medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Give the medication after meals and encourage him to have supplements between meals."
B) "You are right to be concerned. I will speak to the doctor about starting an appetite stimulant medication."
C) "This is a very serious concern; it would be best for him to see a nutritionist for counseling."
D) "It sounds like he is becoming depressed. I will speak to the doctor about starting an antidepressant medication."