Deck 16: Psychotherapeutic Drugs

Question 1

Before beginning a patient's therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)antidepressants,the nurse will assess for concurrent use of which medications or medication class?

A) Aspirin
B) Anticoagulants
C) Diuretics
D) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Answer 1

Anticoagulants

Question 2

A patient has been taking the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)phenelzine (Nardil)for 6 months.The patient wants to go to a party and asks the nurse,"Will just one beer be a problem?" Which advice from the nurse is correct?

A) "You can drink beer as long as you have a designated driver."
B) "Now that you've had the last dose of that medication,there will be no further dietary restrictions."
C) "If you begin to experience a throbbing headache,rapid pulse,or nausea,you'll need to stop drinking."
D) "You need to avoid all foods that contain tyramine,including beer,while taking this medication."

Answer 2

"You need to avoid all foods that contain tyramine,including beer,while taking this medication."

Question 3

The nurse is reviewing the food choices of a patient who is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor ( MAOI).Which food choice would indicate the need for additional teaching?

A) Orange juice
B) Fried eggs over-easy
C) Salami and Swiss cheese sandwich
D) Biscuits and honey

Answer 3

Salami and Swiss cheese sandwich

Question 4

The wife of a patient who has been diagnosed with depression calls the office and says,"It's been an entire week since he started that new medicine for his depression,and there's no change! What's wrong with him?" What is the nurse's best response?

A) "The medication may not be effective for him.He may need to try another type."
B) "It may take up to 6 weeks to notice any therapeutic effects.Let's wait a little longer to see how he does."
C) "It sounds like the dose is not high enough.I'll check about increasing the dosage."
D) "Some patients never recover from depression.He may not respond to this therapy."

Question 5

A patient has been taking haloperidol (Haldol)for 3 months for a psychotic disorder,and the nurse is concerned about the development of extrapyramidal symptoms.The nurse will monitor the patient closely for which effects?

A) Increased paranoia
B) Drowsiness and dizziness
C) Tremors and muscle twitching
D) Dry mouth and constipation

Question 6

The nurse reads in the patient's medication history that the patient is taking buspirone (BuSpar).The nurse interprets that the patient may have which disorder?

A) Anxiety disorder
B) Depression
C) Schizophrenia
D) Bipolar disorder

Question 7

A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with a suspected overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant.The nurse will prepare for what immediate concern?

A) Hypertension
B) Renal failure
C) Cardiac dysrhythmias
D) Gastrointestinal bleeding

Question 8

The nurse is reviewing medications used for depression.Which of these statements is a reason that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are more widely prescribed today than tricyclic antidepressants?

A) SSRIs have fewer sexual side effects.
B) Unlike tricyclic antidepressants,SSRIs do not have drug-food interactions.
C) Tricyclic antidepressants cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias if an overdose occurs.
D) SSRIs cause a therapeutic response faster than tricyclic antidepressants.

Question 9

While monitoring a depressed patient who has just started SSRI antidepressant therapy,the nurse will observe for which problem during the early time frame of this therapy?

A) Hypertensive crisis
B) Self-injury or suicidal tendencies
C) Extrapyramidal symptoms
D) Loss of appetite

Question 10

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)is prescribed for a patient,and the nurse provides instructions to the patient about the medication.The nurse includes which information?

A) The patient needs to avoid caffeine while on this drug.
B) The patient needs to wear sunscreen while outside because of photosensitivity.
C) Long-term therapy may result in nervousness and excitability.
D) The medication may be taken with an antacid to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

Question 11

A 22-year-old patient has been taking lithium for 1 year,and the most recent lithium level is 0.9 mEq/L.Which statement about the laboratory result is correct?

A) The lithium level is therapeutic.
B) The lithium level is too low.
C) The lithium level is too high.
D) Lithium is not usually monitored with blood levels.

Question 12

A patient wants to take a ginseng dietary supplement.The nurse instructs the patient to look for which potential adverse effect?

A) Drowsiness
B) Palpitations and anxiety
C) Dry mouth
D) Constipation

Question 13

When a patient is receiving a second-generation antipsychotic drug,such as risperidone (Risperdal),the nurse will monitor for which therapeutic effect?

A) Fewer panic attacks
B) Decreased paranoia and delusions
C) Decreased feeling of hopelessness
D) Improved tardive dyskinesia

Question 14

A patient with the diagnosis of schizophrenia is hospitalized and is taking a phenothiazine drug.Which statement by this patient indicates that he is experiencing a common adverse effect of phenothiazines?

A) "I can't sleep at night."
B) "I feel hungry all the time."
C) "Look at how red my hands are."
D) "My mouth has been so dry lately."

Question 15

An agitated patient is to receive an intravenous dose of diazepam (Valium).The order reads,"Give diazepam,2 mg,IV push,now.Repeat in 15 minutes if needed." Identify how many milliliters will the nurse administer for this dose.The medication vial contains 5 mg/mL._______

Question 16

A patient has been taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)sertraline (Zoloft)for about 6 months.At a recent visit,she tells the nurse that she has been interested in herbal therapies and wants to start taking St.John's wort.Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A) "That should be no problem."
B) "Good idea! Hopefully you'll be able to stop taking the Zoloft."
C) "Be sure to stop taking the herb if you notice a change in side effects."
D) "Taking St.John's wort with Zoloft may cause severe interactions and is not recommended."