Question 1

The patient who is receiving antipsychotic medication complains of having a dry mouth. The patient refused the morning dose of the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Drinking more water is a simple and effective way to alleviate dry mouth, a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. This response addresses the patient's concern and provides a practical solution.

Question 2

The patient with schizophrenia is sitting quietly in a chair. The patient does not respond much to what is happening and has a lack of interest in the environment. How does the nurse interpret this assessment?

Accepted Answer

The patient's lack of response and interest in the environment are indicative of negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which include apathy, lack of emotion, and poor social functioning.

Question 3

The patient is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). What is a priority outcome for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Risperidone can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially dangerous drop in white blood cells, leading to increased risk of infection. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as a sore throat, is crucial.

Question 4

A patient has been well controlled on an oral liquid medication for schizophrenia. Today the patient's caregiver reports return to both positive and negative symptoms over the last week. Which nursing assessment questions are indicated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient has been well controlled on...

Question 5

The patient has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of schizophrenia. The patient's mother says to the nurse, "This is all so confusing. How did he get this? Did I do something?" Which nursing responses are indicated?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is understood to be a biological brain disorder with genetic components, and it is associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters like dopamine.

Question 6

A patient experiencing an extrapyramidal adverse effect is not able to relax. How would the nurse record this information in the medical record?

Accepted Answer

Akathisia is characterized by an inability to relax or sit still, which matches the patient's symptoms.

Question 7

The patient is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). During morning assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a temperature of 102 degrees F. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

A high fever in a patient taking risperidone could indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications.

Question 8

The nurse has completed medication education with the patient who is receiving risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse evaluates that the education has been effective when the patient makes which statement?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse has completed medication education with...

Question 9

The nurse is managing the care of a group of patients with schizophrenia. The patients are receiving conventional antipsychotic medications. When assessing for anticholinergic side effects, which would the nurse immediately report to the physician?

Accepted Answer

Urinary retention is a serious anticholinergic side effect that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to bladder damage or infection.

Question 10

An older female patient with psychosis has been taking haloperidol (Haldol) for 1 week. The patient has been making wormlike movements with her tongue. How would the nurse evaluate this finding?

Accepted Answer

The wormlike movements with the tongue are indicative of tardive dyskinesia, a potential adverse effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol.

Question 11

The patient is receiving antipsychotic medications and tells the nurse he has not had a bowel movement for 2 days. What is the best initial action of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Increasing fluid intake and consuming prune juice can help alleviate mild constipation, which is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. This is a non-invasive initial approach before considering medication adjustments or additional interventions.

Question 12

A patient with a psychiatric history is communicating using made-up words and indicates he doesn't care about anything. This patient would most likely be

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient with a psychiatric history is...

Question 13

The nurse has completed diet education for a group of patients who are receiving antipsychotic medications. If the medication education has been effective, patients will eliminate what choice from their menu selection?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic medications can interact with caffeine, potentially exacerbating side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, patients are often advised to avoid or limit caffeine intake.

Question 14

The relapse rate for psychotic patients who are not compliant and discontinue their medications is

Accepted Answer

The relapse rate for psychotic patients who are non-compliant with their medication regimen is typically high, often estimated between 60-80%.

Question 15

The patient receives quetiapine (Seroquel) and asks the nurse how the medication works. What is the best response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that works primarily by antagonizing dopamine receptors, which helps decrease symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Question 16

The patient has been receiving chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for the treatment of schizophrenia. The nurse assesses that the patient has tardive dyskinesia. What findings support this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements, often involving the face, such as unusual facial movements and lip smacking.

Question 17

Symptoms of schizophrenia are thought to be associated with which receptor sites?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia symptoms are primarily associated with dopamine type 2 (D2) receptors, as the disorder is linked to dopamine dysregulation in the brain.

Question 18

Which drug would be indicated for a schizophrenic who needs management of both positive and negative symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 19

The patient is receiving clozapine (Clozaril) for the treatment of schizophrenia. The nurse evaluates that this medication has been effective when the patient makes which statement?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, particularly effective in reducing or eliminating auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices.

Question 20

The physician has prescribed haloperidol (Haldol) for the patient with schizophrenia. What is the priority patient outcome?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The physician has prescribed haloperidol (Haldol) for...

Quiz 17: Drugs for Psychoses