Question 1

A patient taking a psychotropic medication reports, "This medicine isn't working right for me.It's causing side effects." Select the nurse's best comment to further assess the scenario.

Accepted Answer

Option D is the most appropriate response as it allows the nurse to gather more information about the medication's effects as well as the patient's concerns. The other options are specific side effects that may or may not be applicable to the patient, which limits the conversation and may not address the patient's specific issue.

Question 2

An outpatient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been omitting doses of medication.Which questions should the clinic nurse ask to determine the reasons for the problem? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A, B, C, D, E

Question 3

Which historical event marked the beginning of the evolution of psychotropic medications?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

A patient takes a psychotropic medication that affects acetylcholine receptors.The patient reports dry mouth and constipation.What effect is the drug having on the acetylcholine receptors?

Accepted Answer

These side effects suggest that the drug is blocking or antagonizing the acetylcholine receptors, leading to decreased stimulation of these receptors. Dry mouth and constipation are common anticholinergic side effects.

Question 5

A week after beginning fluoxetine, a patient reports, "I still feel so depressed all the time." Based on knowledge of the medication's pharmacodynamics, what is the nurse's most effective intervention?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine, like many antidepressants, can take several weeks before therapeutic effects are seen. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient and remind them that it may take time for the drug to be effective. The other choices are not appropriate interventions. Administering the medication on an empty stomach is not indicated for this medication, advising the healthcare provider that the drug is ineffective is premature, and reassessing the expected outcomes of antidepressant therapy is not the most effective intervention at this time.

Question 6

A nurse administering a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant should carefully observe the patient for symptoms related to what possible reaction?

Accepted Answer

SSRI antidepressants work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. Therefore, the nurse should observe the patient for symptoms related to increased serotonin levels, such as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms may include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, diarrhea, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, tremors, and seizures.

Question 7

Which patient would be most at risk for adverse reactions when administered a highly protein bound medication?

Accepted Answer

Patients with malnutrition are at greater risk for adverse reactions to highly protein bound medications because they have decreased protein levels in their blood, which can lead to an increased concentration of medication in the bloodstream. This can result in toxic levels of the medication and an increased risk of adverse effects.

Question 8

The parent of a teen diagnosed with schizophrenia asks, "What is the most likely factor causing this disorder?" The nurse's reply would be based on understanding?

Accepted Answer

The most likely factor causing schizophrenia is an increase in dopamine, which is responsible for the classic symptoms of the disorder. Glutamate has also been implicated, but it is not present in higher than normal quantities. Norepinephrine is not directly related to the basic symptoms of schizophrenia, and GABA is not directly related to the psychotic symptoms.

Question 9

The primary mechanisms of action of certain antidepressants result from neurotransmitter inactivation by enzyme-based metabolism and what other event?

Accepted Answer

The primary mechanisms of action of certain antidepressants involve reuptake inhibition, which prevents the presynaptic neuron from taking serotonin or norepinephrine back up into the storage vesicles, thus increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the synapse. This is in addition to enzyme-based metabolism.

Question 10

What information should the nurse include in patient teaching about psychotropic medication? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of What information should the nurse include in...

Question 11

A patient takes a psychotropic medication that affects serotonin receptors.The patient complains of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite.What effect is the drug having on the serotonin receptors?

Accepted Answer

Activation of serotonin receptors can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite, as serotonin plays a key role in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite control.

Question 12

What is a realistic patient-focused outcome of patient teaching regarding psychotropic medications?

Accepted Answer

The best patient-focused outcome of patient teaching regarding psychotropic medications is for the patient to be able to state the purpose, dose, and significant side effects of each drug prescribed. This demonstrates that the patient understands why they are taking the medication, how much to take, and what potential side effects to watch for. While understanding physiologic responses to drug therapy and describing the onset, peak, and duration of action of each drug prescribed are important aspects of medication education, they are not as relevant to a patient-focused outcome as knowing the purpose, dose, and significant side effects of each drug prescribed. Assessing effectiveness of prescribed drugs in controlling symptoms is important, but it is more of a provider-focused outcome rather than a patient-focused outcome.

Question 13

Bearing in mind the function of the blood-brain barrier, what is the danger associated with administering large doses of water-soluble drugs?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble drugs generally do not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, so the danger is more related to systemic effects rather than rapid passage into the brain.

Question 14

When discussing treatment of an aggressive patient diagnosed with psychosis, a health care provider says, "I plan to prescribe the original antipsychotic drug." Which medication is relevant to the statement?

Accepted Answer

The original antipsychotic drug is chlorpromazine, which was first developed in the 1950s and is still used today for its calming effect and ability to reduce hallucinations and delusions in patients with psychosis. Paroxetine and imipramine are antidepressants, and clozapine is a newer atypical antipsychotic drug that is typically used in treatment-resistant cases of psychosis.

Question 15

Studies demonstrate the need to focus on what nursing diagnosis to support the psychiatric patients' understanding of psychopharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Deficient knowledge related to drug therapy is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis to support the psychiatric patients' understanding of psychopharmacology. It involves assessing the patient's baseline knowledge and providing education on the medication's effects, side effects, and potential interactions with other medications. This will enable the patient to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and help them manage their symptoms effectively. The other options are possible nursing diagnoses but are not directly related to supporting the patient's understanding of psychopharmacology.

Question 16

Bioavailability of orally administered drugs is initially associated with which physiologic phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Bioavailability of orally administered drugs is initially associated with first-pass metabolism. This refers to the fact that a portion of the drug may be metabolized by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation, reducing the amount of drug available to exert its effect.

Question 17

A novice nurse asks, "What is the role of psychopharmacology in the psychotherapeutic management model?" What response should the mentor provide concerning the role of psychopharmacology?

Accepted Answer

Psychopharmacology plays a crucial role in allowing the use of the least restrictive treatment alternatives by managing symptoms effectively, thus reducing the need for more invasive interventions.

Question 18

A patient takes a psychotropic medication that affects norepinephrine receptors.The patient reports, "It feels like my heart is pounding in my chest." What effect is the drug having on the norepinephrine receptors?

Accepted Answer

Activation of norepinephrine receptors can cause an increase in heart rate and the sensation of a pounding heart.

Question 19

A nurse assesses a newly hospitalized patient with a long history of serious and persistent mental illness.What is the priority assessment information should the nurse obtain to minimize any risk associated with medication safety?

Accepted Answer

Adverse reactions to drugs taken previously are the priority assessment information the nurse should obtain to minimize any risk associated with medication safety. This information will help the nurse to identify any potential drug interactions or allergies that could put the patient at risk.

Question 20

A patient taking clozapine reports, "I get plenty of vitamin C by drinking 8 ounces of grapefruit juice each morning." How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of clozapine, leading to increased clozapine levels in the blood and potential toxicity. The nurse should educate the patient on this interaction and suggest alternative juice choices. Option A is not relevant to the patient's medication regimen, and option D does not address the interaction between grapefruit juice and clozapine. Option C is partly correct, as a dosage change may be necessary, but the interaction should also be explained to the patient.

Quiz 12: Introduction to Psychotropic Drugs