NURS 172 Final Exam Complete Questions with
Correct Answers Graded A+ 2025
Atypical antiphsychotic drugs -Correct Answer ✔Riperidone (risperdal)
olanzapine (zyprexa)
aripiprazole (ability)
clozapine (clozaril)
aripiprazole (abilify)
action: block dopamine receptors
indications: schizophrenia, bipolar mania, antiemetic
contraindications: elderly patients with psychosis, other CNS depressants, parkinsons,
glaucoma, severely depressed, lactating, cardiac issues, epilepsy
caution with: hx of seizures, DM, pregnancy, respiratory depression
interactions: increased hypotension with antihypertensive, anticholinergic drugs (dry
mouth, tachycardia)
nursing implications: smoking increases metabolism (will need dose adjustment), avoid
exposure to extreme temps, no alcohol, watch for NMS
extrapyramidal symptoms -Correct Answer ✔pseudoparkinsonism: tremors; rigid
muscles.
akinesia: muscular weakness.
akathisia: restlessness, fidgeting.
dystonia: involuntary muscle movements.
oculogyric crisis: uncontrolled eye rolling.
anticholinergic effects -Correct Answer ✔dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary
retention
tardive dyskinesia -Correct Answer ✔involuntary movements of the facial muscles,
tongue, and limbs
nueroleptic malignant syndrome -Correct Answer ✔rare side effect of antipsychotic
drugs: characterized by sudden high fever, sweating, rigidity, dysrhythmias, fluctuations
in BP, and respiratory failure
agranulocytosis -Correct Answer ✔Is a rare adverse reaction to Clozapine (Clozaril) in
which WBC's drop causing pt to become susceptible to acute infections.
anxiolytic (antianxiety) drugs -Correct Answer ✔alprazolam
lorazepam
chlordiazepoxide
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buspirone
Action: depress CNS; produces calming effects by potentiating GABA
indications: anxiety disorders/symptoms, acute alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle
spasms, seizures
contraindications: hypersensitivity, other CNS depressants, pregnancy, glaucoma
caution in: elderly, decreased renal/hepatic, known hx of addiction, suicidal or
depressed
nursing implications: monitor for confusion, tolerance/dependance, orthostatic
hypotension, nausea/vomiting, assess anxiety/mental status
benzodiazepines -Correct Answer ✔Alprazolam (Xanax)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Action: increase gabba and decreases neuron activity
Side effects: low and slow vitals, sedation, addiction
Teaching: take at bedtime, do not skip doses, do not abruptly stop, not long term
*Pam and Lam in a Benz, addicted to being here for a good time not a long time*
*Gabba = grandma, more gabba = more sedated*
Non-benzodiazepines -Correct Answer ✔Buspirone (Buspar)
action:
side effects: not addictive, no sedation, no withdrawal
teaching: 2-4 weeks for full effect, long term use, can drive bus
*Can still drive the bus on buspirone, not sedative*
paradoxical excitement -Correct Answer ✔Experiencing an effect that is opposite of the
indented effect.
-Sedative or a benzodiazepine to treat anxiety, when the patient is wide awake and
hyperactive rather than calm and relaxed.
antidepressant drugs -Correct Answer ✔selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
rules of antidepressants -Correct Answer ✔1. increased risk of suicide (especially in first
few weeks of treatment)
2. slow onset and slow taper off (never stop abruptly)
3. never mix SSRIs with st. johns wart and never mix MAOIs with any other
antidepressant (2 week wash out period)
4. orthostatic hypotension and weight gain
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selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -Correct Answer ✔sertraline
fluoxetine
citalopram
action: inhibits re-uptake of serotonin (more serotonin)
side effects: weight gain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, serotonin syndrome
teaching: never stop abruptly, no alcohol
key points:
- increased suicide (ages 18-24) when starting or changing dose
- report more energy without change in depression (risk for suicide)
- never mix with MAOIs, tramadol, st. johns wart
Serotonin syndrome symptoms -Correct Answer ✔occurs when there is an *inadequate
washout period between taking MAOIs & SSRIs or when MAOIs are combined with
meperidine*
Symptoms:
1. *change in mental state*: confusion & agitation
2. *neuromuscular excitement*: muscle rigidity, weakness, sluggish pupils, shivering,
tremors, myoclonic jerks, collapse, & muscle paralysis
3. *autonomic abnormalities*: hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypersalivation, &
diaphoresis
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) -Correct Answer ✔Phenelzine
Tranylypromine
oldest and very powerful antidepressants; used to treat depression that is resistant to
other medications
action: increases availability of norepinepherine, serotonin and dopamine
key points:
Massive HTN crisis risk (headache)
Avoid tyramine (regulates BP and triggers HTN crisis, leading to MI/CVA)
foods to avoid : wine, cheese, beer, cured meats, chocolate
Otc drugs to avoid (Calcium, Acetaminophen, Anti acids, NSAIDs)
Other antidepressants avoid (2 weeks washout period)
Increased suicide risk (within first few weeks or with dose increase)
anxiety disorders -Correct Answer ✔a vague feelings of dread or apprehension; it is a
response to external or internal stimuli that can have behavioral, emotional, cognitive,
and physical symptoms
positive adaptive behaviors to anxiety -Correct Answer ✔- imagery techniques to
refocus attention
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