Questions and CORRECT Answers
On the basis of the current understanding of neurotransmitters, what does the nurse view as
playing a role in a patient's symptoms of profound depression?
a)increased dopamine level.
b)decreased serotonin level.
c)increased norepinephrine level.
d)decreased acetylcholine level. - CORRECT ANSWER - b)decreased serotonin level.
The medication prescribed for a client acts by blocking reuptake of both serotonin and
norepinephrine. What behavior by the patient would indicate that the treatment is successful?
a)laughing at a joke.
b)exercising a sore shoulder.
c)writing down his telephone number.
d)going to his room to "calm down." - CORRECT ANSWER - a)laughing at a joke.
The nurse caring for a client prescribed an antipsychotic medication that blocks acetylcholine.
Based on this information, what side effects will the nurse assess for?
a)sedation, drowsiness, hypotension, and weight gain.
b)orthostatic hypotension and memory dysfunction.
c)blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.
d)tremors, tachycardia, and ejaculatory dysfunction. - CORRECT ANSWER - c)blurred
vision, dry mouth, and constipation.
,The nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed an antidepressant that is a monoamine
inhibitor (MAOI). The nurse is providing nutrition education. What food restrictions will the
nurse discuss?
a)white flour, gluten products
b)Nuts, especially tree nuts
c)whole milk and dairy products
d)Aged cheeses, smoked fish - CORRECT ANSWER - d)Aged cheeses, smoked fish
The nurse caring for a client recently precribed a second generation antipsychotic, risperidone
(Risperidal)? What side effect should the nurse observe the client carefully for?
a)a weight gain
b)reports of falls
c)a rapid heartbeat
d)poor urinary output - CORRECT ANSWER - b)reports of falls
The patient's wife asks the nurse why her husband has had problems with involuntary
movements since being prescribed a first generation antipyschotic medication, Haldol
(Haloperidol). What is the best response of the nurse?
a)"This is all part of the agitation that the medication is prescribed to treat."
b)"This has to do with the stimulant effects of Haldol."
c)"This medication blocks a neurotransmitter that is involved in involuntary movement."
d)"This medication can cause seizure-like activity." - CORRECT ANSWER - c)"This
medication blocks a neurotransmitter that is involved in involuntary movement."
The nurse is developing the plan of care for a patient prescribed clonazepam (Klonopin). What
outcome measure would indicate that the treatment is effective?
, a)less anxiety.
b)normal appetite.
c)improved sleep pattern.
d)reduced auditory hallucinations. - CORRECT ANSWER - a)less anxiety.
The nurse administers a medication that potentiates the action of ã-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Which effect would be expected?
a)Reduced anxiety
b)Improved memory
c)More organized thinking
d)Fewer sensory perceptual alterations - CORRECT ANSWER - a)Reduced anxiety
The nurse is caring for a patient who was prescribed Lithium. The patient is asking the nurse the
reason for such frequent blood work checking the Lithium level. What is the nurse's best
response?
a)"Everyone metabolizes medications differently and we need to find what blood level of the
medication works best for you."
b)"This is a relatively new medication and there is a need to monitor it's effects frequently."
c)"The therapeutic level and toxic level are very close, so the blood level needs to be monitored."
d)"Initially blood levels are important but once you are stabilized on the medication this will not
be necessary." - CORRECT ANSWER - c)"The therapeutic level and toxic level are very
close, so the blood level needs to be monitored."
The nurse is caring for a patient prescribed clozapine (clozaril). The patient is ordered to have
weekly lab tests. Which specific valuet will the nurse review to assess whether the patient is
developing a known, serious side effect from the clozapine?
a)CBC (complete blood count)
b)Neutrophil Count