ATI Mental Health | Week 8 Study Guide (Psychiatric Medications &
Side Effects) 2026/2027 |Questions | Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is starting Lithium carbonate. What is the
therapeutic range for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic maintenance range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
2. A client taking phenelzine (an MAOI) is at risk for a hypertensive crisis if they
consume which food?
A. Fresh apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. White bread
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats,
and red wine, which can trigger a hypertensive crisis.
,3. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor closely for a client prescribed
Clozapine?
A. Serum Potassium
B. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, baseline and weekly
WBC counts are mandatory.
4. A client reports muscle stiffness, high fever, and sweating while taking
Haloperidol. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Anticholinergic Crisis
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: A
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening complication of antipsychotics characterized by ‘lead-
pipe’ rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability.
5. A nurse is providing teaching for a client starting Fluoxetine. What is a
common sexual side effect of SSRIs?
A. Increased libido
B. Urinary retention
C. Priapism
D. Anorgasmia or decreased libido
Answer: D
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and delayed orgasm, is a very
common side effect of SSRIs like Fluoxetine.
, 6. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute alcohol
withdrawal to prevent seizures?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Methadone
C. Disulfiram
D. Varenicline
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide or Diazepam are used to stabilize vital
signs and prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal.
7. A client is taking Amitriptyline (a TCA). Which side effect is a priority for the
nurse to assess?
A. Weight loss
B. Diarrhea
C. Excessive salivation
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Answer: D
Rationale: TCAs frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, which increases the risk of falls
and injury.
8. What is the primary mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines like
Alprazolam?
A. Blocking Dopamine receptors
B. Enhancing the effects of GABA
C. Inhibiting Serotonin reuptake
D. Increasing Norepinephrine levels
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines work by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in
the central nervous system.
Side Effects) 2026/2027 |Questions | Answers |Rationales
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is starting Lithium carbonate. What is the
therapeutic range for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic maintenance range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
2. A client taking phenelzine (an MAOI) is at risk for a hypertensive crisis if they
consume which food?
A. Fresh apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. White bread
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheeses, cured meats,
and red wine, which can trigger a hypertensive crisis.
,3. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor closely for a client prescribed
Clozapine?
A. Serum Potassium
B. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, baseline and weekly
WBC counts are mandatory.
4. A client reports muscle stiffness, high fever, and sweating while taking
Haloperidol. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Anticholinergic Crisis
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: A
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening complication of antipsychotics characterized by ‘lead-
pipe’ rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability.
5. A nurse is providing teaching for a client starting Fluoxetine. What is a
common sexual side effect of SSRIs?
A. Increased libido
B. Urinary retention
C. Priapism
D. Anorgasmia or decreased libido
Answer: D
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and delayed orgasm, is a very
common side effect of SSRIs like Fluoxetine.
, 6. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for an acute alcohol
withdrawal to prevent seizures?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Methadone
C. Disulfiram
D. Varenicline
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide or Diazepam are used to stabilize vital
signs and prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal.
7. A client is taking Amitriptyline (a TCA). Which side effect is a priority for the
nurse to assess?
A. Weight loss
B. Diarrhea
C. Excessive salivation
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Answer: D
Rationale: TCAs frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, which increases the risk of falls
and injury.
8. What is the primary mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines like
Alprazolam?
A. Blocking Dopamine receptors
B. Enhancing the effects of GABA
C. Inhibiting Serotonin reuptake
D. Increasing Norepinephrine levels
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines work by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in
the central nervous system.
