Chapter 4 -
Psychopharmacology
questions with answers
When used in combination with anxiolytic medication, alcohol leads to _____________ effects, and
caffeine leads to _______________ effects.
1. increased; increased
2. increased; decreased
3. decreased; decreased
4. decreased; increased - correct answer 2. increased; decreased
Anxiolytic medications work through depression of certain central nervous system (CNS) functions.
Alcohol, which is a CNS depressant, would increase/potentiate their effects. Caffeine, which is a CNS
stimulant, would decrease/inhibit their effects.
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. He has been placed on a
tricyclic antidepressant. In terms of medication, what steps should be taken to maintain the client's
safety when he is discharged?
1. Provide a 6-month supply to ensure long-term compliance.
2. Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only after he visits his provider.
3. Encourage him to increase fluid intake to counteract the common side effect of diarrhea.
4. Educate him not to eat foods that contain tyramine. - correct answer 2. Provide a 1-week supply of
medication, with refills authorized only after he visits his provider.
, To prevent suicide through overdose on antidepressant medication, a limited supply should be given at
discharge. Clients with a history of depression who have a lifting of mood may have an increased risk for
suicide. Giving the client a larger supply of antidepressant medication increases the chances of
overdose.
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt and is prescribed a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The nurse teaches the client about serotonin syndrome. Which of
the following is a symptom of serotonin syndrome?
1. Change in mental status
2. Myoclonus
3. Blood pressure lability
4. Priapism - correct answer 4. Priapism
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt and has not responded to
SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. The client asks the nurse, "I heard about monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs). Why can't they be added to what I am on now? Wouldn't adding one help?" Which is
the appropriate nursing response?
1. "Electroconvulsive therapy is your best option at this point."
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypertensive crisis."
3. "There is no reason why an MAOI couldn't be added to your therapy."
4. "They can't be used together because their mechanisms of action are very different." - correct answer
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypertensive crisis."
A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago and asks
why he has gained 12 lbs. since then. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
1. "I'm surprised you have gained; weight loss is the typical pattern when taking lithium."
2. "Your weight gain is more likely related to food intake than medication."
3. "Weight gain is a common, but troubling side effect. Let's talk about some strategies for safely
improving your nutrition and exercise habits."
4. "There's not much you can do about the weight gain. It's better than being emotionally unstable,
though." - correct answer 3. "Weight gain is a common, but troubling side effect. Let's talk about some
strategies for safely improving your nutrition and exercise habits."
Psychopharmacology
questions with answers
When used in combination with anxiolytic medication, alcohol leads to _____________ effects, and
caffeine leads to _______________ effects.
1. increased; increased
2. increased; decreased
3. decreased; decreased
4. decreased; increased - correct answer 2. increased; decreased
Anxiolytic medications work through depression of certain central nervous system (CNS) functions.
Alcohol, which is a CNS depressant, would increase/potentiate their effects. Caffeine, which is a CNS
stimulant, would decrease/inhibit their effects.
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. He has been placed on a
tricyclic antidepressant. In terms of medication, what steps should be taken to maintain the client's
safety when he is discharged?
1. Provide a 6-month supply to ensure long-term compliance.
2. Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only after he visits his provider.
3. Encourage him to increase fluid intake to counteract the common side effect of diarrhea.
4. Educate him not to eat foods that contain tyramine. - correct answer 2. Provide a 1-week supply of
medication, with refills authorized only after he visits his provider.
, To prevent suicide through overdose on antidepressant medication, a limited supply should be given at
discharge. Clients with a history of depression who have a lifting of mood may have an increased risk for
suicide. Giving the client a larger supply of antidepressant medication increases the chances of
overdose.
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt and is prescribed a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The nurse teaches the client about serotonin syndrome. Which of
the following is a symptom of serotonin syndrome?
1. Change in mental status
2. Myoclonus
3. Blood pressure lability
4. Priapism - correct answer 4. Priapism
A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt and has not responded to
SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. The client asks the nurse, "I heard about monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs). Why can't they be added to what I am on now? Wouldn't adding one help?" Which is
the appropriate nursing response?
1. "Electroconvulsive therapy is your best option at this point."
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypertensive crisis."
3. "There is no reason why an MAOI couldn't be added to your therapy."
4. "They can't be used together because their mechanisms of action are very different." - correct answer
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypertensive crisis."
A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago and asks
why he has gained 12 lbs. since then. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
1. "I'm surprised you have gained; weight loss is the typical pattern when taking lithium."
2. "Your weight gain is more likely related to food intake than medication."
3. "Weight gain is a common, but troubling side effect. Let's talk about some strategies for safely
improving your nutrition and exercise habits."
4. "There's not much you can do about the weight gain. It's better than being emotionally unstable,
though." - correct answer 3. "Weight gain is a common, but troubling side effect. Let's talk about some
strategies for safely improving your nutrition and exercise habits."
