ATI Neurological System (Part 2)
Pharmacology Made Easy
psychotherapeutics (antidepressants,
antipsychotics, anxiolytics) and ophthalmic
agents
Comprehensive 50-Question Test Bank
Latest 2026 Version | Detailed Rationales |
100% Correct Answers
, TOPIC 1: ANTIDEPRESSANTS - TRIC2YCLICS (TCAs)
(Questions 1-8)
Question 1
A health care professional is caring for a client who is about to begin amitriptyline to treat
major depression. Which of the following instructions should the health care professional
include when talking with the client about taking the medication? (Select all that apply.)
A. Change positions slowly from sitting or lying to standing.
B. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly.
C. Avoid crushing the tablet.
D. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness.
E. Increase fiber and fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale:
A is correct: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can cause orthostatic hypotension.
Clients should move slowly from sitting or lying to standing .
B is correct: Relapse and withdrawal manifestations can occur with abrupt discontinuation of
amitriptyline. When discontinuing, reduce dosage over 2 weeks .
D is correct: Amitriptyline causes drowsiness. Clients should take it at bedtime and avoid
activities requiring alertness until effects are known .
E is correct: Amitriptyline causes anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary
retention). Clients should increase fiber and fluid intake and urinate before taking the
medication .
, C is incorrect: This medication may be crushed if the client has difficulty swallowing tablets .
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for amitriptyline. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should feel better within 24 hours."
B. "I will need to have my blood levels checked weekly."
C. "I will avoid driving until I know how this medication affects me."
D. "I can take this medication with grapefruit juice."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Amitriptyline causes CNS depression and drowsiness. Clients should avoid driving
or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Therapeutic effects
take 2-4 weeks (A), not 24 hours. Blood level monitoring (B) is not routinely required.
Grapefruit juice (D) may interact with some medications but is not a specific concern with
amitriptyline.
Question 3
A client taking amitriptyline reports dry mouth and constipation. Which suggestion by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Stop taking the medication immediately."
B. "These effects will disappear within a few days."
C. "Increase your fluid intake and add fiber to your diet."
D. "Take an extra dose to get past these effects."
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dry mouth and constipation are anticholinergic effects of tricyclic antidepressants.
Increasing fluids and fiber helps manage constipation. Sugarless gum or candy can help with
dry mouth. Stopping abruptly (A) can cause withdrawal. Effects may persist (B). Extra doses
(D) are dangerous.
Question 4
A nurse should recognize that which of the following is a contraindication for amitriptyline
use?
A. Recent myocardial infarction
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hypertension
D. Asthma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants can cause cardiac arrhythmias and are contraindicated in
clients with recent myocardial infarction. They should be used with caution in clients with
cardiovascular disease. Diabetes (B), hypertension (C), and asthma (D) are not absolute
contraindications.
Pharmacology Made Easy
psychotherapeutics (antidepressants,
antipsychotics, anxiolytics) and ophthalmic
agents
Comprehensive 50-Question Test Bank
Latest 2026 Version | Detailed Rationales |
100% Correct Answers
, TOPIC 1: ANTIDEPRESSANTS - TRIC2YCLICS (TCAs)
(Questions 1-8)
Question 1
A health care professional is caring for a client who is about to begin amitriptyline to treat
major depression. Which of the following instructions should the health care professional
include when talking with the client about taking the medication? (Select all that apply.)
A. Change positions slowly from sitting or lying to standing.
B. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly.
C. Avoid crushing the tablet.
D. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness.
E. Increase fiber and fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Rationale:
A is correct: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can cause orthostatic hypotension.
Clients should move slowly from sitting or lying to standing .
B is correct: Relapse and withdrawal manifestations can occur with abrupt discontinuation of
amitriptyline. When discontinuing, reduce dosage over 2 weeks .
D is correct: Amitriptyline causes drowsiness. Clients should take it at bedtime and avoid
activities requiring alertness until effects are known .
E is correct: Amitriptyline causes anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary
retention). Clients should increase fiber and fluid intake and urinate before taking the
medication .
, C is incorrect: This medication may be crushed if the client has difficulty swallowing tablets .
Question 2
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for amitriptyline. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
A. "I should feel better within 24 hours."
B. "I will need to have my blood levels checked weekly."
C. "I will avoid driving until I know how this medication affects me."
D. "I can take this medication with grapefruit juice."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Amitriptyline causes CNS depression and drowsiness. Clients should avoid driving
or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Therapeutic effects
take 2-4 weeks (A), not 24 hours. Blood level monitoring (B) is not routinely required.
Grapefruit juice (D) may interact with some medications but is not a specific concern with
amitriptyline.
Question 3
A client taking amitriptyline reports dry mouth and constipation. Which suggestion by the
nurse is most appropriate?
A. "Stop taking the medication immediately."
B. "These effects will disappear within a few days."
C. "Increase your fluid intake and add fiber to your diet."
D. "Take an extra dose to get past these effects."
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dry mouth and constipation are anticholinergic effects of tricyclic antidepressants.
Increasing fluids and fiber helps manage constipation. Sugarless gum or candy can help with
dry mouth. Stopping abruptly (A) can cause withdrawal. Effects may persist (B). Extra doses
(D) are dangerous.
Question 4
A nurse should recognize that which of the following is a contraindication for amitriptyline
use?
A. Recent myocardial infarction
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hypertension
D. Asthma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants can cause cardiac arrhythmias and are contraindicated in
clients with recent myocardial infarction. They should be used with caution in clients with
cardiovascular disease. Diabetes (B), hypertension (C), and asthma (D) are not absolute
contraindications.
