Psychotropic Medications in Psychiatric Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

What is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications in some individuals?

Accepted Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Improved cognitive function

Answer

Reduced blood pressure

Answer

Weight loss

Question 2

Which of the following is a first-generation antipsychotic medication, known for its potential to cause extrapyramidal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Aripiprazole

Answer

Olanzapine

Answer

Risperidone

Question 3

What is the main mechanism of action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Increasing serotonin levels in the synapse

Answer

Blocking dopamine reuptake

Answer

Inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Stimulating GABA receptors

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications, which can manifest as involuntary muscle movements?

Accepted Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Diarrhea

Question 5

For patients receiving lithium, what parameter should be routinely measured to monitor for potential toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Serum lithium levels

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Answer

Blood pressure

Answer

Respiratory rate

Question 6

In psychiatric nursing, what is the primary role of benzodiazepines, a class of medications commonly used for short-term?

Accepted Answer

Treating anxiety and insomnia

Answer

Managing psychosis

Answer

Relieving depression

Answer

Preventing seizures

Question 7

In psychiatric nursing, what is the main objective of medication therapy?

Accepted Answer

Symptom management

Answer

Cure

Answer

Prevention

Answer

Rehabilitation

Question 8

Which of the following is the primary neurochemical action of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of GABA reuptake

Answer

Blockade of dopamine receptors

Answer

Stimulation of serotonin release

Answer

Enhancement of glutamate activity

Question 9

A patient taking an antipsychotic medication develops akathisia. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe a beta-blocker

Answer

Increase the dosage of the antipsychotic

Answer

Add a mood stabilizer

Answer

Discontinue the antipsychotic

Question 10

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Insomnia

Question 11

When selecting an injection site for intramuscular medication administration, the most important factor to consider is:

Accepted Answer

Presence of muscle mass

Answer

Proximity to large blood vessels

Answer

Patient's level of anxiety

Answer

Injection site rotation

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary therapeutic goal of using mood stabilizers in psychiatry?

Accepted Answer

Preventing mood swings

Answer

Reducing anxiety levels

Answer

Promoting sleep

Answer

Enhancing cognitive function

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential risk factor for developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) associated with antipsychotic use in patients?

Accepted Answer

Long-term use of antipsychotics

Answer

Young age

Answer

Female gender

Answer

Low antipsychotic dosage

Question 14

When choosing an appropriate antipsychotic medication for a patient with schizophrenia, the primary consideration should be:

Accepted Answer

Severity of the patient's symptoms

Answer

Patient's preference

Answer

Cost of the medication

Answer

Potential for adverse effects

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a route of administration for psychotropic medications **in psychiatric nursing**?

Accepted Answer

Topical

Answer

Oral

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Intravenous

Question 16

What is the primary mechanism of action of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Enhances GABAergic activity

Answer

Inhibits dopamine receptors

Answer

Inhibits serotonin reuptake

Answer

Blocks NMDA receptors

Question 17

Which adverse effect is a common concern with **first-generation antipsychotic** medications?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Question 18

What is the **primary** therapeutic goal of using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate anxiety and depression

Answer

To reduce hallucinations and delusions

Answer

To improve sleep-wake cycles

Answer

To manage obsessive-compulsive symptoms

Question 19

What is the **primary** responsibility of a psychiatric nurse when monitoring a patient who has received benzodiazepine medication?

Accepted Answer

Monitor respiratory status

Answer

Assess for signs of withdrawal

Answer

Check blood pressure regularly

Answer

Evaluate mood and affect

Question 20

What is the rationale for using a depot injection of an antipsychotic medication?

Accepted Answer

To maintain consistent medication levels and reduce relapse risk

Answer

To improve patient adherence

Answer

To decrease the frequency of administration only

Answer

To prevent medication interactions

Question 21

Which of the following is a common indication for using mood stabilizers in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 22

What is the nurse's **primary** role in patient education regarding psychotropic medications?

Accepted Answer

Providing information on medication effects and side effects

Answer

Monitoring patient understanding and adherence only

Answer

Evaluating patient response to medication only

Answer

Consulting with the prescriber on medication changes only

Question 23

Which class of antipsychotics has a high affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor?

Accepted Answer

Typical antipsychotics

Answer

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 24

Which drug class does Lorazepam belong to?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Olanzapine

Answer

Venlafaxine

Answer

Lithium

Question 25

When administering PRN medications, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's condition to determine if they need the medication.

Answer

Explain the medication's purpose and side effects to the patient.

Answer

Document the medication administration in the patient's chart.

Answer

Consult with the prescriber before administering the medication.

Question 26

Which of the following is a typical first-generation antipsychotic medication?

Accepted Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Olanzapine

Answer

Seroquel

Question 27

What is the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft

Answer

Increasing the release of norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons

Answer

Inhibiting the breakdown of dopamine

Answer

Stimulating the release of acetylcholine

Question 28

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of lithium?

Accepted Answer

Anemia

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 29

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered when selecting an appropriate psychotropic medication for a patient?

Accepted Answer

Patient's religious beliefs

Answer

Patient's diagnosis and symptoms

Answer

Patient's age and weight

Answer

Patient's preferences

Question 30

What is the purpose of using a PRN (pro re nata) medication order for psychotropic medications?

Accepted Answer

Providing flexibility in medication administration based on the patient's symptoms

Answer

Reducing the risk of medication errors

Answer

Ensuring the patient receives the minimum effective dose

Answer

Avoiding potential drug interactions

Question 31

Which intervention should the nurse primarily consider when administering an intramuscular injection of an antipsychotic medication?

Accepted Answer

Injecting the medication slowly

Answer

Using a 25-gauge needle

Answer

Aspirating before injecting

Answer

Massaging the injection site afterward

Question 32

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for antipsychotic medications?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine receptor blockade

Answer

Serotonin receptor blockade

Answer

Acetylcholine receptor blockade

Answer

Glutamate receptor potentiation

Question 33

What is the recommended route of administration for long-acting injectable antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Oral

Answer

Subcutaneous

Answer

Intravenous

Question 34

Which of the following is a primary use of mood stabilizers?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of bipolar disorder

Answer

Management of anxiety disorders

Answer

Reduction of psychotic symptoms

Answer

Improvement of sleep quality

Question 35

What type of medication is commonly used to manage acute agitation in psychiatric emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Mood stabilizer

Answer

Antidepressant

Question 36

What is the primary mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Stimulation of dopamine release

Answer

Blockade of acetylcholine receptors

Question 37

Which of the following medications is considered a high-risk medication in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Alprazolam

Question 38

Which of the following accurately describes the primary mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse, increasing its availability.

Answer

SSRIs reduce the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Answer

SSRIs activate alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Answer

SSRIs enhance the release of dopamine in the synapse.

Question 39

For patients receiving lithium therapy, which laboratory test is crucial for monitoring potential toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Serum lithium level

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Urinalysis

Question 40

Which medication class is primarily indicated for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizers, such as valproic acid.

Answer

Antidepressants, such as sertraline.

Answer

Anxiolytics, such as buspirone.

Answer

Antipsychotics, such as olanzapine.

Question 41

When administering clozapine, which laboratory test requires weekly monitoring during the initial six months of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Absolute neutrophil count to detect potential neutropenia.

Answer

Liver function tests to monitor hepatotoxicity.

Answer

Blood glucose to assess metabolic effects.

Answer

Electrolytes to prevent electrolyte imbalances.

Question 42

Which patient teaching point is crucial when educating patients about benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines should not be combined with alcohol due to increased risk of sedation and respiratory depression.

Answer

Benzodiazepines are non-addictive and can be used long-term.

Answer

Benzodiazepines can be taken as needed for occasional sleep difficulties.

Question 43

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect associated with psychostimulant medications used in ADHD treatment?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and blood pressure due to sympathomimetic effects.

Answer

Nausea and vomiting due to gastrointestinal irritation.

Answer

Muscle weakness and tremors due to neuromuscular blockade.

Answer

Drowsiness and fatigue due to sedative effects.

Question 44

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for managing a patient experiencing a dystonic reaction after receiving an antipsychotic medication?

Accepted Answer

Administer an anticholinergic medication, such as benztropine, to relieve muscle spasms.

Answer

Provide a quiet environment to reduce stimulation and anxiety.

Answer

Restraint the patient to prevent self-harm.

Answer

Offer reassurance and support to help calm the patient.

Question 45

What is the primary mechanism of action for atypical antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Blocking serotonin (5-HT2) receptors and dopamine (D2) receptors, with a higher affinity for serotonin receptors.

Answer

Directly increasing dopamine levels in the brain.

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake in the synapse.

Answer

Stimulation of acetylcholine receptors in the brain.

Question 46

A patient taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) experiences a sudden increase in blood pressure after consuming a bowl of lentil soup. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine, a compound found in aged foods like cheese and fermented products like lentil soup, interacts with MAOIs, leading to a hypertensive crisis.

Answer

Histamine release from the food itself.

Answer

Over-stimulation of serotonin receptors due to the soup.

Answer

An interaction with another medication the patient might be taking.

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential long-term adverse effect of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and ejaculatory problems.

Answer

Confusion and cognitive impairment.

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, and involuntary movements.

Answer

Increased appetite and weight gain.

Question 48

A client with schizophrenia is experiencing an acute exacerbation of symptoms. Which of the following medication categories is most likely to be prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotics, like risperidone or olanzapine, are often the first-line treatment for acute exacerbations of schizophrenia.

Answer

Mood stabilizers, like lithium or valproic acid, are primarily used for bipolar disorder.

Answer

Antidepressants, like sertraline or escitalopram, are not typically used for acute psychosis.

Answer

Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam or alprazolam, are used for anxiety and agitation but not for treating the core symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a contraindication to the use of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol dependence, while it may require careful management, is not an absolute contraindication to ECT.

Answer

Recent head injury, as it increases the risk of bleeding or other complications.

Answer

Cardiac arrhythmias, as they can be exacerbated by ECT.

Answer

Uncontrolled hypertension, as ECT can significantly increase blood pressure.

Question 50

Which of the following interventions should be included in a plan of care for a patient who is at risk for suicide?

Accepted Answer

Restrict access to firearms and other potentially lethal objects to prevent impulsive acts.

Answer

Reducing the dosage of psychotropic medications without a doctor's order can worsen symptoms and increase risk.

Answer

Encouraging use of alcohol is detrimental and can increase suicidal risk.

Answer

Prescribing benzodiazepines may temporarily reduce anxiety but doesn't address the underlying suicidal ideation.

Question 51

A patient is experiencing severe extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) following the initiation of an antipsychotic medication. Which of the following medications would be most effective in treating these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Benztropine mesylate, an anticholinergic medication, is commonly used to manage EPS.

Answer

Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, is used for hypertension and can worsen EPS.

Answer

Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is used for cardiovascular conditions and is not effective for EPS.

Answer

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can be used for mild EPS but is less effective than benztropine.

Question 52

Which of the following is a potential risk factor for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?

Accepted Answer

Rapid dose escalation of antipsychotics, especially high-potency typical antipsychotics, can increase the risk of NMS.

Answer

High dose of anticholinergic medication can cause anticholinergic toxicity, not NMS.

Answer

Hyponatremia can contribute to delirium but is not a primary risk factor for NMS.

Answer

Long-term use of antidepressants is not directly linked to NMS.