Question 1
Behavioral Health Q&A. A psychiatric nurse is discussing the advantages of atypical, second generation, antipsychotics over conventional, first generation, antipsychotics with the parents of a teenager who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. When comparing these drugs what advantages of atypical antipsychotics should the nurse cite?
- Lower cost
- Absence of black box warnings
- The possibility of oral administration
- Reduced adverse effects
Question 2
A client is diagnosed with depression and prescribed fluoxetine on an outpatient basis. The client should warn the client about what possible adverse effect?
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Photosensitivity
- Weight gain
- Acne on the face and trunk
Question 3
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is taking amitriptyline for depression. What teaching will the nurse include?
- “If mild chest pain occurs, an over-the-counter pain reliever will help.”
- “Nasal congestion suggests that the drug might not be effective.”
- “Adverse effects will subside as you adjust to the medication.”
- “Take the medication at night to prevent daytime drowsiness.”
Question 4
The client is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is prescribed lithium. What should the nurse include in the education for this client? (Select all that apply)
- Do not drive while taking this medication
- Decrease sodium intake
- Inform the provider if you have severe tremors
- Drink two to three liters of fluid per day
- Monitor blood glucose levels
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client with a new prescription for the benzodiazepine, alprazolam. Which response by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
- “If I overdose, there is no antidote for this medication.”
- “I should inform the provider if I feel like my heart is racing.”
- “If I want to stop the medication, I will need to taper off it slowly.”
- “I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.”
Question 7
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has schizophrenia and is receiving chlorpromazine. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- “Weight loss is a sign that my dosage is too high.”
- “I am less likely to get an infection while taking this medication.”
- “I will contact the provider if I start to run a high fever.”
- “I may need to take this medication with an antacid due to stomach upset.”
Question 15
The nurse is teaching a client taking phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), about dietary changes required to minimize adverse effects of the drug. The nurse determines the client understands a low tyramine diet when what meal is chosen?
- Scrambled eggs, hash browns and banana bread
- A hamburger, French fries, and a strawberry milkshake
- A chop salad with blue cheese, sardines, and pepperoni
- A sandwich with turkey, avocado, and Swiss cheese
Question 16
A client has recently received a diagnosis of depression and has been prescribed fluoxetine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The nurse is providing health education and the client states, “I’m so glad to have some medication to help with my mood, because I am going on vacation next week and I’m relieved I’ll be feeling better.” What is the nurse’s best response?
- “Antidepressants help relieve the lack of energy and concentration during depression but your mood might not be affected.”
- “This is very good timing for you, but remember that you might have some side effects, especially for the first couple of weeks.”
- “Antidepressants will help your mood but it usually takes a few weeks to start to experience the benefits.”
- “You’ll likely be feeling significantly better by next week, but remember to avoid drinking alcohol at the wedding.”
Question 17
Buspirone has been prescribed for a client diagnosed with anxiety. When providing health education, the nurse should describe what benefit of this medication over benzodiazepines?
- less central nervous system depression
- rapid onset and short duration
- intramuscular administration
- decreased risk of hepatic injury
Question 18
The nurse is caring for a client newly diagnosed with schizophrenia who will be starting risperidone. When explaining possible adverse effects to the client, the nurse should address what potential problems? (Select all that apply)
- Weight gain
- Hepatotoxicity
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
Question 19
The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder whose medication regimen includes lithium and who will soon be discharged. What health education should the nurse prioritize?
- The need to avoid high-potassium foods and salt substitutes
- Strategies for managing anticholinergic effects
- The need to avoid driving or operating machinery during therapy
- The need to have follow-up blood samples drawn on schedule
Question 20
A client with depression has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). What education should the nurse provide to this client?
- Take the medication at bedtime with plenty of fluids.
- Monitor blood pressure closely.
- Weight loss is common during treatment.
- Expect tarry stools near the beginning of treatment.
