NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz 27 Neurologic And Psychiatric Drugs

1. Sheila who has been on a low-potency antipsychotic for 2 weeks has shown minimal response. The most probable explanation is:

The client probably has refractory illness.

The client needs a stronger medication.

It is too early to see a full therapeutic response.

The client is definitely not taking the medication.

The initial response may be seen 1 to 2 days after initiation of treatment. with full therapeutic response in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

Explanation

The initial response may be seen 1 to 2 days after initiation of treatment. with full therapeutic response in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

2. The nurse performs an initial assessment and nursing history with a client admitted fir a major depression. The client has a history of narrow-angle glaucoma. The nurse's best action would be to:

Encourage the client to use his or her own eyedrops until the drops can be ordered.

Administer the TCA as orders. and expect an ophthalmology consult.

Administer the TCA as ordered. and monitor for visual changes.

Inform the physician of the client’s history before administering the TCA.

Narrow-angle glaucoma is a contraindication for use of TCAs; therefore. the physician should be informed so that an alternative category can be used.

Explanation

Narrow-angle glaucoma is a contraindication for use of TCAs; therefore. the physician should be informed so that an alternative category can be used.

3. When monitoring a client who is taking benzodiazepines. the nurse should be alert for which CNS side effects?

Blurred vision. anorexia. dysarthria

Seizures. tremors. diaphoresis

Ataxia. sedation. dizziness

Libido changes. edema. dystonia

These are common side effects. Anorexia is a GI effect. Choice B are the result of acute withdrawal. Libido and edema are not CNS-related side effects.

Explanation

These are common side effects. Anorexia is a GI effect. Choice B are the result of acute withdrawal. Libido and edema are not CNS-related side effects.

4. When administering antianxiety medications to an elderly client. which of the following actions by the nurse is essential?

Monitor Vital signs.

Suggest reduced doses.

Taper dose before stopping.

Implement a fall prevention protocol.

Increased sedation. dizziness. and hypotension are side effects that place the elderly at high risk for falls. All clients need to have vital signs monitored periodically when taking these medications. Geriatric clients may require reduced doses. but the risk for falls is still present. Dose tapering is not related to age.

Explanation

Increased sedation. dizziness. and hypotension are side effects that place the elderly at high risk for falls. All clients need to have vital signs monitored periodically when taking these medications. Geriatric clients may require reduced doses. but the risk for falls is still present. Dose tapering is not related to age.

5. Drugs classified as centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are most effective in relieving:

Spasm due to trauma or inflammation

Chronic spasm due to old injury

Pain from arthritis

Surgical complications

Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are most effective in relieving spasm due to trauma or inflammation.

Explanation

Centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are most effective in relieving spasm due to trauma or inflammation.

6. For which of the following medical conditions would the nurse anticipate that an antianxiety agent would not be indicated?

Seizure disorders

Alcohol detoxification

Parkinson’s disease

Panic disorder

Benzodiazepines may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Explanation

Benzodiazepines may exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

7. Ansherina who is receiving a traditional antipsychotic agent complains that she is gaining weight. The nurse would:

Be aware that this is probably delusional thinking because these agents cause weight loss.

Encourage the client to follow a healthy diet and use diet soda to help stabilize her weight.

Discuss a switch to a high-potency agent so the weight gain will not be a problem.

Establish a contract with the client to carefully follow her high-calorie diet.

These agents have a known side effect of weight gain. Managing dietary intake can assist in the management of the potentially distressing effect.

Explanation

These agents have a known side effect of weight gain. Managing dietary intake can assist in the management of the potentially distressing effect.

8. Antidepressants generally exert influence by:

Increasing the reuptake of norepinephrine

Altering the action of the cyproprotein (MAO)

Changing the availability of dopamine

Changing the availability of select neurotransmitters

This choice best describes the effect of antidepressants in general.

Explanation

This choice best describes the effect of antidepressants in general.

9. Antipsychotic drugs are indicated:

For treatment of Tourette’s syndrome.

For treatment of major depression.

As an adjunct in the management of seizures.

To cure psychotic disorders.

Haloperidol (Haldol) is used for this syndrome. Major depression is an affective disorder. When psychotic symptoms accompany depression. antipsychotics may be used to manage the symptoms. However. this choice does not address that situation. Antipsychotics are used with caution in the presence of a history of seizures. Generally. the antipsychotics decrease the seizure threshold. Antipsychotics are used to ameliorate. reduce. or manage psychotic symptoms; they do not provide a cure.

Explanation

Haloperidol (Haldol) is used for this syndrome. Major depression is an affective disorder. When psychotic symptoms accompany depression. antipsychotics may be used to manage the symptoms. However. this choice does not address that situation. Antipsychotics are used with caution in the presence of a history of seizures. Generally. the antipsychotics decrease the seizure threshold. Antipsychotics are used to ameliorate. reduce. or manage psychotic symptoms; they do not provide a cure.

10. Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are used:

To treat neuromuscular diseases

To treat spinal trauma

To relieve spasms from trauma

As adjuncts to general anesthesia

Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are used as an adjunct to general anesthesia.

Explanation

Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants are used as an adjunct to general anesthesia.