NCLEX Pharmacology Quiz: Psychiatric Medications
Welcome to our Psychiatric Medications Quiz, designed to test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the diverse range of drugs used in the treatment of mental health disorders. This quiz offers a thorough exploration of the main classes of psychiatric medications, their mechanisms of action, typical uses, and potential side effects.
Each question not only challenges your recall but also enhances your understanding of how these medications impact brain chemistry, patient well-being, and overall mental health management.
Our quiz also dives into real-world scenarios, helping you apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, such as drug interactions and treatment considerations Read morefor specific psychiatric conditions. This engaging, informative quiz is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enhance their grasp of psychiatric pharmacology and improve their ability to support mental health outcomes effectively.
Psychiatric Medications Questions and Answers
- 1.
A client taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) started complaining of nausea. vomiting. diarrhea. drowsiness. muscle weakness. tremor. blurred vision and ringing in the ears. The lithium level is 2 mEq/L. The nurse interprets this value as:
- A.
Normal level.
- B.
Toxic level.
- C.
Below normal level.
- D.
Above normal level.
Correct Answer
B. Toxic level.Explanation
The therapeutic drug serum level of lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A nurse is giving instructions to a client receiving lithium citrate. The nurse tells the client to do which of the following to prevent lithium toxicity:
- A.
Avoid becoming dehydrated during exercise.
- B.
Instruct the client to change positions slowly.
- C.
Restrict salt intake in the diet.
- D.
Limit fluid intake.
Correct Answer
A. Avoid becoming dehydrated during exercise.Explanation
Lithium toxicity usually occurs during chronic treatment because of reduced drug excretion (dehydration. worsening renal function. concurrent infections. and drug interactions).Option B is not a related intervention to prevent lithium toxicity.Options C and D: The client should maintain a fluid intake of 6-8 glasses of water a day and an adequate salt intake to prevent lithium toxicity.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following symptoms is classified as a mild lithium toxicity:
- A.
Confusion and ataxia.
- B.
Muscle fasciculations and oliguria.
- C.
Tinnitus and blurred vision.
- D.
Apathy and Lethargy.
Correct Answer
D. Apathy and Lethargy.Explanation
Mild toxicity has a lithium serum level of 1.5 mEq/L. Symptoms include apathy. lethargy. coarse hand tremors and slight muscle weakness.Options A and C are classified under moderate lithium toxicity.Option B is classified under severe lithium toxicity.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A nurse is giving instructions to a client taking risperidone (Risperdal). The nurse advises the client to which of the following?
- A.
Take it on an empty stomach.
- B.
Change position slowly.
- C.
Get a daily source of sunlight.
- D.
Discontinue medication once the symptoms went away.
Correct Answer
B. Change position slowly.Explanation
Risperidone (Risperdal) can cause orthostatic hypotension so instruct the client to change positions slowly to avoid it.Option A: The medication is taken with food or milk to decrease gastric upset.Option C: Sunlight should be avoided while taking the medication.Option D: The medication is to be reduced gradually to avoid sudden recurrence of psychotic symptoms.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia receiving an antipsychotic medication is having uncontrolled movement of the lips and tongue. The nurse determines what the client is experiencing.
- A.
Hypertensive crisis.
- B.
Parkinsonism.
- C.
Tardive dyskinesia.
- D.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Correct Answer
C. Tardive dyskinesia.Explanation
Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by uncontrollable involuntary movements of the body and extremities (especially of the face. lips. mouth. tongue. arms or legs).Option A: Hypertensive crisis occurs from the use of MAOIs.Option B: Parkinsonism is characterized by tremor. slow movement. impaired speech or muscle stiffness.Option D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by an adverse reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Symptoms include high fever. sweating. unstable blood pressure. stupor. muscular rigidity. and autonomic dysfunction.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with clozapine (Clozaril). A nurse assesses the results of which laboratory study to monitor for adverse effects related to this medication.
- A.
White blood cell.
- B.
Platelet count.
- C.
Liver function studies.
- D.
Random blood sugar.
Correct Answer
A. White blood cell.Explanation
Agranulocytosis my experience by the client taking clozapine which can be monitored by evaluating the white blood cell count.Options B. C. and D are not related specifically to the use of the medication.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is prescribed to an 8-year-old child for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The nurse will most likely monitor which of the following during the medication therapy?
- A.
Deep tendon reflex.
- B.
Intake and output.
- C.
Temperature and breath sound.
- D.
Height and weight.
Correct Answer
D. Height and weight.Explanation
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) may cause slow growth. The nurse will need to keep track of the client’s height and weight to make sure that there is a normal growth and development.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following medications that treat Alzheimer’s disease causes slowing of the heart rate and fainting episodes?
- A.
Tacrine (Cognex).
- B.
Galantamine (Razadyne).
- C.
Donepezil (Aricept).
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
Tacrine (Cognex). Galantamine (Razadyne). and Donepezil (Aricept) are anti-Alzheimer drugs known to provoke slower heart rates and fainting episodes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A client who has been taking buspirone (BuSpar) for two months returns to the clinic for a follow-up. The nurse determines that the medication is effective if there is an absent display of?
- A.
Feelings of panic. fear. and uneasiness.
- B.
Thought broadcasting or delusions.
- C.
Paranoid and suicidal thought process.
- D.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Correct Answer
A. Feelings of panic. fear. and uneasiness.Explanation
Buspirone (BuSpar) is used to treat symptoms of anxiety. such as fear. tension. irritability. dizziness. pounding heartbeat. and other physical symptoms.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a client who will be taking phenobarbital (Luminal). The nurse would educate the client in which of the following that directly correlates with the safety of the client?
- A.
Take the medication at the same time each day.
- B.
Take the medication with meals only.
- C.
Avoid using sleep aids while taking the medication.
- D.
Decrease the dosage once with symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness.
Correct Answer
C. Avoid using sleep aids while taking the medication.Explanation
Phenobarbital (Luminal) is an anticonvulsant and hypnotic drug. The client should avoid drinking alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg. sleep aids. muscle relaxers).Option A: Taking the medication at the same time daily improves compliance and maintains more stable blood levels of the medication.Option B: The medication is taken without regard to meals.Option D: Decreasing the dosage is not done without the approval of the physician.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Apr 25, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Expert Reviewed by
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Aug 18, 2017Quiz Created by
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