The Nervous System Drugs for Psychoses

Question 1

A patient is prescribed trifluoperazine.

Which effect should the nurse expect?
a) Less sedation
b) Higher sedative effects
c) Adverse effects similar to phenothiazine
d) Fewer anticholinergic effects

Answer 1

a) Less sedation

Question 2

A patient with psychosis is adamant about not having anything “wrong” and becomes agitated.

For which other symptom of psychosis should the nurse monitor?
a) Hyperactivity
b) Intense interest
c) Difficulty relating to others
d) Laughter

Answer 2

c) Difficulty relating to others

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia claims to be royalty whose subjects are planning an attack.

Which characteristic of psychosis should the nurse recognize in this patient?
a) Hallucinations
b) Delusions
c) Lack of insight and judgment
d) Variation in mood and affect

Answer 3

b) Delusions

Question 4

A patient is prescribed an antipsychotic medication.

Which teaching strategy should the nurse use with this patient?
a) Provide as much detail as possible when explaining the actions of the drugs.
b) Ask the family to leave the room to ensure the patient’s privacy.
c) Avoid interrupting the patient during delusional periods.
d) Utilize the time during administration of medications to reinforce teaching on drug use.

Answer 4

d) Utilize the time during administration of medications to reinforce teaching on drug use.

Question 5

A patient is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol).

For which reason should the nurse question giving the patient this medication?
a) Treatment for alcoholism
b) Heart disease
c) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
d) Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 5

a) Treatment for alcoholism

Question 6

A patient taking an antipsychotic medication reports a dry mouth despite increasing fluids, eating ice chips and popsicles, and chewing gum.

Which recommendation should the nurse suggest to this patient?
a) “Increase dietary intake.”
b) “Eat more fruits and vegetables.”
c) “Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.”
d) “Add an electrolyte-enhanced drink daily.”

Answer 6

c) “Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.”

Question 7

A patient is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol).

Which outcome should the nurse expect from this medication?
a) Reduction in symptoms of schizophrenia
b) Control of aggressive behavior
c) Improved appetite
d) Minimal sedation

Answer 7

b) Control of aggressive behavior

Question 8

A patient is taking chlorpromazine for schizophrenia.

Which statement should the nurse recall that explains the mechanism of action for this medication?
a) It blocks neurotransmission at the postganglionic receptors.
b) It depresses action of the cerebral cortex.
c) It binds dopamine receptors in the cerebellum.
d) It blocks postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

Answer 8

d) It blocks postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

Question 9

A patient receives a prescription for lithium.

With which medication should the nurse instruct the patient to take this drug?
a) Risperidone
b) Haloperidol
c) Chlorpromazine
d) Phenytoin

Answer 9

a) Risperidone

Question 10

A patient is prescribed medication to treat psychosis.

For which reason should the nurse emphasize the minimal side effects of the medication with the patient?
a) Explain what the patient should expect when taking the medication
b) Identify reasons for the patient to stop taking the medication
c) Reinforce that this is the best medication to treat the health problem
d) Discuss how the side effects will replace the symptoms of the health problem

Answer 10

c) Reinforce that this is the best medication to treat the health problem

Question 11

A patient is prescribed a first-general antipsychotic medication.

For which adverse effect should the nurse monitor this patient?
a) Suicidal ideation
b) Symptoms similar to Parkinson disease
c) Depression
d) Bizarre behavior

Answer 11

b) Symptoms similar to Parkinson disease

Question 12

A patient is diagnosed with psychosis.

Which information should the nurse expect to be used to determine the best medication for treatment?
a) Number of daily doses
b) Cost for the medication
c) Length of time the medication is needed
d) Specific adverse effects

Answer 12

d) Specific adverse effects

Question 13

An older patient is taking an antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia.

Which important lifespan consideration should the nurse monitor in this patient?
a) Cardiovascular and respiratory function
b) Alcohol intake
c) Medication routine
d) Extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer 13

a) Cardiovascular and respiratory function

Question 14

A patient with psychosis has stopped taking medication.

Which should the nurse consider as a reason for this patient’s nonadherence to medication therapy?
a) Inability to drink alcohol
b) Hallucinations telling the patient to stop taking the medication
c) Undesirable adverse effects
d) Paranoia that the medication is poisonous

Answer 14

c) Undesirable adverse effects

Question 15

The nurse is planning the care for a patient newly diagnosed with psychosis.

Which information regarding the therapeutic effect of medications should the nurse consider while planning interventions?
a) Falls due to hypotension may occur with increased medication doses.
b) Gradual improvement over several weeks to months should be expected.
c) Severe choreiform tongue movement may significantly hinder or prevent adequate nutrition.
d) Extrapyramidal symptoms affecting motor activity, balance, and coordination should be monitored.

Answer 15

b) Gradual improvement over several weeks to months should be expected.

Question 16

A patient prescribed an antipsychotic asks how long until the medication takes effect.

Which answer should the nurse provide?
a) “The full effects will occur immediately.”
b) “The full effects will not occur for months.”
c) “The full effects are based upon the type and amount of food you eat.”
d) “The full effects may not occur immediately but some improvement may be noticed.”

Answer 16

d) “The full effects may not occur immediately but some improvement may be noticed.”

Question 17

A patient taking an antipsychotic medication exhibits symptoms similar to Parkinson disease.

Which category of antipsychotic should the nurse suspect the patient is taking?
a) First-generation antipsychotic
b) Major tranquilizer
c) Mild tranquilizer
d) Atypical antipsychotic

Answer 17

a) First-generation antipsychotic

Question 18

A patient taking antipsychotic medication asks when the medication can be discontinued.

Which response should the nurse make?
a) “There are times when you will not need the medication and other times when you will need it.”
b) “The medication can be discontinued if you have no symptoms for a year.”
c) “The medication will be needed throughout your life.”
d) “The medication can be discontinued after a few months.”

Answer 18

c) “The medication will be needed throughout your life.”

Question 19

A patient is experiencing psychosis.

Which information should the nurse use to differentiate acute from chronic psychosis?
a) Acute psychosis is associated with delusions and hallucinations, whereas chronic psychosis is associated with lack of insight and mood.
b) Acute psychosis develops over hours or days, whereas chronic psychosis develops over months or years.
c) Acute psychosis develops over 24-48 hours, whereas chronic psychosis develops over 2-4 weeks.
d) Acute psychosis is associated with extreme agitation, whereas chronic psychosis is associated with total inactivity.

Answer 19

b) Acute psychosis develops over hours or days, whereas chronic psychosis develops over months or years.

Question 20

A patient is prescribed risperidone (Risperdal).

Which additional drug should the nurse expect to be prescribed for the patient to experience the full effects of the medication?
a) Haloperidol
b) Chlorpromazine
c) Phenytoin
d) Lithium

Answer 20

d) Lithium

Question 21

The nurse is reviewing drug adherence and adverse effects with a patient being treated for schizophrenia.

Which patient statement should indicate the need for additional teaching?
a) “As long as I don’t overdo it, I can drink coffee without any adverse effects.”
b) “I will mark my calendar for each dose needed and when I take it.”
c) “I will contact my healthcare provider if I feel my medication is not working.”
d) “As long as I don’t have any adverse effects from the medicine, I can see my healthcare provider once a month.”

Answer 21

a) “As long as I don’t overdo it, I can drink coffee without any adverse effects.”

Question 22

A patient is experiencing depression after an episode of distorted perception, delusions, and hallucinations.

Which disorder should the nurse suspect?
a) Bipolar disorder
b) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
c) Schizoaffective disorder
d) Mood disorder

Answer 22

c) Schizoaffective disorder

Question 23

A patient being treated for psychosis develops blurred vision.

Which reason should the nurse suspect is causing the patient’s new symptom?
a) An extrapyramidal symptom
b) Adverse anticholinergic effect from the medication
c) Development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
d) Beginning stage of tardive dyskinesia

Answer 23

b) Adverse anticholinergic effect from the medication

Question 24

A patient with a family history of schizophrenia is disheveled, constantly pacing, and accuses the nurse of being a spy.

Which positive symptom should the nurse recognize in this patient?
a) Lack of interest
b) Lack of motivation
c) Inability to find pleasure in daily activities
d) Hallucinations

Answer 24

d) Hallucinations

Question 25

A patient prescribed haloperidol continues smoking even after multiple attempts at intervention.

Which teaching should the nurse provide about the effects of smoking with this medication?
a) “It decreases medication metabolism, leading to decreased effectiveness.”
b) “It causes an increased central nervous system depression effect.”
c) “It increases the severity of psychotic symptoms.”
d) “It increases the potential for severe weight gain.”

Answer 25

a) “It decreases medication metabolism, leading to decreased effectiveness.”

Question 26

The nurse is preparing discharge information for a patient hospitalized for psychosis.

On which primary treatment goal should the nurse focus during planning?
a) Reducing adverse effects
b) Managing behavior
c) Managing symptoms
d) Preventing readmission

Answer 26

c) Managing symptoms

Question 27

A patient with schizophrenia asks how to prevent a relapse and further hospitalization.

Which explanation should the nurse provide to the patient?
a) “Ignore adverse effects, because bringing them to the attention of the healthcare provider will require you to be rehospitalized.”
b) “With your family’s support and adherence to medication therapy, you are less likely to have a relapse and you will be more successful in recovery.”
c) “Take naps frequently because it will help with the hallucinations that cause relapse.”
d) “Increase the dose of your medication if you notice your symptoms getting worse.”

Answer 27

b) “With your family’s support and adherence to medication therapy, you are less likely to have a relapse and you will be more successful in recovery.”

Question 28

Which of the following disorders are associated with psychosis?
a) Major depression
b) Myasthenia gravis
c) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
d) Schizophrenia
e) Traumatic brain injury

Answer 28

d) Schizophrenia

Question 29

Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
**Select all that apply
a) Hallucinations
b) Hearing voices
c) Lack of social interaction
d) Severe withdrawal from relationships/social situations
e) Lack of attention to grooming/hygiene

Answer 29

c) Lack of social interaction
d) Severe withdrawal from relationships/social situations
e) Lack of attention to grooming/hygiene

Question 30

Which of the following is a phenothiazine class antipsychotic?
a) Olanzapine
b) Haloperidol
c) Prochlorperazine
d) Duloxetine

Answer 30

c) Prochlorperazine

Question 31

Which of the following symptoms represent a dystonic reaction?
a) Shuffling gate
b) Constant lip smacking
c) “pill rolling” tremor
d) An isolated severe muscle spasm

Answer 31

d) An isolated severe muscle spasm