EXAM 2: Drugs for Psychosis

A patient is taking chlorpromazine for schizophrenia.

Which statement should the nurse recall that explains the mechanism of action for this medication?

It blocks postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

It blocks neurotransmission at the postganglionic receptors.

It binds dopamine receptors in the cerebellum.

It depresses action of the cerebral cortex.

It blocks postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

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

For which other symptom of psychosis should the nurse monitor?

Laughter

Difficulty relating to others

Hyperactivity

Intense interest

Difficulty relating to others

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

Which category of antipsychotic should the nurse suspect the patient is taking?

First-generation antipsychotic

Mild tranquilizer

Major tranquilizer

First-generation antipsychotic

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?

Lack of interest

Hallucinations

Lack of motivation

Inability to find pleasure in daily activities

Hallucinations

A patient is prescribed an antipsychotic medication.

Which teaching strategy should the nurse use with this patient?

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

Avoid interrupting the patient during delusional periods.

Provide as much detail as possible when explaining the actions of the drugs.

Ask the family to leave the room to ensure the patient's privacy.

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

A patient is diagnosed with psychosis.

Which information should the nurse expect to be used to determine the best medication for treatment?

Cost for the medication

Specific adverse effects

Number of daily doses

Length of time the medication is needed

Specific adverse effects

A patient recently prescribed an antipsychotic medication experiences dry mouth and constipation.

For which other anticholinergic adverse effect should the nurse assess this patient?

Hypertension

Blurred vision

Glaucoma

Benign prostatic hypertrophy

Blurred vision

The nurse is preparing discharge information for a patient hospitalized for psychosis. Onwhich primary treatment goal should the nurse focus during planning?

Preventing readmission

Reducing adverse effects

Managing behavior

Managing symptoms

Managing symptoms

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?

Variation in mood and affect

Lack of insight and judgment

Delusions

Hallucinations

Delusions

A patient is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol).

Which outcome should the nurse expect from this medication?

Reduction in symptoms of schizophrenia

Improved appetite

Control of aggressive behavior

Minimal sedation

Control of aggressive behavior

An older patient is taking an antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia.

Which important lifespan consideration should the nurse monitor in this patient?

Alcohol intake

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Medication routine

Cardiovascular and respiratory function

Cardiovascular and respiratory function

A patient is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol).

For which reason should the nurse question giving the patient this medication?

Heart disease

Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment for alcoholism

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Treatment for alcoholism

A patient with schizoaffective disorder is being monitored for distorted perception, delusions, and hallucinations.

For which additional symptom should the nurse assess this patient?

Poor judgment

Paranoia

Anxiety

Depression

Depression

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?

Haloperidol

Lithium

Phenytoin

Chlorpromazine

Lithium

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?

"It increases the potential for severe weight gain."

"It causes an increased central nervous system depression effect."

"It increases the severity of psychotic symptoms."

"It decreases medication metabolism, leading to decreased effectiveness."

"It decreases medication metabolism, leading to decreased effectiveness."

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?

"Increase dietary intake."

"Eat more fruits and vegetables."

"Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes."

"Add an electrolyte-enhanced drink daily."

"Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes."

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

Which explanation should the nurse provide to the patient?

"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."

"Ignore adverse effects, because bringing them to the attention of the healthcare provider will require you to be rehospitalized."

"Increase the dose of your medication if you notice your symptoms getting worse."

"Take naps frequently because it will help with the hallucinations that cause relapse."

"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."

A patient taking an antipsychotic medication is attempting smoking cessation.

Which medication should the nurse suspect the patient is prescribed?

Chlorpromazine

Risperidone

Haloperidol

Aripiprazole

Haloperidol

A patient with psychosis has stopped taking medication.

Which should the nurse consider as a reason for this patient's nonadherence to medication therapy?

Paranoia that the medication is poisonous

Inability to drink alcohol

Hallucinations telling the patient to stop taking the medication

Undesirable adverse effects

Undesirable adverse effects

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?

Gradual improvement over several weeks to months should be expected.

Extrapyramidal symptoms affecting motor activity, balance, and coordination should be monitored.

Severe choreiform tongue movement may significantly hinder or prevent adequate nutrition.

Falls due to hypotension may occur with increased medication doses.

Gradual improvement over several weeks to months should be expected.

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?

"As long as I don't have any adverse effects from the medicine, I can see my healthcare provider once a month."

"As long as I don't overdo it, I can drink coffee without any adverse effects."

"I will mark my calendar for each dose needed and when I take it."

"I will contact my healthcare provider if I feel my medication is not working."

"As long as I don't overdo it, I can drink coffee without any adverse effects."

A patient with schizophrenia is exhibiting increased psychotic symptoms despite optimalpharmacotherapy.

For which contributing factor should the nurse assess this patient?

Taking the herbal supplement jimsonweed

Drinking excessive amounts of milk or ingesting too many dairy products

Avoiding certain food items for fear of being poisoned

Continuing to drink coffee while taking the medication

Continuing to drink coffee while taking the medication

A patient is prescribed trifluoperazine.

Which effect should the nurse expect?

Higher sedative effects

Less sedation

Adverse effects similar to phenothiazine

Fewer anticholinergic effects

Less sedation