Pysch Week 4 PP

A client has difficulty with planning, judgment, emotional regulation, and organized thought. Which area of the brain should the nurse associate with these functions?

Frontal lobe

A nurse is caring for a client who has impaired coordination and difficulty maintaining balance. Which brain structure is most associated with these findings?

Cerebellum

A client reports problems with memory and emotional responses. Which structures should the nurse recognize as being involved?

Hippocampus and amygdala

A client with a psychiatric disorder is experiencing disturbances in appetite, temperature regulation, sexual drive, and endocrine function. Which structure is most closely associated with these functions?

Hypothalamus

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia experiences auditory hallucinations and delusions. The nurse understands that many antipsychotic medications work primarily by:

Blocking dopamine receptors

The nurse is teaching a client about serotonin. Which statement by the client demonstrates correct understanding?

“Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and emotions.”

A client with depression demonstrates decreased attention, social withdrawal, and memory problems. Which neurotransmitter is associated with these functions and may be deficient?

Norepinephrine

A client is prescribed a benzodiazepine for severe anxiety. The nurse explains that this medication produces a calming effect primarily by:

Increasing GABA activity

Which client finding would be most concerning in relation to excessive glutamate activity?

Brain injury following prolonged hypoxia

The nurse is reviewing the neurobiology of Alzheimer disease. Which neurotransmitter is particularly relevant?

Acetylcholine

A client asks what to expect during a CT scan of the brain. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

“The scan uses x-ray beams to create cross-sectional images.”

Which client statement indicates a need for additional teaching before an MRI?

“The MRI uses x-rays to create the images.”

A client asks why a PET scan may be used in psychiatric research. Which response is best

“It allows researchers to observe brain activity.”

The nurse is preparing a client for a PET scan. Which information is most important?

The procedure uses radioactive substances.

A client asks, “If my parent has schizophrenia, does that mean I will definitely develop it?”

What is the nurse's best response?

“Genetics can increase vulnerability, but mental illness is not determined by genetics alone.”

Which research method compares the occurrence of mental illness between identical and fraternal twins?

Twin study

A nurse is teaching about psychoimmunology. Which statement is accurate?

“It examines relationships between psychosocial stress and the immune system.”

The nurse explains that half-life refers to:

The time required for half of the drug to be removed from the bloodstream

A nurse is reviewing medication terminology. Which statement is correct?

Efficacy is the maximum therapeutic effect of the drug.

A client states, “I'm feeling better, so I'm going to stop taking my psychiatric medication today.”

What is the nurse's best response?

“Psychotropic medications often need to be tapered gradually rather than stopped abruptly.”

Which principle should guide psychotropic medication administration in an older adult?

Older adults typically require lower doses.

A client taking haloperidol develops neck stiffness, muscle cramping, and difficulty swallowing. Which adverse effect should the nurse suspect?

Acute dystonia

A client receiving an antipsychotic repeatedly walks around the unit and states, “I feel like I can't sit still.” What is the nurse's priority interpretation?

Akathisia

A client receiving a first-generation antipsychotic develops shuffling gait, tremor, and stiff posture. Which adverse effect is occurring?

Pseudoparkinsonism

A client taking a conventional antipsychotic for several years develops repetitive lip smacking, tongue thrusting, and facial movements. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Tardive dyskinesia

A client receiving an antipsychotic suddenly develops:

• Temperature 104°F (40°C)

• Severe muscle rigidity

• Diaphoresis

• Unstable blood pressure

• Delirium

What should the nurse do first?

Immediately discontinue the antipsychotic and obtain emergency medical treatment.

Which client taking an antipsychotic requires the most immediate intervention?

Client with high fever, rigidity, and altered consciousness

A client taking an antipsychotic reports dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and dizziness when standing. Which adverse-effect category does the nurse recognize?

Anticholinergic effects

Which statement by a client taking an antipsychotic indicates correct understanding?

“I should report concerning adverse effects to my healthcare provider.”

A client taking a second-generation antipsychotic has developed weight gain, hypertension, elevated glucose, and elevated cholesterol. The nurse recognizes these findings as:

Metabolic syndrome

Which client statement requires further teaching?

“I can drive even if the medication makes me very drowsy.”

A client taking a psychotropic medication says, “I forgot my dose this morning.” According to the provided teaching, which action is appropriate?

Take it if it is only 3–4 hours late; otherwise omit it.

Which intervention is most appropriate for a client who frequently forgets psychiatric medications?

Recommend using a pillbox or medication chart.

The nurse explains that a black box warning indicates:

The medication has a serious or potentially life-threatening risk.

A client is prescribed a medication requiring special safety monitoring. The nurse explains that a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is designed to:

Provide safeguards for medications with serious risks.

A client asks why an anticonvulsant was prescribed for bipolar disorder. Which response is best?

“The medication is being used off-label as a mood stabilizer.”

The nurse receives reports on four clients taking psychiatric medications. Which client should the nurse assess first?

Client taking an antipsychotic who has a temperature of 103°F and severe muscle rigidity

The nurse is teaching a client who has started an antipsychotic medication. Which findings should the client report promptly? Select all that apply.

- Severe muscle rigidity
- High fever
- Uncontrolled facial movements
- Severe difficulty swallowing

A client with schizophrenia has been taking an antipsychotic medication for several weeks. The nurse evaluates treatment effectiveness.

Which finding best indicates that the medication is working?

The client has fewer delusions and improved ability to participate in conversations.

A client with schizophrenia has been prescribed an antipsychotic. During the first week of treatment, the client reports several symptoms.

Which finding is the highest priority for the nurse to address?

“My muscles are extremely stiff, and I have a fever of 104°F.”