Mental Health Pharmacology > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Introduction
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed fluoxetine for depression. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
Explanation
“I will take this medication in the morning to avoid insomnia.” Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite, in the brain.Fluoxetine can cause insomnia as a side effect, so it is recommended to take it in the morning.
Some of the other choices are wrong because:
• Choice B. “I will stop taking this medication if I have sexual dysfunction.” Fluoxetine can also cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, such as reduced libido, difficulty with orgasm, or erectile dysfunction.
However, stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and anxiety.Therefore, it is important to consult with the doctor before stopping or changing the dose of fluoxetine.
• Choice C. “I will increase my intake of cheese and red wine while taking this medication.” Fluoxetine can interact with foods that contain high levels of tyramine, a compound that can affect blood pressure and cause headaches.
Tyramine is found in aged cheeses, red wine, beer, cured meats, soy sauce, and other fermented or pickled foods.Consuming these foods while taking fluoxetine can increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
• Choice D. “I will taper off this medication slowly when I feel better.” Fluoxetine should not be stopped or tapered off without the doctor’s guidance.
Although fluoxetine has a long half-life and is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms than other SSRIs, some people may still experience them if they stop taking it too quickly.Withdrawal symptoms can include mood changes, irritability, agitation, confusion, insomnia, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and electric shock sensations.
The doctor will advise on how to gradually reduce the dose of fluoxetine over several weeks or months to avoid these effects.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is taking lithium carbonate. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor for this client? (Select all that apply.).
Explanation
Thyroid function tests, serum electrolytes and serum creatinine levels should be monitored for a client who is taking lithium carbonate.This is because lithium can affect the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism or goiter.Lithium can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can increase the risk of toxicity.Lithium can also impair renal function, leading to increased serum creatinine levels.
Choice B is wrong because blood glucose levels are not affected by lithium.Choice D is wrong because liver function tests are not indicated for lithium therapy.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the method and laboratory used, but generally include:
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
• Free thyroxine (FT4): 0.8 to 2.8 ng/dL
• Total triiodothyronine (T3): 80 to 200 ng/dL
Normal ranges for serum electrolytes include:
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
• Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
• Chloride: 98 to 106 mEq/L
• Bicarbonate: 22 to 26 mEq/L
Normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. The client says, “I feel restless and I can’t sit still.” How should the nurse document this finding?
Explanation
The client exhibits signs of akathisia, which is a common extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol and other first-generation antipsychotics.Akathisia is characterized by restlessness, agitation, and difficulty staying still.
Choice A is wrong because it does not identify the specific type of movement disorder the client is experiencing.
Choice C is wrong because tardive dyskinesia is a different type of extrapyramidal side effect that involves involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, and limbs.
Choice D is wrong because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics that causes high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.
A nurse is preparing to administer methylphenidate to a child who has ADHD. The child asks, “Why do I have to take this pill?” What should the nurse say?
Explanation
This pill will help you focus and pay attention better.This is because methylphenidate is a stimulant medication that increases the activity of certain brain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in attention and impulse control.
Choice B is wrong because this pill will not make you smarter or more popular.
These are unrealistic expectations that can lead to disappointment or misuse of the medication.
Choice C is wrong because this pill will not calm you down or make you less hyperactive.
Methylphenidate does not have a sedating effect, but rather helps you regulate your behavior and emotions.
Choice D is wrong because this pill will not cure your disorder or make you normal.
ADHD is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and support.
There is no cure for ADHD, but medication can help reduce some of the symptoms and improve your functioning.
A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client reports taking alprazolam three times a day for the past year. The nurse should identify that abrupt discontinuation of this medication can result in which of the following adverse effects?
Explanation
Seizures.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the GABA receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety.
Abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, tremors, insomnia, and anxiety.
To prevent this, alprazolam should be tapered off gradually under medical supervision.
Choice B is wrong because alprazolam does not cause hypotension when discontinued.
Hypotension is a possible side effect of alprazolam when taken, especially in high doses or with alcohol.
Choice C is wrong because alprazolam does not cause bradycardia when discontinued.
Bradycardia is a possible side effect of alprazolam when taken, especially in older adults or with other medications that slow down the heart rate.
Choice D is wrong because alprazolam does not cause constipation when discontinued.
Constipation is a possible side effect of alprazolam when taken, especially in older adults or with other medications that affect the gastrointestinal motility.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 5 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Nursingprepexams’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now
