Nokea
After teaching a group of nursing students about antipsychotic drugs, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify aripiprazole (Abilify) as exerting its effect on which of the following in the brain? Select all that apply.
- A. Serotonin
- B. Dopamine
- C. Norepinephrine
- D. Muscarinic
- E. Nicotinic
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole (Abilify) are thought to act on serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. The conventional, or first-generation, antipsychotics (FGAs) work to diminish the positive symptoms by blocking dopamine transmission.
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The caregiver of a client who is started on antipsychotic drug therapy asks the nurse when the client's symptoms will improve. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. You should notice an improvement in the next day or two.'
- B. It might take about 6 weeks or so before the drug is most effective.'
- C. There's no way to tell but usually it takes about a week.'
- D. Look for movements of his face, mouth, or jaw and that's the sign.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Antipsychotics take time to produce the optimal effect, sometimes 6 to 10 weeks. Evidence of tongue, facial, or mouth movements suggest tardive dyskinesia, a late-appearing reaction that requires discontinuation of the drug.
After administering an antipsychotic to a client, the nurse would immediately report which of the following?
- A. Orthostatic hypotension
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Rigidity
- D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should immediately report to the primary health care provider if the client displays signs of rigidity. Dry mouth, episodes of orthostatic hypotension, and drowsiness are reactions that are considered normal during drug therapy and need not be reported unless severe.
When assessing a client receiving antipsychotic drugs, the nurse would suspect that the client is experiencing extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) based on assessment of which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Fine tremor
- B. Hypotension
- C. Akathisia
- D. Anhedonia
- E. Dystonia
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: The signs of EPS include fine tremors, muscle rigidity, mask-like appearance of the face, slowness of movement, slurred speech, unsteady gait, akathisia, and dystonia. Anhedonia is a manifestation of schizophrenia.
A nurse asses a client receiving antipsychotic drugs for which of the following adverse reactions?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Skin dryness
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client for mouth dryness. Antipsychotic drugs cause hypotension, not hypertension. Skin dryness and bradycardia are not adverse reactions related to the administration of antipsychotic drugs.
A nurse is required to administer an antipsychotic agent parenterally. After administering the drug, the nurse would ensure that the client remains lying down for which time frame?
- A. 15 minutes
- B. 30 minutes
- C. 45 minutes
- D. 60 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After administering an antipsychotic agent parenterally, the nurse would ensure that the client remains lying down for about 30 minutes.