NR 546 / NR546 Chamberlain College Of Nursing -NR546 Psychopharm Midterm Questions With Complete Solutions

NR 546 / NR546 Chamberlain College Of Nursing -NR546 Psychopharm Midterm
Questions With Complete Solutions
 Course
 NR 546 / NR546
Question 1
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “I should take this medication at the same time every day.”
B. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement in my symptoms.”
C. “I can drink a glass of wine in the evening while taking this medication.”
D. “This medication is less likely to cause sedation compared to other anxiety medications.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Patients should avoid alcohol while taking buspirone, as it may increase the risk of
side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not have
immediate effects, so patients need to understand it takes 2-4 weeks for therapeutic effects.



Question 2
A patient taking lithium reports excessive thirst, frequent urination, and mild hand tremors.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess the patient’s lithium level.
B. Instruct the patient to decrease fluid intake.
C. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Answer: A
Rationale: Symptoms like excessive thirst and frequent urination may indicate early signs of
lithium toxicity. Assessing the patient’s lithium level is a priority to determine whether the dose
is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L).



Question 3
A nurse is reviewing the medications of a patient with major depressive disorder prescribed
phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food should the patient avoid?
A. Fresh fruits
B. Aged cheeses

,C. Grilled chicken
D. White rice
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs like phenelzine require patients to avoid tyramine-rich foods, such as aged
cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Consuming these foods can trigger a hypertensive
crisis.



Question 4
A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid. Which lab result requires immediate
follow-up?
A. Platelet count of 90,000/µL
B. Sodium level of 137 mEq/L
C. AST of 18 U/L
D. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: Valproic acid can cause thrombocytopenia, and a platelet count of 90,000/µL is
abnormally low. Regular monitoring of liver function and platelets is essential to avoid
complications.



Question 5
A patient newly prescribed sertraline reports feeling nauseated after taking the medication. What
should the nurse recommend?
A. “Take the medication on an empty stomach.”
B. “Take the medication at bedtime.”
C. “Take the medication with food.”
D. “Discontinue the medication and call your provider.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Taking sertraline with food can reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.
Patients should be advised to avoid stopping the medication abruptly without consulting their
provider.



Question 6

,A patient taking clozapine presents with a fever, sore throat, and fatigue. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Assess the patient’s white blood cell (WBC) count.
B. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.
C. Encourage fluid intake to reduce the fever.
D. Notify the healthcare provider to adjust the dose.
Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Monitoring the WBC count is crucial if symptoms like fever and sore throat occur, as they may
indicate infection.



Question 7
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor for closely?
A. Hyperactivity
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
C. Hypersexuality
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Rationale: Haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic, has a high risk of extrapyramidal
symptoms, including dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia. Monitoring and early
intervention are essential.



Question 8
A patient taking bupropion for smoking cessation reports insomnia. What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “This is a normal side effect that will improve over time.”
B. “Avoid taking the medication in the evening.”
C. “Stop taking the medication and notify your provider.”
D. “Increase your dose to help alleviate symptoms.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Bupropion can cause insomnia, so taking it earlier in the day can help minimize this
side effect. The patient should not stop the medication without consulting their provider.

, Question 9
A patient taking methylphenidate for ADHD reports a loss of appetite and weight loss. What
intervention is most appropriate?
A. “Eat small, frequent meals and high-calorie snacks.”
B. “Skip the morning dose to increase your appetite.”
C. “Take the medication with a full meal.”
D. “Stop taking the medication until you gain weight.”
Answer: A
Rationale: Methylphenidate can suppress appetite, so eating small, nutrient-dense meals and
snacks throughout the day can help prevent excessive weight loss.



Question 10
A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving fluoxetine. Which statement by the patient requires
immediate intervention?
A. “I feel like I have more energy since starting this medication.”
B. “I have had thoughts of hurting myself lately.”
C. “I sometimes feel nauseous after taking this medication.”
D. “I noticed my appetite has decreased.”
Answer: B
Rationale: New or worsening suicidal ideation is a serious side effect of SSRIs like fluoxetine,
especially in the early stages of treatment. This requires immediate intervention to ensure patient
safety.
Question 11
A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lamotrigine. Which side effect requires immediate
attention?
A. Sedation
B. Nausea
C. Rash
D. Weight gain
Answer: C
Rationale: A rash may indicate Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare but potentially life-
threatening reaction associated with lamotrigine. Immediate evaluation and discontinuation of
the medication may be required.