ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Agranulocytosis
- B. Weight gain
- C. Hair loss
- D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a patient is prescribed risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as it is a common side effect of this medication. Weight gain can occur due to metabolic changes and increased appetite associated with risperidone use. Agranulocytosis is a severe decrease in a type of white blood cells, and it is not a common side effect of risperidone. Hair loss and hyperthyroidism are also not typically associated with risperidone use.
2. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which symptom would most likely be observed?
- A. Euphoria
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Increased energy
- D. Racing thoughts
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder often experience a pervasive feeling of emptiness and loss of interest in activities they used to find pleasurable. Euphoria, increased energy, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder.
3. In the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), what medication is frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment?
- A. Clonazepam
- B. Buspirone
- C. Propranolol
- D. Hydroxyzine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone is often chosen as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile. Unlike benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (A), buspirone does not carry the risk of tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms, making it a preferred choice. While propranolol (C) and hydroxyzine (D) are sometimes used for anxiety, they are not typically considered first-line treatments for GAD.
4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed escitalopram. The nurse should educate the patient that the full therapeutic effect of this medication may take:
- A. 1-2 days
- B. 1-2 weeks
- C. 2-4 weeks
- D. 6-8 weeks
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Escitalopram, an SSRI used in treating generalized anxiety disorder, typically takes 6-8 weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. While some improvement may be noticed earlier, the maximum benefit is usually experienced after this timeframe. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they underestimate the time required for escitalopram to reach its full effectiveness. Educating patients about the realistic timeline for medication effectiveness is crucial in managing expectations and ensuring adherence to the prescribed treatment.
5. What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Take the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia.
- B. The medication may take several weeks to achieve the full effect.
- C. It is safe to consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. Report any side effects to the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed fluoxetine should be educated that the medication may take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. This information helps manage patient expectations and ensures they do not discontinue the medication prematurely due to lack of immediate results. Taking the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia is not a specific requirement for fluoxetine. Consuming alcohol while taking fluoxetine is not safe and can lead to adverse effects. It is crucial to report any side effects to the healthcare provider promptly for timely management and adjustment of the treatment plan.
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