Free Practice Quiz Question List

11 Psychopharmacology in Nursing Practice Online Quiz Questions

Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 11 Psychopharmacology in Nursing Practice, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.

20 questions

True or false

1 point

Before antidepressant treatment, a history suggesting bipolar disorder should be screened for and reported because antidepressants may trigger mania in some people with bipolar disorder.

A
True
B
False

True or false

1 point

The FDA's removal of the Clozapine REMS program means clinically recommended absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring is no longer needed. True or false?

A
True
B
False

Written response

1 point

Which antipsychotic requires continued absolute neutrophil count monitoring because of the risk of severe neutropenia?

Written response

1 point

For a lithium level drawn immediately before the next dose, approximately how many hours after the prior dose is the sample generally collected? Enter the value in hours.

Fill in the blank

1 point

For safe medication use, patients should not on their own.

Fill in the blank

1 point

For a patient taking an antipsychotic, appropriate monitoring may include weight and metabolic indicators such as .

Choose one

1 point

During transfer to a new care setting, a patient's medication list does not include supplements the patient reports taking. What is the best nursing action?

A
Document the supplement list and leave the discrepancy for the next routine appointment.
B
Reconcile medication and supplement use, then clarify the discrepancy with the prescriber.
C
Remove the supplements from the list because they were not prescribed.
D
Ask the patient to stop all medications until the list is consistent.

Choose one

1 point

A young adult starting an antidepressant asks what change should be reported promptly. Which response best reflects the medication warning described in the material?

A
The warning applies only to older adults, so younger patients do not need follow-up.
B
The patient should stop the medication independently if mood changes occur.
C
New or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors should be reported promptly, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults.
D
Suicidal thoughts are expected during treatment and do not need to be reported.

Choose all

1 point

A nurse is monitoring a patient taking an antipsychotic. Which findings or treatment areas should be assessed? Select all that apply.

A
Assess the patient's target symptoms and adherence.
B
Assess only the medication level; symptom response is not relevant.
C
Assess sedation and orthostatic symptoms.
D
Assess movement changes and report involuntary movements.
E
Assume that new movement changes are harmless unless the patient requests help.

Choose all

1 point

Which actions support safe, patient-centered medication education? Select all that apply.

A
Use plain language, invite questions, and check understanding with teach-back.
B
Encourage the patient to ask a prescriber or pharmacist before adding over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
C
Advise the patient to adjust the dose independently to manage side effects.
D
Tell the patient to avoid disclosing alcohol or other substance use unless a problem occurs.
E
Involve a support person in education if the patient gives permission.

Choose one

1 point

A patient taking a sedative-hypnotic reports feeling unusually drowsy and unsteady. Which nursing assessment is most appropriate?

A
Focus on metabolic indicators only; sedation and breathing are not relevant.
B
Assess sedation, alertness, and falls risk, and assess breathing when clinically relevant.
C
Assume that all agents in this group have identical risks and monitoring needs.
D
Encourage the patient to combine the medication with other sedating substances to improve sleep.

Choose one

1 point

A patient taking serotonergic medications develops agitation, sweating, tremor, and muscle jerking. What is the most appropriate nursing response?

A
Reassure the patient and reassess at the next routine appointment.
B
Tell the patient to stop all prescribed medications without contacting a clinician.
C
Treat the situation as urgent, follow emergency procedures, and notify the appropriate clinician immediately.
D
Wait for a laboratory result before reporting the symptoms.

Open ended

1 point

A patient taking valproate tells the nurse they are planning a pregnancy and asks what follow-up is important. Describe the nursing monitoring and communication that should be discussed.

Choose one

1 point

A patient taking lithium develops worsening tremor, unsteady gait, and diarrhea during an illness with poor fluid intake. What should the nurse do?

A
Wait for the next scheduled appointment because these symptoms are expected.
B
Promptly assess the patient and notify the prescriber about the symptoms, especially given the dehydration.
C
Independently reduce the lithium dose and document the change afterward.
D
Use a single laboratory result to rule out toxicity without assessing the patient.

Choose one

1 point

A patient says the medication instructions are confusing. Which nursing approach best checks the patient's understanding while supporting safe medication use?

A
Ask the patient whether the instructions are clear and move on if they say yes.
B
Ask the patient to explain in their own words how they will take the medication, then clarify anything unclear.
C
Repeat the written instructions without asking the patient to respond.
D
Ask a support person to manage the medication without first seeking the patient's permission.

Choose one

1 point

During a patient's transfer to another care setting, which action best supports medication reconciliation?

A
Carry forward only the prescription medications listed in the previous chart.
B
Ask the patient to stop all supplements without checking with the prescriber.
C
Reconcile prescription, nonprescription, herbal, and supplement use, and clarify discrepancies with the prescriber.
D
Wait until discharge to ask about medications taken at home.

Written response

1 point

According to the usual timing described for lithium monitoring, about how many hours after the previous dose is the blood sample generally drawn? Enter the time in hours.

Choose one

1 point

Before an antidepressant is started, which nursing action is most important when assessing for a history that could affect treatment safety?

A
Screen for and report a history suggesting bipolar disorder before antidepressant treatment.
B
Begin the antidepressant and assess for bipolar history only if symptoms worsen.
C
Rely on a laboratory test to determine whether the patient has bipolar disorder.
D
Avoid asking about previous mood episodes if the patient currently reports depression.

Written response

1 point

Which blood count measure should continue to be monitored for a patient taking clozapine, according to prescribing information?

True or false

1 point

True or false: Although the FDA removed the Clozapine REMS, clinically recommended ANC monitoring should continue according to current prescribing information.

A
True
B
False