medications
What is the primary difference between typical and atypical antipsychotics?
Typical block dopamine more and have higher EPS risk; atypicals also block serotonin and have fewer EPS.
A patient on haloperidol develops a stiff neck and oculogyric crisis. What is this called?
What is acute dystonia?
These labs are a nonspecific marker of inflammation often elevated in autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions.
What is CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)?
Which personality disorder is most associated with unstable relationships, intense fear of abandonment, and impulsive self-harming behaviors?
What is borderline personality disorder?
Rationale: Characterized by unstable self-image, mood swings, fear of abandonment, and self-injurious behaviors (e.g., cutting)
This neurotransmitter is commonly decreased in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, affecting memory and learning.
what is acetylcholine?
Which antipsychotic is most associated with agranulocytosis?
What is clozapine?
A client taking an MAOI eats aged cheese and complains of a pounding headache. What is likely happening?
What is hypertensive crisis?
A 67-year-old man complains of frequent urination, weak stream, and hesitancy. What condition are these symptoms most likely pointing to?
what is BPH?
A patient is cold, emaciated, and insists they are “too fat” despite a BMI of 14. Labs reveal hypokalemia and bradycardia. What is the highest priority nursing diagnosis?
What is risk for cardiac arrhythmia related to electrolyte imbalance and starvation?
Rationale: While body image distortion is key, physiological instability is life-threatening and takes priority in anorexia nervosa.
A sudden change in mental status, often reversible, that nurses must differentiate from dementia.
What is delirium?
This medication used in Alzheimer’s helps improve cognition by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain.
what is Donepezil?
A patient on risperidone develops fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion. Name the syndrome.
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
What is the gold standard diagnostic and screening tool for detecting colorectal cancer?
what is colonoscopy?
You’re caring for a patient with antisocial personality disorder. What is the most therapeutic approach to establishing boundaries with this client?
What is set firm, consistent limits while remaining calm and nonjudgmental?
Rationale: Antisocial PD involves manipulation and disregard for rules — boundaries must be clear and enforced consistently.
This type of schizophrenia is characterized mainly by disorganized speech and behavior, along with flat or inappropriate emotions.
What is disorganized schizophrenia?
A client on haloperidol develops oculogyric crisis. What med do you anticipate giving?
What is benztropine?
A client withdrawing from benzodiazepines is at highest risk for what severe complication?
What are seizures?
You’re caring for a client newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. What lab finding would you expect to trend down after successful surgical removal of the tumor?
what is CEA?
CEA is a tumor marker used to monitor colorectal cancer recurrence. It should decrease post-resection.
Which eating disorder is most associated with normal or overweight BMI, electrolyte imbalance, and dental erosion?
What is bulimia nervosa?
Rationale: Clients with bulimia may have normal weight, but purging behaviors lead to hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and tooth erosion.
This type of schizophrenia involves prominent delusions and auditory hallucinations but relatively preserved cognitive function.
What is paranoid schizophrenia?
A patient on risperidone develops excessive salivation, lacrimation, and urinary urgency. These symptoms are part of a cholinergic syndrome known by this acronym, and the nurse anticipates administering this medication to manage it.
what is sludge? what is atropine?
A patient taking SSRIs and tramadol develops clonus and fever. What syndrome is this?
What is serotonin syndrome?
List two serious red flag symptoms of advanced colorectal cancer that require immediate follow-up.
What are blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or change in bowel habits?
A patient with narcissistic personality disorder is demanding, belittling staff, and refuses care. What nursing response is both therapeutic and maintains boundaries?
What is “I’m here to support your care, but I will not allow disrespectful language toward staff”?
Rationale: Responds therapeutically to the behavior without reinforcing the client’s need for control or superiority.
In this stage of dementia, patients often fill in memory gaps with fabricated or distorted memories without the intention to deceive.
what is the middle (or moderate) stage of dementia? (stage 3)