neurotransmitters and pathophysiology
A patient with Parkinson's disease develops worsening tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Which neurotransmitter deficit is responsible?
Dopamine
Which neurotransmitter is the precursor to melatonin?
Seretonin
Which antidepressants are considered first-line treatment for anxiety disorders?
SSRIs and SNRIs
Which antipsychotic adverse effect should be routinely monitored using the AIMS assessment?
Tardive dyskinesia
Which mood stabilizer has the narrowest therapeutic index and highest toxicity concern?
Lithium
A patient reports depression, social withdrawal, low energy, and poor concentration. Which neurotransmitter deficit is most likely contributing?
Norepinephrine
Which neurotransmitter regulates alertness and wakefulness and is blocked by many sleep medications?
Histamine
A nurse teaches a patient taking benzodiazepines to avoid alcohol. What is the rationale?
Additive CNS depression can cause respiratory depression and death.
A patient taking haloperidol develops neck spasms and torticollis. What EPS is occurring?
Acute dystonia
A patient taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and fine hand tremors. What should the nurse do first?
Assess serum lithium level.
A patient presents with auditory hallucinations, loose associations, and compulsive behaviors. Which neurotransmitter excess is most likely involved?
Dopamine
Which neurotransmitter helps prime the nervous system for fight-or-flight?
Norepinephrine
A patient taking an antidepressant reports sexual dysfunction and insomnia. Are these expected side effects?
Yes
A patient continuously paces and reports an inability to sit still after beginning risperidone. What EPS is occurring?
Akathisia
A patient taking lithium develops confusion, severe diarrhea, coarse tremors, and ataxia. What condition is suspected?
Lithium toxicity
A patient taking multiple serotonergic medications develops agitation, confusion, hyperreflexia, and fever. What neurotransmitter is responsible for this condition?
Serotonin
Which antipsychotic has the highest risk for agranulocytosis?
Clozapine
A 17-year-old patient started fluoxetine two weeks ago. Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?
A. Dry mouth
B. Mild insomnia
C. Increased suicidal thoughts
D. Nausea
C. Increased suicidal thoughts
A patient taking chlorpromazine develops tremors, rigidity, a shuffling gait, and drooling. What EPS is occurring?
Pseudoparkinsonism
A child taking methylphenidate has lost 8 pounds in one month. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Monitor growth and weight; encourage high-calorie meals when medication effects are lowest.
A patient with Alzheimer's disease demonstrates worsening short-term memory loss and cognitive decline.
Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most associated with this disorder?
Acetylcholine
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Excess dopamine
A patient taking an MAOI develops severe hypertension, headache, diaphoresis, and chest pain after eating aged cheese. What condition is occurring?
Hypertensive crisis
Place these EPS symptoms in order from earliest to latest appearance:
A parent asks why their child must have blood pressure and heart rate monitored while taking Adderall. What is the best response?
Stimulants may cause tachycardia, hypertension, and cardiovascular complications.