ISPN & CGFNS Psychopharmacology for Psychiatric Nurses

Question 1

Which class of medications is considered first-line treatment for major depressive disorder in US psychiatric practice?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

SSRIs are the first-line pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder due to their efficacy and favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants.

Question 2

A patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder reports nausea, tremor, and polyuria. Which nursing action is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Check the serum lithium level immediately

Answer

These symptoms suggest possible lithium toxicity; checking the serum lithium level immediately is the priority to determine if toxicity is occurring.

Question 3

Which antipsychotic side effect requires the psychiatric nurse to regularly monitor for abnormal involuntary movements?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia — repetitive, involuntary movements — is a serious long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications requiring regular monitoring with tools like the AIMS.

Question 4

Which laboratory value must be monitored regularly in patients taking clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Answer

Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis; regular ANC monitoring is mandatory and patients must be enrolled in a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.

Question 5

What dietary restriction must a patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) follow?

Accepted Answer

Avoid tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and red wine

Answer

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods can trigger a hypertensive crisis, making dietary restriction essential for patient safety.

ISPN & CGFNS Practice Test

ISPN & CGFNS Practice Test

ISPN & CGFNS Psychopharmacology for Psychiatric Nurses