Psychopharmacology for Psychiatric Nurses Flashcards

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

Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

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

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

Answer: Check the serum lithium level immediately

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

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

Answer: Tardive dyskinesia

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

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

Answer: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

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

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

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

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

Which benzodiazepine property is most important for psychiatric nurses to teach patients regarding long-term use?

Answer: Physical dependence and the risk of withdrawal seizures if stopped abruptly

Benzodiazepines cause physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can trigger life-threatening withdrawal seizures, requiring gradual tapering.