NURS 660 - Psychopharmacology

NURS 660 - Psychopharmacology & Advanced Mental Health

Exam 2

Question:

You are doing patient teaching for Margaret, who has been prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil) for treatment of depression. Which of the following statements suggest that Margaret needs further instruction?

• I know I might not start feeling better for a few weeks, but I'll keep taking

my medication just as the doctor prescribed

• I'll keep some hard candies in my purse in case my mouth gets dry from

the medicine

• Once I start feeling better, I am looking forward to cutting down on this

medication

• I'm worried I may gain some weight, but that is the small price to pay to

feeling better

Answer:

C

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Question:

What is the main difference between depression and dysthymic depression?

• Dysthymia is a short-term depression and major depression lasts for years
• Dysthymia is a chronic, low-level depression that lasts for years, while

major depression is more severe

• Dysthymia is more likely to be caused by psychological factors and major

depression is caused by neurological dysfunction

• Dysthymia is normally treated with psychotherapy only, while major

depression is treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy

Answer:

B

Question:

Your depressed patient is starting a new medication called phenelzine (Nardil). Which teaching would be most important to emphasize?

• Educate the patient to take this medication ongoing, even as symptoms

improve

• Instruct the patient and family about the many food-drug interactions
• Instruct the patient about interventions to relieve dry mouth
• Inform the patient that this medication takes 4 to 6 weeks to take full

effect

Answer:

B

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Question:

Which of the following antidepressants is a tricyclic?

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Answer:

C

Question:

Which statement is most true about depression?

• It is more common in women than men
• It is rare to have more than one episode of major depression in one's

lifetime

• Young children do not suffer from depression
• As one ages, there is reduced risk of depression

Answer:

A

Question:

A newly admitted client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

• Impaired social interaction 3 / 4

• Self-esteem deficit
• Hopelessness
• Self-care deficit

Answer:

C

Question:

The nurse knows that the two factors that often differentiate major depression from dysthymia depression are

• Amounts of mania and sadness
• Presence or absence of anger and guilt
• Severity and duration of symptoms
• Patient's gender and age

Answer:

C

Question:

You are caring for an older adult who is recently widowed. She says "No one cares if I die. Everyone I ever loved is dead." What is the best response?

• I am sure that you still have people who care about you
• You sound like you are feeling alone
• Boy, that is depressing
• I don't believe that
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