WorksheetsPsychopharmacology Nursing Worksheet
Total questions: 100
Worksheet time: 50mins
Which statement by a client taking carbidopa-levodopa indicates more teaching is needed?
“I know I need to take this drug once a day.”
“I know I shouldn’t stop taking this drug abruptly.”
“I understand my urine may become dark.”
“It may take weeks to control my symptoms.”
A patient taking anticholinergics for Parkinson’s reports blurred vision. What should the nurse advise?
“This is a life-threatening emergency.”
“Routine eye exams are important.”
“Decrease your fluid intake.”
“Stop the medication immediately.”
Which patient needs more teaching about cyclobenzaprine?
Takes it for muscle spasm after injury for 5 days
Mixes with alcohol for better sleep
Avoids driving due to drowsiness
Takes the med with food
A nurse counsels a patient on SSRIs. Which patient statement means further teaching is needed?
“I should report any suicidal thoughts.”
“It could take weeks for my mood to improve.”
“I should stop taking it if I feel better after three days.”
“Grapefruit juice can increase my risk for toxicity.”
When teaching about lithium, which diet should a nurse recommend?
Low sodium, high fluid intake
High sodium, low potassium
High sodium, high fluid intake
No need for dietary changes
Which client taking an MAOI requires further teaching?
“I can have pizza with pepperoni and aged cheese.”
“I’ll check food labels for soy sauce.”
“I avoid red wine and beer.”
“I will report headache or palpitations.”
The nurse evaluates a client with Alzheimer’s disease on rivastigmine. Which finding shows effectiveness?
Improvement in memory
Decreased blood sugar
Greater muscle strength
Increased appetite
Which complaint by a patient on anticholinergics would concern the nurse most?
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Trouble urinating
Constipation
Which symptoms require the nurse to seek immediate care for a patient taking an antipsychotic?
Tremor, shuffling gait, masked face
Sudden muscle stiffness, high fever, confusion
Sedation and dry mouth
Headache and blurred vision
Which of the following nursing actions is priority for a client beginning carbidopa-levodopa?
Obtain baseline vital signs
Encourage early morning exercise
Ask about night sweats
Monitor blood sugar
Which is a correct instruction for a patient with muscle spasms prescribed cyclobenzaprine?
“You can stop this medication abruptly.”
“Limit use to three weeks unless told otherwise.”
“Take with alcohol for pain relief.”
“Drive only if you feel alert.”
Which assessment finding would make the nurse question a carbidopa-levodopa order?
Diabetes mellitus
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Mild hypertension
Constipation
Which client statement indicates good understanding of haloperidol side effects?
“I may get drowsy or have a dry mouth.”
“I will not need blood tests after starting medicine.”
“I can drink with this medication.”
“I should ignore any significant weight gain.”
Which side effect of rivastigmine should the nurse report promptly?
Dizziness
Weight loss
Confusion
Severe GI distress
What should a nurse teach about buspirone?
“Relief is immediate after your first dose.”
“Limit grapefruit juice.”
“Dependence is common.”
“It will make you drowsy like a benzodiazepine.”
A client on lorazepam asks about stopping the drug. What’s the nurse’s best response?
“Stop right away if you like.”
“You don’t need to taper down.”
“We will gradually reduce your dose.”
“Take extra before stressful events.”
Which statement about lithium use is correct?
Lithium levels must be monitored regularly.
It’s safe to double a missed dose.
There’s no risk of toxicity.
Diet doesn’t matter
A patient receiving SSRIs asks about side effects. Which statement needs more nurse teaching?
“I could have GI upset and headaches at first.”
“My depression will be cured within days.”
“I’ll let you know if I feel suicidal.”
“Sexual dysfunction is sometimes possible.”
Which would indicate NMS (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)?
Sudden high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and confusion
Gradual mood improvement over several weeks
Mild tremor without autonomic changes
Low blood pressure alone after starting therapy
Patients on anticholinergics should use hard candy for dry mouth and increase fluids and fiber for constipation.
True
False
A patient taking benzodiazepines should avoid:
Alcohol
NSAIDs
Stimulants
Statins
Which intervention is most important for a client with moderate Alzheimer’s disease on rivastigmine?
Teach self-administration of IM injections
Provide a safe home environment
Suggest doubling the dose if memory fades
Taper off the drug abruptly if there is no change
What is the best action if a client experiences sudden onset of severe headache after taking MAOIs?
Give over-the-counter pain medication
Assess for hypertensive crisis and notify provider
Instruct to rest in a dark room
Increase fluid intake
A client on typical antipsychotics develops a tremor. What should the nurse do first?
Document and continue medication
Assess for EPS and notify provider
Suggest using caffeine
Have patient avoid protein at meals
Which drug combination is risky due to serotonin syndrome?
SSRI and anticholinergic
SSRI and MAOI
Carbidopa-levodopa and NSAID
Benzodiazepine and anti-hypertensive
Which finding is most critical for a patient on carbidopa-levodopa?
Dark-colored urine
Agranulocytosis
Nausea
Loss of appetite
What is a priority teaching point for cyclobenzaprine?
Increase activity and take on empty stomach
Do not combine with CNS depressants
Take for chronic spasticity due to MS
Doubledose if pain continues
Which adverse effect requires immediate reporting by a client on antipsychotic therapy?
Sexual dysfunction
Muscle rigidity with fever
Weight gain
Sedation
What lab test is a priority for a patient taking clozapine?
Liver enzymes
White blood cell counts
Potassium level
Coagulation profile
Anticholinergics are safe for patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
True
False
The nurse is reviewing a medication list and notes a new prescription for a centrally acting muscle relaxant. Which finding is a concern?
Occasional constipation
Current use of alcohol
Diet high in sodium
No prior muscle injuries
Which side effect most likely requires stopping an MAOI?
Mild headache
Edema of the hands
Hypertensive crisis after eating aged cheese
Drowsiness
A patient says, “I feel confused, have muscle twitching, and sweating” after starting sertraline and St. John’s Wort. What is the likely concern?
Beginning withdrawal
Serotonin syndrome
Anticholinergic toxicity
NMS
Which statement indicates effective teaching for a client with Alzheimer’s on rivastigmine?
“The medicine will cure my Alzheimer’s.”
“It may slow down my symptoms.”
“I can double my dose if memory worsens.”
“I can stop abruptly when I feel better.”
What teaching is needed for a patient prescribed lorazepam for sleep?
Alcohol will not interfere with the drug.
Take the drug with a high-protein meal nightly.
Avoid using machinery or driving.
Discontinue abruptly after two days.
Dysphagia is a sign of EPS in patients taking antipsychotic medications.
True
False
A patient’s family member asks why both carbidopa and levodopa are used. The nurse says:
“Carbidopa helps levodopa reach the brain.”
“Carbidopa causes fewer side effects.”
“Levodopa increases dopamine on its own.”
“They work for different symptoms.”
What action should be avoided to minimize EPS in antipsychotic treatment?
Starting with high doses
Gradual dose titration
Monitoring for tremor
Using lowest effective dose
What is the best intervention for a client who reports blurred vision and urinary retention while on anticholinergic therapy?
Increase medication dose
Encourage water intake, consult provider
Abruptly stop the medication
Wait and see if it resolves
True or False: Routine eye exams are recommended in patients on anticholinergics.
True
False
Which food is restricted for a patient on MAOIs?
Fresh fruit
Aged cheese and cured meats
Canned vegetables
White bread
A client taking cyclobenzaprine should be instructed to:
Stop abruptly after one week of use
Avoid CNS depressants including alcohol
Take an extra dose when spasms occur
Skip doses when symptoms improve
In a patient taking antipsychotics, what finding is most concerning?
Headache
Urinary retention
High fever and rigidity
Drowsiness
What is the priority nursing action if a client on lithium reports severe diarrhea and weakness?
Hold next dose and notify provider
Administer antacids
Advise increased salt intake
Suggest over-the-counter loperamide
A patient taking antidepressants is at increased risk for bleeding when also taking:
NSAIDs or aspirin
Statins
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors
Which symptom is an EPS adverse effect of antipsychotics?
Tardive dyskinesia
Hypertension
Polydipsia
Acne
A client with history of alcohol use is prescribed a muscle relaxant. What should the nurse explain?
These drugs are safe with alcohol.
Combining alcohol and muscle relaxants increases CNS depression.
Drinking alcohol will reduce side effects.
Tolerance prevents overdose.
Which is appropriate teaching for a patient prescribed an SSRI?
Sexual dysfunction is very rare
Effects are not seen for several weeks
Take with aged cheeses for effectiveness
Stop the drug if you develop a headache
Which new symptom in a client on typical antipsychotics calls for immediate action?
Mild dizziness
Yellowing of skin and sclera
Slight drowsiness
Constipation
True or False: Tardive dyskinesia can require discontinuation of the antipsychotic.
True
False
When reviewing a discharge teaching for depression, the nurse knows to emphasize:
Suicidal thoughts must be reported immediately.
Missing several doses is acceptable.
Antidepressants should be stopped when you feel better.
You can take St. John’s Wort for extra effect.
Which patient on benzodiazepines is at greatest risk for respiratory depression?
Young adult with no comorbidities
Client using alcohol with medication
25-year-old on vitamin supplements
Elderly woman only taking benzodiazepines
A patient on lithium must avoid:
Consistent fluid intake
Sudden reductions in sodium
Routine exercise
Eating fresh vegetables
True or False: Anticholinergic therapy may worsen symptoms in clients with urinary retention or GI obstruction.
True
False
Why should MAOI therapy be discontinued before surgery?
Avoid anesthetic allergy
Prevent hypertensive crisis due to food or med interactions
Increase anesthesia depth
Reduce drowsiness
Which scenario best reflects effective nursing teaching about serotonin syndrome?
“I should seek help for confusion and rapid heart rate after starting a new antidepressant.”
“If I develop dry mouth, I can double my dose.”
“Sleepiness means the drugs aren’t working.”
“It’s okay to take SSRIs and St. John’s Wort together.”
Which patient statement indicates risk for tardive dyskinesia while on antipsychotics?
“I just started this medication yesterday.”
“I’ve been on this medication for over a year.”
“I take my antipsychotic only PRN.”
“I take the medication with food.”
When educating about muscle relaxant use, what should be included?
Most appropriate for chronic spasticity
Use only for a short-term, acute muscle spasm
Should be continued even if drowsiness occurs
Always combine with CNS depressants
What is the most critical lab to monitor for a client on clozapine?
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
Liver function tests
Serum lithium level
Fasting blood glucose
Which is a correct safety teaching for anticholinergics and dry mouth?
Drink less fluid to reduce saliva
Use hard candy and ice chips
Chew tobacco for moistening
Avoid all oral care
Instruct patients taking lithium to:
Take extra doses for missed doses
Report diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of coordination
Reduce fluid intake on hot days
Avoid exercise
MAOIs interact with many foods and drugs and should not be first-line therapy in most cases.
True
False
Which statement indicates a need for more education about antidepressant therapy?
“I know I have to take medication for several weeks before seeing results.”
“If I stop SSRI abruptly, I won’t have any symptoms.”
“I should avoid taking herbal supplements without talking to my provider.”
“I need to keep my followup appointments even if I feel better.”
Which adverse effect is expected and should be included in teaching with typical antipsychotics?
Orthostatic hypotension and drowsiness
Anaphylaxis and hives
Severe diarrhea
Decreased urination
Which action is inappropriate for a client with muscle spasms on cyclobenzaprine?
Taper off after multiple weeks of use
Drive after first dose
Use with alcohol
Both B and C
What should a client taking buspirone avoid?
Grapefruit juice in large amounts
Caffeinated coffee
Orange juice
Yogurt
Sedation and anticholinergic effects are seen with many antidepressant drugs.
True
False
Which client on an SSRI is at highest risk for suicidal thoughts?
Elder adult
Child or young adult
Pregnant patient
Postpartum female
Which medication should be assessed for in a client on an atypical antipsychotic?
Over-the-counter cold tablets
St. John’s wort
Both A and B
None
For a patient experiencing restlessness and “ants in the pants” after an antipsychotic, what is this?
Tardive dyskinesia
Akathisia
Toxic reaction
Usual side effect
Flumazenil is an antidote for lorazepam overdose.
True
False
Which foods should a client on MAOIs avoid? (Select all that apply)
Bananas
Beer
Aged cheeses
Sausages
Which client is at highest risk for dehydration with lithium therapy?
High fluid intake
Works outside on hot days
No exercise
Low protein diet
What is the priority for a nurse caring for a client on long-acting antipsychotic injections?
Keep injection sites confidential
Educate about regular follow-up and EPS signs
Advise to skip a dose if side effects occur
Stop immediately if symptoms resolve
Which is a priority teaching point for a client on tricyclic antidepressants?
Interacts with alcohol and other CNS depressants
Take double dose for missed dose
Safe in pregnancy
Should never cause drowsiness
Blood pressure fluctuations are a sign of NMS.
True
False
Which scenario describes correct use for centrally acting muscle relaxant?
Elderly patient with chronic spasticity due to MS, on long term
Adult with acute lower back pain after lifting, used for 2 weeks
Athlete uses it every day for muscle fatigue
Child prescribed for muscle cramps after sports
Which teaching is correct for benzodiazepine use?
Combine with alcohol for relaxation
Use as prescribed to minimize dependence risk
Abrupt withdrawal is safe
Drive after first dose
Which action requires the nurse to stop an MAOI and notify the provider?
Client wants to start over-the-counter cold meds
Client develops a hypertensive crisis
Client eats fresh greens
Client checks blood pressure
What should the nurse monitor in a patient on anticholinergic therapy?
Bowel and bladder function
Memory tests only
Muscle strength
Visual acuity only
True or False: Increased risk for falls is a concern for elderly on benzodiazepines.
True
False
Which finding means more teaching for a client starting lithium therapy?
"I'll take it with meals."
"I'll avoid strenuous activity."
"I'll restrict fluids on hot days."
"I'll monitor for tremors or weakness."
A young adult on an SSRI with new onset of suicidal thoughts should:
Ignore the feeling; it will pass
Increase the dose independently
Contact provider immediately
Discontinue medication on their own
Which adverse effect requires discontinuation of an antipsychotic?
Mild tremor after first dose
High fever and muscle rigidity
Headache
Nausea
Which instructions are correct for tricyclic antidepressants?
Take at bedtime to reduce daytime drowsiness
Take on empty stomach
Stop if dry mouth occurs
Use with a high-tyramine diet
A client on an MAOI tells the nurse “I can eat pizza with sausage and cheese, right?” The nurse should:
Agree
Correct and explain risks of tyramine foods
Suggest double servings
Ignore the comment
Which patient statement means more education is needed about SSRI therapy?
"I may feel better slowly over the next month."
"I can stop whenever I want."
"I'll tell you if I feel more depressed."
"Headaches and nausea may happen at first."
True or False: Sedation is a side effect of cyclobenzaprine.
True
False
Tricyclic antidepressants should be used cautiously in clients with:
Seizure disorders
Seasonal allergies
Lactose intolerance
Migraines only
Which scenario reflects a knowledge deficit about muscle relaxant therapy?
"I'll avoid operating heavy machinery."
"I'll drink wine in the evening while on the medication."
"I'll take with meals to lessen GI upset."
"I will taper off gradually if used more than a week."
True or False: Benztropine is a centrally acting anticholinergic for Parkinson’s.
True
False
For a patient diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and prescribed clozapine, what must be monitored frequently?
Blood glucose
Liver function
White blood cell count
Serum potassium
A client starting sertraline should be told to:
Report insomnia lasting more than a few days
Stop the drug if GI upset occurs
Take double dose for missed dose
Ignore feelings of agitation
A client taking anticholinergics for Parkinson’s should:
Increase fiber and fluids to prevent constipation
Avoid sun due to risk of sunburn
Ignore any trouble urinating
Skip eye exams
What is NOT a first-line therapy for severe depression due to adverse effects and food/drug interactions?
SSRI
SNRI
MAOI
Therapy
Which action should the nurse instruct an elderly patient to avoid while on benzodiazepines?
Take medication with meals
Rise slowly to prevent falls
Drink alcohol with the medication
Sleep at least 8 hours per night
What statement by client taking antidepressants indicates understanding?
"I'll call the provider if I feel worse or have thoughts of self-harm."
"I can skip months of medication if I'm busy."
"I may stop suddenly when I feel better."
"There's no risk in combining with herbal remedies."
Which dietary advice is most important for a patient on lithium?
Maintain consistent sodium intake
Increase vitamin C supplements
Avoid dairy products
Eat low carb
A patient has started a new MAOI. Which should the nurse monitor closely?
Blood pressure
Urinalysis
Temperature
Muscle strength
True or False: Muscle relaxants for acute injury should be used short term, not long term.
True
False
