Psychotropic Medications for Specific Disorders

Psychotropic Medications for Specific Disorders ( 5 Questions)

Question 1 :

A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is taking fluoxetine (Prozac). The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effect of this medication?



Correct Answer: B

This is because fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. It can cause symptoms such as agitation, confusion, tremors, muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures.

Choice A is wrong because extrapyramidal symptoms are more commonly associated with antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs. Extrapyramidal symptoms include involuntary movements, muscle spasms, and restlessness.

Choice C is wrong because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but serious reaction to antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome causes high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.

Choice D is wrong because anticholinergic crisis is a result of excessive blockade of acetylcholine receptors by medications such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and antiparkinsonian drugs. Anticholinergic crisis can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, tachycardia, and delirium.

The normal range of serotonin in the blood is 101 to 283 ng/mL.


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