AIIMS NORCET Nursing Exams MCQs (Psy 101-150)
Psychiatric Nursing MCQs for GMCH NURSING OFFICER, AIIMS NORCET preparation, along with answers and detailed explanations.
101. What is the primary purpose of antipsychotic medications?
a) To induce sleep
b) To treat bacterial infections
c) To manage symptoms of psychosis
d) To promote weight loss
102. Which neurotransmitter is often targeted by antipsychotic drugs to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia?
a) Serotonin
b) Dopamine
c) GABA
d) Acetylcholine
103. When administering antipsychotic drugs, what is a crucial nursing assessment to perform regularly?
a) Blood pressure monitoring
b) Assessing for skin rashes
c) Monitoring liver function
d) Counting the patient's heartbeats
104. What is the term for a severe reaction to antipsychotic medication characterized by fever, altered mental status, and autonomic dysregulation?
a) Anxiety
b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
c) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
d) Panic Attack
105. What category of antipsychotic medications tends to have a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
a) Atypical antipsychotics
b) Typical (first-generation) antipsychotics
c) Antidepressants
d) Mood stabilizers
106. Which term describes the involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and limbs often associated with antipsychotic medication use?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Serotonin syndrome
c) Parkinsonism
d) Anhedonia
107. A patient on antipsychotic medication experiences severe restlessness, muscle stiffness, and a compulsion to move. What is this condition called?
a) Akathisia
b) Dystonia
c) Dyskinesia
d) Catatonia
108. What is the primary nursing intervention when a patient experiences akathisia due to antipsychotic medication?
a) Administer an antipsychotic medication
b) Encourage the patient to remain still and avoid moving
c) Discontinue the antipsychotic medication immediately
d) Notify the healthcare provider for a medication adjustment
109. A nurse is educating a patient on the potential side effects of weight gain associated with some antipsychotic drugs. What should the nurse recommend to manage this side effect?
a) Encourage the patient to skip doses of the medication
b) Advise the patient to stop taking the medication immediately
c) Promote a balanced diet and regular exercise
d) Reassure the patient that weight gain is not a concern
110. Which group of antipsychotic medications is often associated with metabolic side effects, such as weight gain, diabetes, and dyslipidemia?
a) First-generation antipsychotics
b) Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
c) Antidepressants
d) Anxiolytics
111. Which of the following is NOT a typical indication for the use of antipsychotic medications?
a) Schizophrenia
b) Bipolar disorder
c) Anxiety disorder
d) Delusional disorder
112. A patient with schizophrenia has been prescribed an atypical antipsychotic medication. What is a common side effect of these medications that the nurse should monitor for?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
c) Extrapyramidal symptoms
d) Weight gain
113. What is the primary difference between first-generation (typical) and second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medications?
a) First-generation antipsychotics are more effective in treating negative symptoms.
b) Second-generation antipsychotics have a lower risk of EPS but may be associated with metabolic side effects.
c) Second-generation antipsychotics are only used for mood disorders.
d) First-generation antipsychotics are safer for long-term use.
114. When educating a patient on antipsychotic medication, what should the nurse stress regarding medication compliance?
a) Patients should take the medication sporadically to minimize side effects.
b) It is safe to discontinue the medication without consulting a healthcare provider.
c) Consistent medication use is essential to prevent relapse and manage symptoms.
d) Medication is only necessary during acute episodes of psychosis.
115. A patient on antipsychotic medication is experiencing dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating. What term describes these symptoms?
a) Serotonin syndrome
b) Anticholinergic side effects
c) Tardive dyskinesia
d) Parkinsonism
116. What is the primary role of a nurse when monitoring a patient for potential antipsychotic medication side effects?
a) Discontinue the medication immediately if side effects occur.
b) Minimize communication with the patient to prevent anxiety.
c) Recognize and report side effects promptly for appropriate management.
d) Encourage the patient to self-diagnose and self-treat side effects.
117. A patient taking antipsychotic medication reports severe muscle stiffness, fever, and altered mental status. What condition should the nurse suspect?
a) Weight gain
b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
c) Tardive dyskinesia
d) Serotonin syndrome
118. Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of antipsychotic medications in children and adolescents?
a) Antipsychotic medications are not approved for use in this age group.
b) Antipsychotic medications are always the first-line treatment for behavioral problems.
c) Children and adolescents do not experience side effects from antipsychotic medications.
d) Antipsychotic medications are used primarily for weight loss in this age group.
119. A patient taking antipsychotic medication begins to experience involuntary tongue movements and lip-smacking. What is this condition called?
a) Parkinsonism
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Akathisia
d) Dystonia
120. When caring for a patient on antipsychotic medication, what is the importance of routine blood tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests?
a) These tests are unnecessary when taking antipsychotic drugs.
b) To monitor for potential side effects, such as weight gain
c) To assess the patient's nutritional status
d) Routine blood tests have no relation to antipsychotic medication use.
121. What is the primary mechanism of action for typical antipsychotic medications?
a) Blocking serotonin receptors
b) blocking the brain's dopamine receptors
c) Increasing the production of acetylcholine
d) Enhancing the release of GABA
122. Which term describes a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by prolonged muscle contractions and abnormal postures?
a) Akathisia
b) Dystonia
c) Dyskinesia
d) Catatonia
123. A patient on antipsychotic medication develops a high fever, confusion, and muscle rigidity. What condition should the nurse suspect?
a) Anxiety
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
d) Panic Attack
124. A nurse is educating a patient about the potential side effects of antipsychotic medication. Which side effect may be managed with lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
c) Weight gain
d) Extrapyramidal symptoms
125. What should the nurse monitor for when a patient is prescribed both antipsychotic and anticholinergic medications?
a) Improved cognitive function
b) Increased risk of side effects like dry mouth and constipation
c) Decreased effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs
d) Rapid weight loss
126. A patient on antipsychotic medication exhibits signs of a high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysregulation. What is the immediate nursing intervention for suspected Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
a) Encourage the patient to remain calm and still.
b) Discontinue the antipsychotic medication immediately.
c) Administer an antipsychotic medication.
d) Notify the healthcare provider for a medication adjustment.
127. What is the primary difference between typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic medications in terms of side effects?
a) Atypical antipsychotics have more extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
b) Typical antipsychotics are less effective in treating psychosis.
c) Atypical antipsychotics have a lower risk of EPS but may be associated with metabolic side effects.
d) Typical antipsychotics have a lower risk of sedation.
128. When a patient is prescribed antipsychotic medication, what is a key nursing responsibility regarding informed consent?
a) Obtain informed consent from the patient without providing any information about the medication.
b) Assume that the patient is fully aware of the potential side effects.
c) Ensure the patient is informed about the medication's benefits, risks, and alternatives before obtaining consent.
d) Skip the informed consent process as it is not required for psychiatric medications.
129. A patient on antipsychotic medication reports feeling restless, an internal sense of unease, and a strong urge to move. What is this condition called?
a) Akathisia
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Dystonia
d) Dyskinesia
130. What is the primary nursing intervention when a patient experiences akathisia due to antipsychotic medication?
a) Administer an antipsychotic medication.
b) Encourage the patient to remain still and avoid moving.
c) Discontinue the antipsychotic medication immediately.
d) Notify the healthcare provider for a medication adjustment.
131. Which antipsychotic medication side effect is characterized by involuntary rhythmic movements of the face, tongue, and extremities?
a) Akathisia
b) Dystonia
c) Tardive dyskinesia
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
132. A patient taking antipsychotic medication is experiencing excessive drooling, restlessness, and repetitive blinking. What is the most likely side effect?
a) Akathisia
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Dystonia
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
133. A patient on antipsychotic medication is at risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially severe side effect. What should the nurse monitor regularly to detect this condition?
a) Liver function
b) Serum creatinine levels
c) White blood cell count
d) Blood pressure
134. What is the term for the temporary return of psychotic symptoms during antipsychotic medication treatment?
a) Relapse
b) Remission
c) Resistance
d) Regression
135. A patient on antipsychotic medication complains of dizziness, lightheadedness, and rapid heartbeat when standing up. What term describes this phenomenon?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Orthostatic hypotension
c) Akathisia
d) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
136. Which of the following is a common side effect associated with long-term antipsychotic medication use?
a) Rapid weight loss
b) Improvement in cognitive function
c) Tardive dyskinesia
d) Decreased risk of relapse
137. What is the primary role of a nurse when educating patients and their families about antipsychotic medication?
a) Discourage patients from asking questions about their medication.
b) Promote non-compliance to avoid side effects.
c) Provide information about the medication's benefits, side effects, and importance of compliance.
d) Assume that patients and families are already knowledgeable about the medication.
138. A patient with schizophrenia has been taking antipsychotic medication for several months and is experiencing akathisia. What might be the healthcare provider's recommended course of action?
a) Discontinue the medication immediately.
b) Maintain the current medication regimen.
c) Adjust the medication or dosage to alleviate akathisia.
d) Initiate a new medication for a different diagnosis.
139. A nurse is assessing a patient for potential side effects of antipsychotic medication. Which among the following gets a priority assessment?
a) Assessing for skin rash or itching
b) Monitoring for signs of excessive weight loss
c) Monitoring for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
d) Counting the patient's heartbeats
140. What term describes a side effect of antipsychotic medication characterized by a group of symptoms including fever, muscle stiffness, altered mental status, and autonomic dysregulation?
a) Dystonia
b) Akathisia
c) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
141. Which term describes a side effect of antipsychotic medication characterized by prolonged muscle contractions and abnormal postures, typically involving the neck and facial muscles?
a) Dystonia
b) Akathisia
c) Tardive dyskinesia
d) Serotonin syndrome
142. What is the primary mechanism of action for atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic medications?
a) Blocking dopamine receptors in the brain
b) Blocking serotonin receptors
c) Enhancing the release of acetylcholine
d) Increasing GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) production
143. A patient on antipsychotic medication reports feeling extremely restless, an internal sense of unease, and a strong urge to move. What term describes this condition?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
c) Akathisia
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
144. When a patient taking antipsychotic medication experiences akathisia, what nursing intervention may provide relief?
a) Discontinue the medication immediately.
b) Encourage the patient to remain still.
c) Administer an antipsychotic medication.
d) Notify the healthcare provider for a medication adjustment.
145. What is the primary goal of routine blood tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), when monitoring a patient on antipsychotic medication?
a) To assess nutritional status
b) To detect potential side effects, such as weight gain
c) To monitor for metabolic changes and blood dyscrasias
d) To measure the patient's cholesterol levels
146. A patient taking antipsychotic medication experiences involuntary tongue movements, lip smacking, and repetitive blinking. What is this condition called?
a) Dystonia
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Akathisia
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
147. A nurse is educating a patient about potential side effects of antipsychotic medication. What is a potential side effect that may require lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise?
a) Tardive dyskinesia
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
c) Weight gain
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
148. What is the term for the return of psychotic symptoms during antipsychotic medication treatment due to non-compliance or a lower dose?
a) Relapse
b) Remission
c) Resistance
d) Regression
149. When a patient on antipsychotic medication experiences severe muscle stiffness, fever, and altered mental status, what condition should the nurse suspect?
a) Akathisia
b) Tardive dyskinesia
c) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
d) Serotonin syndrome
150. What is the term for a side effect of antipsychotic medication characterized by a group of symptoms including high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysregulation?
a) Dystonia
b) Akathisia
c) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- 101 (c) To manage symptoms of psychosis
- 102 (b) Dopamine
- 103 (a) Blood pressure monitoring
- 104 (b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- 105 (b) Typical (first-generation) antipsychotics
- 106 (a) Tardive dyskinesia
- 107 (a) Akathisia
- 108 (d) Notify the healthcare provider for a medication adjustment
- 109 (c) Promote a balanced diet and regular exercise
- 110 (b) Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
- 111 (c) Anxiety disorder
- 112 (d) Weight gain
- 113 (b) Second-generation antipsychotics have a lower risk of EPS but may be associated with metabolic side effects.
- 114 (c) Consistent medication use is essential to prevent relapse and manage symptoms.
- 115 (b) Anticholinergic side effects
- 116 (c) Recognize and report side effects promptly for appropriate management.
- 117 (b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- 118 (a) Antipsychotic medications are not approved for use in this age group.
- 119 (b) Tardive dyskinesia
- 120 (b) Routine blood tests have no relation to antipsychotic medication use.
- 121 (b) Blocking the brain's dopamine receptors
- 122 (b) Dystonia
- 123 (c) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- 124 (c) Weight gain
- 125 (b) Increased risk of side effects like dry mouth and constipation
- 126 (b) Discontinue the antipsychotic medication immediately.
- 127 (c) Atypical antipsychotics have a lower risk of EPS but may be associated with metabolic side effects.
- 128 (c) Ensure the patient is informed about the medication's benefits, risks, and alternatives before obtaining consent.
- 129 (a) Akathisia
- 130 (b) Encourage the patient to remain still and avoid moving.
- 131 (c) Tardive dyskinesia
- 132 (b) Tardive dyskinesia
- 133 (c) White blood cell count
- 134 (a) Relapse
- 135 (b) Orthostatic hypotension
- 136 (c) Tardive dyskinesia
- 137 (c) Provide information about the medication's benefits, side effects, and importance of compliance.
- 138 (c) Adjust the medication or dosage to alleviate akathisia.
- 139 (c) Monitoring for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- 140 (d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- 141 (a) Dystonia
- 142 (b) Blocking serotonin receptors
- 143 (c) Akathisia
- 144 (b) Encourage the patient to remain still.
- 145 (c) To monitor for metabolic changes and blood dyscrasias
- 146 (b) Tardive dyskinesia
- 147 (c) Weight gain
- 148 (a) Relapse
- 149 (c) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- 150 (d) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)