Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
Which medication side effect is irreversible if not caught early:
A. Akathisia
Choice A rationale: Akathisia refers to restlessness and agitation and is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. This condition can be reversed by reducing the dose of antipsychotic medication taken by the client.
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
Choice B rationale: Tardive dyskinesia refers to the involuntary movement of body parts such as the limbs, face, jaw, and tongue and is a common side effect of long-term use of first-generation antipsychotic medications which work by blocking dopamine receptors. This condition is irreversible, especially when not detected early.
C. Dystonia
Choice C rationale: Dystonia which refers to muscle spasms affecting the jaw, eyes, and limbs can be reversed by the use of anticholinergic medications or botulin toxin.
D. Akinesia
Choice D: Akinesia refers to the absence of movement and can be managed by adjusting the dosage of the antipsychotic medications being taken by the patient.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI ns 130 Exam Psychosocial Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: Akathisia refers to restlessness and agitation and is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. This condition can be reversed by reducing the dose of antipsychotic medication taken by the client.
Choice B rationale: Tardive dyskinesia refers to the involuntary movement of body parts such as the limbs, face, jaw, and tongue and is a common side effect of long-term use of first-generation antipsychotic medications which work by blocking dopamine receptors. This condition is irreversible, especially when not detected early.
Choice C rationale: Dystonia which refers to muscle spasms affecting the jaw, eyes, and limbs can be reversed by the use of anticholinergic medications or botulin toxin.
Choice D: Akinesia refers to the absence of movement and can be managed by adjusting the dosage of the antipsychotic medications being taken by the patient.

Similar Questions
Which assessment tool is used to monitor clients for Tardive Dyskinesia?
A. AIMS Scale
The AIMS Scale refers to the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale and is used in the assessment of patients for the presence of involuntary movements across body regions. The score ranges from zero which denotes the absence of dyskinesia and four which stands for severe, maximal amplitude and persistence of the abnormal movements during the examination period. It is also used to monitor clients with tardive dyskinesia.
B. Hamilton Scale
the Hamilton scale is a multiple-item questionnaire used in the assessment of clients for depression and provides a guide for patient recovery evaluation.
C. Braden Scale
the Braden Scale is used in the assessment of clients for the risk of pressure ulcers.
D. Morse Scale
the Morse Scale is a Fall Risk Assessment tool used in assessing the probability of a client sustaining a fall.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: The AIMS Scale refers to the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale and is used in the assessment of patients for the presence of involuntary movements across body regions. The score ranges from zero which denotes the absence of dyskinesia and four which stands for severe, maximal amplitude and persistence of the abnormal movements during the examination period. It is also used to monitor clients with tardive dyskinesia.
Choice B rationale: the Hamilton scale is a multiple-item questionnaire used in the assessment of clients for depression and provides a guide for patient recovery evaluation.
Choice C rationale: the Braden Scale is used in the assessment of clients for the risk of pressure ulcers.
Choice D rationale: the Morse Scale is a Fall Risk Assessment tool used in assessing the probability of a client sustaining a fall.

Haldol 2mg IM stat has been ordered for the agitated client. Haldol is available in 5mg/ml. How many mls will you administer?
Full Explanation
To answer the above question we will use the formula:
Dose (ml)= ordered dose (mg)/ Concentration (mg/ml)
= 2mg/5mg/ml
= 0.4 ml
While the nurse is talking with a female client, the client becomes silent for several seconds. Which is the nurse's best response?
A. To tell the client that help can be more effective if she shares her feelings
this may imply that the client is not cooperating and may make them feel guilty thus discouraging any further communication which may be useful in generating a treatment plan for the patient.
B. To interpret this action as an indication that the client is finished with the conversation
assuming that the client has completed her conversation is incorrect since it is an opportunity to explore the client’s feelings and thoughts that may be missed.
C. To ask the client a question so the interaction can continue
this is not the best action since it may interrupt the client’s natural process of reflection and expression while pressuring him/her to respond to the questions asked.
D. To remain silent and be attentive to the client's nonverbal communication
remaining silent and being attentive to the client’s nonverbal communication shows respect for the client’s pace and readiness to speak. Furthermore, it demonstrates the nurse’s presence and their support.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: this may imply that the client is not cooperating and may make them feel guilty thus discouraging any further communication which may be useful in generating a treatment plan for the patient.
Choice B rationale: assuming that the client has completed her conversation is incorrect since it is an opportunity to explore the client’s feelings and thoughts that may be missed.
Choice C rationale: this is not the best action since it may interrupt the client’s natural process of reflection and expression while pressuring him/her to respond to the questions asked.
Choice D rationale: remaining silent and being attentive to the client’s nonverbal communication shows respect for the client’s pace and readiness to speak.
Furthermore, it demonstrates the nurse’s presence and their support.