An experienced psychiatric nurse plans to begin work in a ...

[yoooooman]

An experienced psychiatric nurse plans to begin work in a community-based medication clinic on Monday. The clinic sees culturally diverse patients. Which action should the nurse take first to prepare for this position?
 
  a. Investigate cultural differences in patients' responses to psychotropic medications.
  b. Examine the literature on various health beliefs of members of diverse cultures.
  c. Contact the clinical nurse specialist for guidelines for cultural competence.
  d. Take a course in psychopharmacology.

Question 2

A client seen in the emergency department is noted to be stuporous. Which of the following assessment findings would be of most concern?
 
  a. Elevated blood pressure
  b. Elevated cholesterol levels
  c. New exercise routine
  d. Painting furniture in a windowless room

[Expo]

Answer to Question 1

A
An experienced nurse working on a mental health inpatient unit would be familiar with the action and side effects of most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications. However, because culturally diverse patients are seen in the clinic, reviewing cultural differences in patients' responses to these medications is helpful and vital to patient safety. One such difference is the development of extrapyramidal side effects at lower drug doses in Asian patients. The distracters would not be the nurse's initial actions.

Answer to Question 2

D
Assessing occupational/lifestyle factors of chemicals in the workplace such as paint can impact function. Elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and exercise would not result in stupor in the client.

[yoooooman]

TYSM

[Liddy]

Excellent