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NR 572 Midterm Exam 2026/2027 Chamberlain Advanced
Acute Care Management Actual Exam Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales Study Guide Grade A
1. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI. What is the appropriate starting
dose strategy for SSRIs in this condition?
A. Start at the full therapeutic dose
B. Start at 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal dose
C. Start at twice the normal dose for rapid effect
D. Start with a loading dose
Correct Answer: B. Start at 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal dose
Rationale: SSRIs for panic disorder should be started at low doses (1/3 to 1/2 of the
normal dose) to minimize initial activation symptoms, which can worsen anxiety. The
dose is then gradually titrated upward.
2. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed fluoxetine. How long should the patient
expect to wait before experiencing a therapeutic response?
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A. 24-48 hours
B. 3-5 days
C. At least 4 weeks
D. 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: C. At least 4 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs typically take at least 4 weeks to achieve a therapeutic response in
panic disorder. Patients should be educated about this delay to promote adherence.
3. Which medication is absolutely contraindicated for concurrent use with SSRIs in the
treatment of panic disorder?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. MAOIs
D. Atypical antipsychotics
Correct Answer: C. MAOIs
Rationale: SSRIs are absolutely contraindicated with MAOIs due to the risk of serotonin
syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. A washout period is required when
switching between these medications.
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4. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed venlafaxine (Effexor). Which medication
class does this belong to?
A. SSRI
B. SNRI
C. MAOI
D. Benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: B. SNRI
Rationale: Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to
treat panic disorder, helping reduce anticipatory anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors.
5. A patient with panic disorder and comorbid atypical depression is prescribed a
MAOI. What dietary instruction is essential for this patient?
A. Increase protein intake
B. Maintain a low-tyramine diet; avoid cheese and wine
C. Avoid carbohydrates
D. Increase caffeine consumption
Correct Answer: B. Maintain a low-tyramine diet; avoid cheese and wine
Rationale: MAOIs require dietary restriction of tyramine-containing foods (aged
cheeses, red wine, smoked meats, fermented products) to prevent hypertensive crisis.
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6. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) as adjunctive
therapy. What instruction should the nurse provide regarding duration of use?
A. Use as monotherapy indefinitely
B. Limit use to 4-6 weeks and discontinue by week 7
C. Continue for at least 6 months
D. Use only during panic attacks
Correct Answer: B. Limit use to 4-6 weeks and discontinue by week 7
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are helpful early in treatment but should be limited to 4-6
weeks to avoid dependence. They should not be used as monotherapy for panic
disorder.
7. A patient taking alprazolam (Xanax) reports drowsiness and fatigue. What safety
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Increase the dose to overcome drowsiness
B. Avoid operating heavy machinery
C. Take the medication with caffeine
D. Take the medication only at night
Correct Answer: B. Avoid operating heavy machinery
NR 572 Midterm Exam 2026/2027 Chamberlain Advanced
Acute Care Management Actual Exam Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales Study Guide Grade A
1. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI. What is the appropriate starting
dose strategy for SSRIs in this condition?
A. Start at the full therapeutic dose
B. Start at 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal dose
C. Start at twice the normal dose for rapid effect
D. Start with a loading dose
Correct Answer: B. Start at 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal dose
Rationale: SSRIs for panic disorder should be started at low doses (1/3 to 1/2 of the
normal dose) to minimize initial activation symptoms, which can worsen anxiety. The
dose is then gradually titrated upward.
2. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed fluoxetine. How long should the patient
expect to wait before experiencing a therapeutic response?
,2|Page
A. 24-48 hours
B. 3-5 days
C. At least 4 weeks
D. 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: C. At least 4 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs typically take at least 4 weeks to achieve a therapeutic response in
panic disorder. Patients should be educated about this delay to promote adherence.
3. Which medication is absolutely contraindicated for concurrent use with SSRIs in the
treatment of panic disorder?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Beta-blockers
C. MAOIs
D. Atypical antipsychotics
Correct Answer: C. MAOIs
Rationale: SSRIs are absolutely contraindicated with MAOIs due to the risk of serotonin
syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. A washout period is required when
switching between these medications.
,3|Page
4. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed venlafaxine (Effexor). Which medication
class does this belong to?
A. SSRI
B. SNRI
C. MAOI
D. Benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: B. SNRI
Rationale: Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to
treat panic disorder, helping reduce anticipatory anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviors.
5. A patient with panic disorder and comorbid atypical depression is prescribed a
MAOI. What dietary instruction is essential for this patient?
A. Increase protein intake
B. Maintain a low-tyramine diet; avoid cheese and wine
C. Avoid carbohydrates
D. Increase caffeine consumption
Correct Answer: B. Maintain a low-tyramine diet; avoid cheese and wine
Rationale: MAOIs require dietary restriction of tyramine-containing foods (aged
cheeses, red wine, smoked meats, fermented products) to prevent hypertensive crisis.
, 4|Page
6. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) as adjunctive
therapy. What instruction should the nurse provide regarding duration of use?
A. Use as monotherapy indefinitely
B. Limit use to 4-6 weeks and discontinue by week 7
C. Continue for at least 6 months
D. Use only during panic attacks
Correct Answer: B. Limit use to 4-6 weeks and discontinue by week 7
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are helpful early in treatment but should be limited to 4-6
weeks to avoid dependence. They should not be used as monotherapy for panic
disorder.
7. A patient taking alprazolam (Xanax) reports drowsiness and fatigue. What safety
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Increase the dose to overcome drowsiness
B. Avoid operating heavy machinery
C. Take the medication with caffeine
D. Take the medication only at night
Correct Answer: B. Avoid operating heavy machinery
