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NURS6630 ///NURS 6630 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
MIDTERM EXAM 2 VERSIONS ACTUAL MIDTERM EXAM
SUMMER QRT| MOST RECENT WALDEN
UNIVERSITY|AGRADED
1. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with depression
when deficient?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Histamine
Answer: C
Rationale: Low serotonin levels have been linked to depressive
symptoms, including low mood, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by:
A. Blocking dopamine receptors
B. Increasing serotonin availability in the synapse
C. Increasing GABA activity directly
D. Blocking acetylcholine receptors
Answer: B
pg. 1
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Rationale: SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels
in the synaptic cleft.
3. Which medication is classified as an SSRI?
A. Venlafaxine
B. Bupropion
C. Sertraline
D. Amitriptyline
Answer: C
Rationale: Sertraline is a commonly prescribed SSRI used for depression
and anxiety disorders.
4. Which adverse effect is commonly associated with SSRIs?
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Hypertensive crisis
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Renal failure
Answer: A
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most frequently reported
adverse effects of SSRIs.
pg. 2
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5. A dangerous condition associated with excessive serotonergic activity
is:
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome may cause agitation, hyperreflexia,
fever, and autonomic instability.
6. Which antidepressant has the lowest risk of sexual side effects?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Paroxetine
C. Bupropion
D. Sertraline
Answer: C
Rationale: Bupropion primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine
and is associated with fewer sexual side effects.
7. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) require avoidance of:
A. Dairy products only
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B. Tyramine-rich foods
C. Citrus fruits
D. High-protein foods only
Answer: B
Rationale: Tyramine can precipitate a hypertensive crisis when
combined with MAOIs.
8. Which neurotransmitter is most strongly implicated in schizophrenia?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Histamine
D. Glycine
Answer: B
Rationale: The dopamine hypothesis suggests excessive dopamine
activity contributes to psychotic symptoms.
9. Which medication is considered an atypical antipsychotic?
A. Haloperidol
B. Chlorpromazine
C. Clozapine
D. Thiothixene
pg. 4
NURS6630 ///NURS 6630 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
MIDTERM EXAM 2 VERSIONS ACTUAL MIDTERM EXAM
SUMMER QRT| MOST RECENT WALDEN
UNIVERSITY|AGRADED
1. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with depression
when deficient?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Histamine
Answer: C
Rationale: Low serotonin levels have been linked to depressive
symptoms, including low mood, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by:
A. Blocking dopamine receptors
B. Increasing serotonin availability in the synapse
C. Increasing GABA activity directly
D. Blocking acetylcholine receptors
Answer: B
pg. 1
,2|Page
Rationale: SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin levels
in the synaptic cleft.
3. Which medication is classified as an SSRI?
A. Venlafaxine
B. Bupropion
C. Sertraline
D. Amitriptyline
Answer: C
Rationale: Sertraline is a commonly prescribed SSRI used for depression
and anxiety disorders.
4. Which adverse effect is commonly associated with SSRIs?
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Hypertensive crisis
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Renal failure
Answer: A
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is one of the most frequently reported
adverse effects of SSRIs.
pg. 2
,3|Page
5. A dangerous condition associated with excessive serotonergic activity
is:
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome may cause agitation, hyperreflexia,
fever, and autonomic instability.
6. Which antidepressant has the lowest risk of sexual side effects?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Paroxetine
C. Bupropion
D. Sertraline
Answer: C
Rationale: Bupropion primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine
and is associated with fewer sexual side effects.
7. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) require avoidance of:
A. Dairy products only
pg. 3
, 4|Page
B. Tyramine-rich foods
C. Citrus fruits
D. High-protein foods only
Answer: B
Rationale: Tyramine can precipitate a hypertensive crisis when
combined with MAOIs.
8. Which neurotransmitter is most strongly implicated in schizophrenia?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Histamine
D. Glycine
Answer: B
Rationale: The dopamine hypothesis suggests excessive dopamine
activity contributes to psychotic symptoms.
9. Which medication is considered an atypical antipsychotic?
A. Haloperidol
B. Chlorpromazine
C. Clozapine
D. Thiothixene
pg. 4
