STAHL ESSENTIALS
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt. He has been placed on a tricyclic antidepressant. In terms of
medication, what steps should be taken to maintain the client's safety
when he is discharged?
1. Provide a 6-month supply to ensure long-term compliance.
2. Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only
after he visits his provider.
3. Encourage him to increase fluid intake to counteract the common side
effect of diarrhea.
4. Educate him not to eat foods that contain tyramine. Answer: 2.
Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only after
he visits his provider.
To prevent suicide through overdose on antidepressant medication, a
limited supply should be given at discharge. Clients with a history of
depression who have a lifting of mood may have an increased risk for
suicide. Giving the client a larger supply of antidepressant medication
increases the chances of overdose.
, ⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt and is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
The nurse teaches the client about serotonin syndrome. Which of the
following is a symptom of serotonin syndrome?
1. Change in mental status
2. Myoclonus
3. Blood pressure lability
4. Priapism. Answer: 4. Priapism
⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt and has not responded to SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. The
client asks the nurse, "I heard about monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs). Why can't they be added to what I am on now? Wouldn't
adding one help?" Which is the appropriate nursing response?
1. "Electroconvulsive therapy is your best option at this point."
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called
hypertensive crisis."
3. "There is no reason why an MAOI couldn't be added to your therapy."
4. "They can't be used together because their mechanisms of action are
very different.". Answer: 2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening
condition called hypertensive crisis."
⩥ A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder
approximately 1 month ago and asks why he has gained 12 lbs. since
then. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt. He has been placed on a tricyclic antidepressant. In terms of
medication, what steps should be taken to maintain the client's safety
when he is discharged?
1. Provide a 6-month supply to ensure long-term compliance.
2. Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only
after he visits his provider.
3. Encourage him to increase fluid intake to counteract the common side
effect of diarrhea.
4. Educate him not to eat foods that contain tyramine. Answer: 2.
Provide a 1-week supply of medication, with refills authorized only after
he visits his provider.
To prevent suicide through overdose on antidepressant medication, a
limited supply should be given at discharge. Clients with a history of
depression who have a lifting of mood may have an increased risk for
suicide. Giving the client a larger supply of antidepressant medication
increases the chances of overdose.
, ⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt and is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
The nurse teaches the client about serotonin syndrome. Which of the
following is a symptom of serotonin syndrome?
1. Change in mental status
2. Myoclonus
3. Blood pressure lability
4. Priapism. Answer: 4. Priapism
⩥ A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide
attempt and has not responded to SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. The
client asks the nurse, "I heard about monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs). Why can't they be added to what I am on now? Wouldn't
adding one help?" Which is the appropriate nursing response?
1. "Electroconvulsive therapy is your best option at this point."
2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening condition called
hypertensive crisis."
3. "There is no reason why an MAOI couldn't be added to your therapy."
4. "They can't be used together because their mechanisms of action are
very different.". Answer: 2. "Combined use can lead to a life-threatening
condition called hypertensive crisis."
⩥ A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder
approximately 1 month ago and asks why he has gained 12 lbs. since
then. Which is the appropriate nursing response?
