NR 568 Advanced Pharmacology Exam Review: Questions &
Answers
Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacology, Cardiovascular & Renal Pharmacology,
Endocrine & Diabetes
Part 1: Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacology
1. Which statement best describes the difference between SSRIs and SNRIs
regarding neurotransmitter action?
o A) SSRIs inhibit only serotonin, while SNRIs inhibit only
norepinephrine.
o B) SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake; SNRIs inhibit both serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake.
o C) SNRIs are used for depression, while SSRIs are only for anxiety.
o D) SSRIs affect dopamine, whereas SNRIs do not.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Both classes inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, but SNRIs
uniquely inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine as well, which is
involved in mood regulation.
2. A patient taking the MAOI phenelzine (Nardil) asks for a cough
suppressant. Which is contraindicated?
o A) Guaifenesin
o B) Benzonatate
o C) Dextromethorphan
o D) Codeine
o Correct Answer: C
, o Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI that contraindicates the use of
dextromethorphan due to the risk of severe drug-drug interactions,
such as serotonin syndrome.
3. A 72-year-old patient with narcolepsy is prescribed Adderall XR but cannot
swallow large capsules. What is the appropriate instruction?
o A) Crush the beads and mix with water.
o B) Dissolve the capsule in hot tea.
o C) Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on applesauce.
o D) Switch to an immediate-release tablet and crush it.
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: For patients with dysphagia, Adderall XR capsules can be
opened and the beads sprinkled on applesauce to facilitate
administration without destroying the extended-release properties.
4. Phenytoin (Dilantin) achieves its therapeutic effect by which mechanism?
o A) Increasing GABA levels.
o B) Decreasing the influx of sodium into neurons.
o C) Blocking calcium channels.
o D) Enhancing chloride channel opening.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Phenytoin stabilizes the neuronal membrane by
decreasing the influx of sodium ions during nerve impulse
generation.
5. A patient with multiple sclerosis takes gabapentin for spasticity. What is
the priority monitoring parameter?
o A) Liver enzymes
o B) Renal function
Answers
Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacology, Cardiovascular & Renal Pharmacology,
Endocrine & Diabetes
Part 1: Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacology
1. Which statement best describes the difference between SSRIs and SNRIs
regarding neurotransmitter action?
o A) SSRIs inhibit only serotonin, while SNRIs inhibit only
norepinephrine.
o B) SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake; SNRIs inhibit both serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake.
o C) SNRIs are used for depression, while SSRIs are only for anxiety.
o D) SSRIs affect dopamine, whereas SNRIs do not.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Both classes inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, but SNRIs
uniquely inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine as well, which is
involved in mood regulation.
2. A patient taking the MAOI phenelzine (Nardil) asks for a cough
suppressant. Which is contraindicated?
o A) Guaifenesin
o B) Benzonatate
o C) Dextromethorphan
o D) Codeine
o Correct Answer: C
, o Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI that contraindicates the use of
dextromethorphan due to the risk of severe drug-drug interactions,
such as serotonin syndrome.
3. A 72-year-old patient with narcolepsy is prescribed Adderall XR but cannot
swallow large capsules. What is the appropriate instruction?
o A) Crush the beads and mix with water.
o B) Dissolve the capsule in hot tea.
o C) Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on applesauce.
o D) Switch to an immediate-release tablet and crush it.
o Correct Answer: C
o Rationale: For patients with dysphagia, Adderall XR capsules can be
opened and the beads sprinkled on applesauce to facilitate
administration without destroying the extended-release properties.
4. Phenytoin (Dilantin) achieves its therapeutic effect by which mechanism?
o A) Increasing GABA levels.
o B) Decreasing the influx of sodium into neurons.
o C) Blocking calcium channels.
o D) Enhancing chloride channel opening.
o Correct Answer: B
o Rationale: Phenytoin stabilizes the neuronal membrane by
decreasing the influx of sodium ions during nerve impulse
generation.
5. A patient with multiple sclerosis takes gabapentin for spasticity. What is
the priority monitoring parameter?
o A) Liver enzymes
o B) Renal function
