NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum - Chamberlain (NR 547 Week 5) Exam Questions And Answers (Verified Answers) Latest Update 2026/2027

NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health
across the Lifespan Practicum - Chamberlain



NR 547 Week 5

1. Medications for depression: SSRIs
SNRIs
SDRIs
TCAs
MAOIs


2. SSRIs: -Action: inhibit 5-HT reuptake
-Examples: citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
-Adverse effects:
• nausea
• agitation
• diarrhea
• headache
• weight gain
• sexual side effects



3. SNRIs: -inhibit 5-HT reuptake
-inhibit NE reuptake (‘ energy, focus)
-increase DA in prefrontal cortex (‘ cognition)
-Examples: desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine
-Adverse effects:
• elevated blood pressure
• nausea

,• sweating
• tremors
• anxiety
• insomnia
• constipation
• anorexia
• sexual dysfunction


4. SDRIs: -inhibit DA reuptake (‘alertness, motivation)
-inhibit NE reuptake (‘energy)
-Adverse effects:
• agitation
• headache
• dry mouth
• constipation
• weight loss


5. TCAs: -Action: inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine; blocks
norepinephrine, histamine, and acetylcholine receptors
-Examples: amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin
-Common Side Effects:
• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurred vision
• urinary retention
• sedation

• weight gain
• hypotension
• tachycardia
• sexual dysfunction

, 6. MAOIs: -Action: increases norepinephrine and serotonin by inhibiting the
enzyme that inactivates it
-Examples: isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
-Common Side Effects:
• sedation
• dizziness
• sexual dysfunction
• hypertensive crisis


7. Prescribing pearls: citalopram (Celexa): mild antihistamine effects


8. Prescribing pearls: escitalopram (Lexapro): no known drug interactions


9. Prescribing pearls: fluoxetine (Prozac): longest half-life



10. Prescribing pearls: paroxetine (Paxil): also treats social anxiety and insomnia


11. Prescribing pearls: fluvoxamine (Luvox): treats anxious depression
smokers require increased dose



12. Prescribing pearls: sertraline (Zoloft): also treats social anxiety and
hyper- somnolence


13. Prescribing pearls: bupropion (Wellbutrin): NDRI may improve energy,
alert- ness, and motivation; not first line 3treatment
/ 15 for anxiety; contraindicated in
clients with a history of seizures



14. Prescribing pearls: duloxetine (Cymbalta): effective for atypical pain at higher
doses; appropriate for clients who present with somatic symptoms of depression;
effective for atypical pain, such as fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy