,NSG 552 Exam 2 | Psychopharmacology (2026)
Actual Q&A PDF | Wilkes
1. First‑line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) consists of:
A) SSRIs
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Beta‑blockers
D) Buspirone
Correct Answer: SSRIs
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are the recommended first‑line agents for chronic
anxiety because they treat comorbid depression, lack abuse potential, and have
a favorable side‑effect profile. Benzodiazepines are reserved for short‑term or
adjunctive use.
2. An alpha‑1 receptor antagonist used specifically to reduce PTSD‑related
nightmares and hypervigilance is:
A) Clonidine
B) Prazosin
C) Propranolol
D) Guanfacine
Correct Answer: Prazosin
Rationale: Prazosin blocks alpha‑1 receptors, decreasing sympathetic outflow
and effectively reducing trauma‑related nightmares and hyperarousal
,symptoms in PTSD. Clonidine and guanfacine are alpha‑2 agonists; propranolol
is a beta‑blocker.
3. When a client taking an SSRI reports sexual dysfunction, the nurse
practitioner considers switching to:
A) Fluoxetine
B) Paroxetine
C) Bupropion
D) Venlafaxine
Correct Answer: Bupropion
Rationale: Bupropion has a significantly lower incidence of sexual side effects
compared to SSRIs. It is a norepinephrine‑dopamine reuptake inhibitor and does
not directly affect serotonin.
4. The term describing what the body does to a drug—absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion—is:
A) Pharmacodynamics
B) Pharmacogenomics
C) Bioavailability
D) Pharmacokinetics
Correct Answer: Pharmacokinetics
, Rationale: Pharmacokinetics encompasses the ADME processes.
Pharmacodynamics refers to the drug’s effects on the body. Pharmacogenomics
involves genetic influences on drug response.
5. Which tricyclic antidepressant is particularly effective for
obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A) Clomipramine
B) Amitriptyline
C) Nortriptyline
D) Imipramine
Correct Answer: Clomipramine
Rationale: Clomipramine has strong serotonergic activity and is the TCA with
proven efficacy for OCD. SSRIs are also first‑line, but among TCAs, clomipramine
is the drug of choice.
6. A client abruptly discontinues paroxetine and reports dizziness, electric shock
sensations, and nausea. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Serotonin syndrome
B) SSRI discontinuation syndrome
C) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D) Anticholinergic toxicity
Correct Answer: SSRI discontinuation syndrome
Actual Q&A PDF | Wilkes
1. First‑line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) consists of:
A) SSRIs
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Beta‑blockers
D) Buspirone
Correct Answer: SSRIs
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are the recommended first‑line agents for chronic
anxiety because they treat comorbid depression, lack abuse potential, and have
a favorable side‑effect profile. Benzodiazepines are reserved for short‑term or
adjunctive use.
2. An alpha‑1 receptor antagonist used specifically to reduce PTSD‑related
nightmares and hypervigilance is:
A) Clonidine
B) Prazosin
C) Propranolol
D) Guanfacine
Correct Answer: Prazosin
Rationale: Prazosin blocks alpha‑1 receptors, decreasing sympathetic outflow
and effectively reducing trauma‑related nightmares and hyperarousal
,symptoms in PTSD. Clonidine and guanfacine are alpha‑2 agonists; propranolol
is a beta‑blocker.
3. When a client taking an SSRI reports sexual dysfunction, the nurse
practitioner considers switching to:
A) Fluoxetine
B) Paroxetine
C) Bupropion
D) Venlafaxine
Correct Answer: Bupropion
Rationale: Bupropion has a significantly lower incidence of sexual side effects
compared to SSRIs. It is a norepinephrine‑dopamine reuptake inhibitor and does
not directly affect serotonin.
4. The term describing what the body does to a drug—absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion—is:
A) Pharmacodynamics
B) Pharmacogenomics
C) Bioavailability
D) Pharmacokinetics
Correct Answer: Pharmacokinetics
, Rationale: Pharmacokinetics encompasses the ADME processes.
Pharmacodynamics refers to the drug’s effects on the body. Pharmacogenomics
involves genetic influences on drug response.
5. Which tricyclic antidepressant is particularly effective for
obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A) Clomipramine
B) Amitriptyline
C) Nortriptyline
D) Imipramine
Correct Answer: Clomipramine
Rationale: Clomipramine has strong serotonergic activity and is the TCA with
proven efficacy for OCD. SSRIs are also first‑line, but among TCAs, clomipramine
is the drug of choice.
6. A client abruptly discontinues paroxetine and reports dizziness, electric shock
sensations, and nausea. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Serotonin syndrome
B) SSRI discontinuation syndrome
C) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D) Anticholinergic toxicity
Correct Answer: SSRI discontinuation syndrome
