NR 546 Week 5 Exam V1 | NR 546
Advanced Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology for the PMHNP |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NR546 Week 5
Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in
treating anxiety?
A. Direct agonist at the GABA-A receptor
B. Antagonist at the GABA-B receptor
C. Positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor
D. Inhibition of GABA reuptake transporters
Answer: C
Rationale: Benzodiazepines work by binding to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor
complex, which is different from where GABA itself binds. This binding increases the
frequency of chloride channel opening when GABA is present, thereby enhancing inhibitory
neurotransmission. This positive allosteric modulation results in the sedative, anxiolytic,
and muscle-relaxant effects observed in clinical practice.
2. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. What
information regarding its mechanism and onset should the PMHNP provide?
A. It is a 5-HT1A partial agonist and may take 2-4 weeks for full effect.
,B. It works as a GABA-A modulator and provides immediate relief.
C. It is a potent dopamine antagonist used for acute panic attacks.
D. It blocks norepinephrine reuptake and works within hours.
Answer: A
Rationale: Buspirone is a 5-HT1A partial agonist that does not have immediate effects like
benzodiazepines. Patients should be educated that it may take several weeks of consistent
dosing to achieve therapeutic benefits for GAD. This medication is preferred for some
patients because it lacks the potential for abuse and physical dependence associated with
BZDs.
3. Which neurotransmitter system is the primary target for stimulant medications such as
Methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD?
A. Serotonin and Acetylcholine
B. Histamine and Substance P
C. GABA and Glutamate
D. Dopamine and Norepinephrine
Answer: D
Rationale: Methylphenidate acts primarily by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and
norepinephrine into the presynaptic neuron. By increasing the availability of these
catecholamines in the synaptic cleft, it improves attention and impulse control in patients
, with ADHD. This mechanism targets the prefrontal cortex, which is often under-active in
individuals with this neurodevelopmental disorder.
4. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant used for ADHD. What is its primary mechanism
of action?
A. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
C. Selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
D. Dopamine receptor antagonist
Answer: A
Rationale: Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that
specifically targets the norepinephrine transporter. While it does not increase dopamine in
the nucleus accumbens, it does increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex because
norepinephrine transporters there also handle dopamine reuptake. This makes it an
effective non-stimulant option with a lower risk for abuse compared to traditional
stimulants.
5. Which of the following is a Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist (DORA) used for the treatment
of insomnia?
A. Zolpidem
B. Suvorexant
C. Ramelteon
Advanced Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology for the PMHNP |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NR546 Week 5
Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action for benzodiazepines in
treating anxiety?
A. Direct agonist at the GABA-A receptor
B. Antagonist at the GABA-B receptor
C. Positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor
D. Inhibition of GABA reuptake transporters
Answer: C
Rationale: Benzodiazepines work by binding to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor
complex, which is different from where GABA itself binds. This binding increases the
frequency of chloride channel opening when GABA is present, thereby enhancing inhibitory
neurotransmission. This positive allosteric modulation results in the sedative, anxiolytic,
and muscle-relaxant effects observed in clinical practice.
2. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. What
information regarding its mechanism and onset should the PMHNP provide?
A. It is a 5-HT1A partial agonist and may take 2-4 weeks for full effect.
,B. It works as a GABA-A modulator and provides immediate relief.
C. It is a potent dopamine antagonist used for acute panic attacks.
D. It blocks norepinephrine reuptake and works within hours.
Answer: A
Rationale: Buspirone is a 5-HT1A partial agonist that does not have immediate effects like
benzodiazepines. Patients should be educated that it may take several weeks of consistent
dosing to achieve therapeutic benefits for GAD. This medication is preferred for some
patients because it lacks the potential for abuse and physical dependence associated with
BZDs.
3. Which neurotransmitter system is the primary target for stimulant medications such as
Methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD?
A. Serotonin and Acetylcholine
B. Histamine and Substance P
C. GABA and Glutamate
D. Dopamine and Norepinephrine
Answer: D
Rationale: Methylphenidate acts primarily by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and
norepinephrine into the presynaptic neuron. By increasing the availability of these
catecholamines in the synaptic cleft, it improves attention and impulse control in patients
, with ADHD. This mechanism targets the prefrontal cortex, which is often under-active in
individuals with this neurodevelopmental disorder.
4. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant used for ADHD. What is its primary mechanism
of action?
A. Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
C. Selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
D. Dopamine receptor antagonist
Answer: A
Rationale: Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that
specifically targets the norepinephrine transporter. While it does not increase dopamine in
the nucleus accumbens, it does increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex because
norepinephrine transporters there also handle dopamine reuptake. This makes it an
effective non-stimulant option with a lower risk for abuse compared to traditional
stimulants.
5. Which of the following is a Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist (DORA) used for the treatment
of insomnia?
A. Zolpidem
B. Suvorexant
C. Ramelteon
