NR 546 Week 4 Anxiolytic
Assessment Advanced
Psychopharmacology Anxiolytic
Medications
Chamberlain University 2026/2027
Academic Year
Note: This is a study resource and practice assessment. It is not an
official Chamberlain University exam and does not contain
proprietary exam content.
Question 1
Which neurotransmitter is most directly enhanced by
benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. GABA
D. Histamine
Answer: C. GABA
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing anxiolytic and
sedative effects.
Question 2
Which benzodiazepine has the longest half-life?
,A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Diazepam
D. Oxazepam
Answer: C. Diazepam
Rationale: Diazepam has active metabolites that contribute to
a prolonged duration of action.
Question 3
The first-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD) is:
A. Diazepam
B. Alprazolam
C. SSRI or SNRI therapy
D. Phenobarbital
Answer: C. SSRI or SNRI therapy
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are considered first-line agents
because of efficacy and lower dependence risk.
Question 4
Buspirone primarily acts as a:
A. GABA agonist
B. 5-HT1A partial agonist
,C. Dopamine antagonist
D. NMDA antagonist
Answer: B. 5-HT1A partial agonist
Rationale: Buspirone exerts anxiolytic effects through
serotonin receptor modulation.
Question 5
Which medication is NOT associated with physical dependence?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Diazepam
Answer: C. Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone has minimal abuse and dependence
potential.
Question 6
An important teaching point regarding buspirone is that:
A. It works immediately.
B. It should be used PRN only.
C. Therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
D. It causes profound sedation.
Answer: C. Therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
, Rationale: Buspirone often requires 2–4 weeks for optimal
benefit.
Question 7
Which medication is commonly used for performance anxiety?
A. Propranolol
B. Lithium
C. Clozapine
D. Memantine
Answer: A. Propranolol
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce autonomic symptoms such as
tremors and tachycardia.
Question 8
The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is:
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
C. Physostigmine
D. Atropine
Answer: B. Flumazenil
Rationale: Flumazenil competitively antagonizes
benzodiazepine receptors.
Assessment Advanced
Psychopharmacology Anxiolytic
Medications
Chamberlain University 2026/2027
Academic Year
Note: This is a study resource and practice assessment. It is not an
official Chamberlain University exam and does not contain
proprietary exam content.
Question 1
Which neurotransmitter is most directly enhanced by
benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. GABA
D. Histamine
Answer: C. GABA
Rationale: Benzodiazepines enhance the inhibitory effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing anxiolytic and
sedative effects.
Question 2
Which benzodiazepine has the longest half-life?
,A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Diazepam
D. Oxazepam
Answer: C. Diazepam
Rationale: Diazepam has active metabolites that contribute to
a prolonged duration of action.
Question 3
The first-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD) is:
A. Diazepam
B. Alprazolam
C. SSRI or SNRI therapy
D. Phenobarbital
Answer: C. SSRI or SNRI therapy
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are considered first-line agents
because of efficacy and lower dependence risk.
Question 4
Buspirone primarily acts as a:
A. GABA agonist
B. 5-HT1A partial agonist
,C. Dopamine antagonist
D. NMDA antagonist
Answer: B. 5-HT1A partial agonist
Rationale: Buspirone exerts anxiolytic effects through
serotonin receptor modulation.
Question 5
Which medication is NOT associated with physical dependence?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Diazepam
Answer: C. Buspirone
Rationale: Buspirone has minimal abuse and dependence
potential.
Question 6
An important teaching point regarding buspirone is that:
A. It works immediately.
B. It should be used PRN only.
C. Therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
D. It causes profound sedation.
Answer: C. Therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
, Rationale: Buspirone often requires 2–4 weeks for optimal
benefit.
Question 7
Which medication is commonly used for performance anxiety?
A. Propranolol
B. Lithium
C. Clozapine
D. Memantine
Answer: A. Propranolol
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce autonomic symptoms such as
tremors and tachycardia.
Question 8
The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is:
A. Naloxone
B. Flumazenil
C. Physostigmine
D. Atropine
Answer: B. Flumazenil
Rationale: Flumazenil competitively antagonizes
benzodiazepine receptors.
