NUR 520 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | PRACTICE QUESTIONS, VERIFIED ANSWERS
& COMPREHENSIVE GRADUATE NURSING REVIEW
A 26-year-old patient with panic disorder is willing to begin pharmacotherapy for treatment of
panic attacks. Clonazepam is suggested; what would be your recommended dose? - correct
answer ✔✔0.25mg/day to begin, up titrating to 1mg/day afyer 3 days
A 44 year old diagnosed with PTSD has had multiple failed trails of SSRIs. Benzodiazepines and
combination therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy. She has opted to trial ketamine. What is
the rationale for ketamine treatment? - correct answer ✔✔To blocking fear reconsolidation
A 34 year old is diagnosed with PTSD and is prescribed sertraline. He is showing a reduction of
symptoms but has ongoing nightmares. Which medication would be an appropriate adjunct? -
correct answer ✔✔Alpha 1 agonist Prazosin
What is the mechanism of action for buspirone? - correct answer ✔✔5 HT 1a partial agonist
Which of the following benzodiazepines has the longest half life? - correct answer ✔✔Diazepam
A 55 year old started taking buspirone for GAD; he notes an increase in concentration. What is
the underlying mechanism for his increase concentration and enjoyment of previous activities? -
correct answer ✔✔Actions of 5hT1A receptors
A 52 year old woman complains of GAD with poor quality of sleep and day time drowsiness.
Which treatment plan is likely to lead to remission? - correct answer ✔✔Zoloft and Lunesta
A 45 year old female patient continues to maintain the re-experiencing of her fear of the
opposite sex, which began one year ago when she was raped on her way to a parking garage.
Which 2 brain areas are involved in the reciprocal relationship resulting in this symptom? -
correct answer ✔✔Amygdala and hippocampus
& COMPREHENSIVE GRADUATE NURSING REVIEW
A 26-year-old patient with panic disorder is willing to begin pharmacotherapy for treatment of
panic attacks. Clonazepam is suggested; what would be your recommended dose? - correct
answer ✔✔0.25mg/day to begin, up titrating to 1mg/day afyer 3 days
A 44 year old diagnosed with PTSD has had multiple failed trails of SSRIs. Benzodiazepines and
combination therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy. She has opted to trial ketamine. What is
the rationale for ketamine treatment? - correct answer ✔✔To blocking fear reconsolidation
A 34 year old is diagnosed with PTSD and is prescribed sertraline. He is showing a reduction of
symptoms but has ongoing nightmares. Which medication would be an appropriate adjunct? -
correct answer ✔✔Alpha 1 agonist Prazosin
What is the mechanism of action for buspirone? - correct answer ✔✔5 HT 1a partial agonist
Which of the following benzodiazepines has the longest half life? - correct answer ✔✔Diazepam
A 55 year old started taking buspirone for GAD; he notes an increase in concentration. What is
the underlying mechanism for his increase concentration and enjoyment of previous activities? -
correct answer ✔✔Actions of 5hT1A receptors
A 52 year old woman complains of GAD with poor quality of sleep and day time drowsiness.
Which treatment plan is likely to lead to remission? - correct answer ✔✔Zoloft and Lunesta
A 45 year old female patient continues to maintain the re-experiencing of her fear of the
opposite sex, which began one year ago when she was raped on her way to a parking garage.
Which 2 brain areas are involved in the reciprocal relationship resulting in this symptom? -
correct answer ✔✔Amygdala and hippocampus
