PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN PHARMACOLOGY BOARD EXAM QUESTIONS & ANS… EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Psychiatric Technician
Pharmacology Board Exam
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
62 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document offers 62 verified questions with correct answers and rationales, focusing on psychiatric
technician pharmacology. It provides a comprehensive study resource for understanding medication
administration, client education, and potential side effects. This resource is ideal for certification
preparation and reviewing essential pharmacology concepts.
CONTENTS
01 Antianxiety & Sedative-Hypnotics Q1–Q7
02 Antipsychotics & Mood Stabilizers Q8–Q27
03 Pain Management & GI Agents Q28–Q36
Page 1
, 04 Medication Calculations & Administration Q37–Q43
05 Antivirals & Dermatologicals Q44–Q45
06 Antidepressants & Other CNS Agents Q46–Q52
07 Cardiovascular Medications Q53–Q58
08 General Pharmacology & Safety Q59–Q62
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 62
The psychiatrist prescribes alprazolam (Xanax), a benzodiazepine, for acute anxiety experienced by a client
with agoraphobia. Health teaching should include instructions about:
A. A tyramine- free diet.
B. Adjusting dose and frequency of ingestion based on level of anxiety.
C. Avoiding alcoholic beverages.
D. Reporting dry mouth.
CORRECT ANSWER
C. Avoiding alcoholic beverages.
Rationale: When prescribing alprazolam (Xanax), a benzodiazepine, for acute anxiety in a client with
agoraphobia, it is important to instruct the client to avoid alcoholic beverages. Benzodiazepines like
alprazolam can enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and
impaired coordination. Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol can also result in severe central nervous
system depression, respiratory depression, and even overdose. Therefore, it is essential to educate the client
about the potential dangers of consuming alcohol while taking alprazolam.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 62
How often and what dosage is alprazolam (Xanax) given to clients?
A. 0.25-1.0 mg. b.i.d.
B. 0.25-0.5 mg. t.i.d.
Page 2
,C. 0.5-1.0 mg. t.i.d.
D. 0.5-1.0 mg. q.i.d.
CORRECT ANSWER
B: 0.25-0.5 mg t.i.d.
The rationale for this dosage is as follows:
Individualized treatment: The dosage of alprazolam can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the
anxiety disorder, the patient's response to the medication, and their medical history. It is essential for
healthcare providers to tailor the dosage to the specific needs of each patient.
Gradual titration: Starting with a lower dosage, such as 0.25-0.5 mg, allows for a cautious approach to
treatment. It helps to minimize the risk of side effects and allows the healthcare provider to assess the patient's
response before potentially adjusting the dosage.
Therapeutic effect: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts as an anxiolytic and can provide relief
from anxiety symptoms. The dosage range of 0.25-0.5 mg has been found effective for many individuals in
managing anxiety disorders, providing the desired therapeutic effect.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 62
The client is asking the medication nurse for his PRN sedative/hypnotic. The medication nurse asks the client
whether he attempted to go to sleep naturally first before he came to the medication room. The client
responded that he hadn't tried this. The medication nurse should encourage the client to attempt to sleep
first or suggest some relaxation methods because sedative-hypnotics tend to:
A. Suppress REM sleep.
B. Cause the client to wake up abruptly.
C. Cause severe dry mouth.
D. Be expensive medication.
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Suppress REM sleep.
Rationale: Sedative-hypnotic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are known to suppress REM (rapid eye
movement) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. By
suppressing REM sleep, these medications can potentially disrupt the normal sleep architecture and result in
impaired sleep quality. Therefore, the medication nurse should encourage the client to attempt natural sleep or
suggest relaxation methods before resorting to sedative-hypnotics.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 62
One difference between Ativan IM and other parenteral IM injections for anxiety is:
A. It cannot be given in the gluteus maximus site.
B. The client must be observed carefully for serious side effects.
Page 3
, C. It must be refrigerated.
D. It can cause respiratory depression.
CORRECT ANSWER
C. It must be refrigerated
Rationale: Ativan (lorazepam) lose ~50 percent of its potency if it is stored at temperatures over 86°F for days or
weeks. Refrigerate between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).
PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
Use carton to protect contents from light.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 62
A sedative/hypnotic medication that is generally well tolerated with only mild side effects is:
A. chloral hydrate (Noctec).
B. triazolam (Halcion).
C. secobarbital (Seconal).
D. desipramine (Norpramin).
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Chloral hydrate (Noctec)
Rationale: Chloral hydrate (Noctec) is a sedative/hypnotic medication that is generally well tolerated with only
mild side effects. It has a long history of use as a sedative and is commonly prescribed for short-term
management of insomnia or sedation. Mild side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and
gastrointestinal disturbances.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 62
The medication nurse gives the client his 2000 dose of Ativan. The client accidentally drops the medication
on the floor. The medication nurse gives him a new dose. Then the medication nurse takes the contaminated
pill and:
A. Throws it in the trash.
B. Puts it down the sink.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Psychiatric Technician
Pharmacology Board Exam
Questions & Answers 2026-
2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
62 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document offers 62 verified questions with correct answers and rationales, focusing on psychiatric
technician pharmacology. It provides a comprehensive study resource for understanding medication
administration, client education, and potential side effects. This resource is ideal for certification
preparation and reviewing essential pharmacology concepts.
CONTENTS
01 Antianxiety & Sedative-Hypnotics Q1–Q7
02 Antipsychotics & Mood Stabilizers Q8–Q27
03 Pain Management & GI Agents Q28–Q36
Page 1
, 04 Medication Calculations & Administration Q37–Q43
05 Antivirals & Dermatologicals Q44–Q45
06 Antidepressants & Other CNS Agents Q46–Q52
07 Cardiovascular Medications Q53–Q58
08 General Pharmacology & Safety Q59–Q62
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 62
The psychiatrist prescribes alprazolam (Xanax), a benzodiazepine, for acute anxiety experienced by a client
with agoraphobia. Health teaching should include instructions about:
A. A tyramine- free diet.
B. Adjusting dose and frequency of ingestion based on level of anxiety.
C. Avoiding alcoholic beverages.
D. Reporting dry mouth.
CORRECT ANSWER
C. Avoiding alcoholic beverages.
Rationale: When prescribing alprazolam (Xanax), a benzodiazepine, for acute anxiety in a client with
agoraphobia, it is important to instruct the client to avoid alcoholic beverages. Benzodiazepines like
alprazolam can enhance the sedative effects of alcohol, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and
impaired coordination. Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol can also result in severe central nervous
system depression, respiratory depression, and even overdose. Therefore, it is essential to educate the client
about the potential dangers of consuming alcohol while taking alprazolam.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 62
How often and what dosage is alprazolam (Xanax) given to clients?
A. 0.25-1.0 mg. b.i.d.
B. 0.25-0.5 mg. t.i.d.
Page 2
,C. 0.5-1.0 mg. t.i.d.
D. 0.5-1.0 mg. q.i.d.
CORRECT ANSWER
B: 0.25-0.5 mg t.i.d.
The rationale for this dosage is as follows:
Individualized treatment: The dosage of alprazolam can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the
anxiety disorder, the patient's response to the medication, and their medical history. It is essential for
healthcare providers to tailor the dosage to the specific needs of each patient.
Gradual titration: Starting with a lower dosage, such as 0.25-0.5 mg, allows for a cautious approach to
treatment. It helps to minimize the risk of side effects and allows the healthcare provider to assess the patient's
response before potentially adjusting the dosage.
Therapeutic effect: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts as an anxiolytic and can provide relief
from anxiety symptoms. The dosage range of 0.25-0.5 mg has been found effective for many individuals in
managing anxiety disorders, providing the desired therapeutic effect.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 62
The client is asking the medication nurse for his PRN sedative/hypnotic. The medication nurse asks the client
whether he attempted to go to sleep naturally first before he came to the medication room. The client
responded that he hadn't tried this. The medication nurse should encourage the client to attempt to sleep
first or suggest some relaxation methods because sedative-hypnotics tend to:
A. Suppress REM sleep.
B. Cause the client to wake up abruptly.
C. Cause severe dry mouth.
D. Be expensive medication.
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Suppress REM sleep.
Rationale: Sedative-hypnotic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are known to suppress REM (rapid eye
movement) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. By
suppressing REM sleep, these medications can potentially disrupt the normal sleep architecture and result in
impaired sleep quality. Therefore, the medication nurse should encourage the client to attempt natural sleep or
suggest relaxation methods before resorting to sedative-hypnotics.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 62
One difference between Ativan IM and other parenteral IM injections for anxiety is:
A. It cannot be given in the gluteus maximus site.
B. The client must be observed carefully for serious side effects.
Page 3
, C. It must be refrigerated.
D. It can cause respiratory depression.
CORRECT ANSWER
C. It must be refrigerated
Rationale: Ativan (lorazepam) lose ~50 percent of its potency if it is stored at temperatures over 86°F for days or
weeks. Refrigerate between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).
PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
Use carton to protect contents from light.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 62
A sedative/hypnotic medication that is generally well tolerated with only mild side effects is:
A. chloral hydrate (Noctec).
B. triazolam (Halcion).
C. secobarbital (Seconal).
D. desipramine (Norpramin).
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Chloral hydrate (Noctec)
Rationale: Chloral hydrate (Noctec) is a sedative/hypnotic medication that is generally well tolerated with only
mild side effects. It has a long history of use as a sedative and is commonly prescribed for short-term
management of insomnia or sedation. Mild side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and
gastrointestinal disturbances.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 62
The medication nurse gives the client his 2000 dose of Ativan. The client accidentally drops the medication
on the floor. The medication nurse gives him a new dose. Then the medication nurse takes the contaminated
pill and:
A. Throws it in the trash.
B. Puts it down the sink.
Page 4
