Wilkes NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 2 2026 – Wilkes University
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs) to alleviate depressive symptoms?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Norepinephrine
D. Serotonin
Answer: D
Rationale: SSRIs specifically inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) into the presynaptic
neuron, increasing the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood work to monitor for
which life-threatening side effect?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Glaucoma
Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in
white blood cell count (ANC), requiring mandatory monitoring through the Clozapine
REMS program.
,3. Which mood stabilizer is most associated with the potential for Stevens-
Johnson Syndrome (SJS), requiring a very slow titration?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Gabapentin
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: D
Rationale: Lamotrigine must be titrated slowly to reduce the risk of life-threatening
rashes, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
4. What is the therapeutic range for Lithium in the maintenance treatment of
Bipolar Disorder?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.1 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5
mEq/L are generally considered toxic.
5. A patient on an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) should be educated to
avoid foods rich in which substance to prevent hypertensive crisis?
A. Tryptophan
B. Leucine
C. Phenylalanine
D. Tyramine
Answer: D
, Rationale: Tyramine is found in aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. When
MAO is inhibited, tyramine can cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a
hypertensive crisis.
6. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure
disorders or eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
D. Escitalopram
Answer: A
Rationale: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is specifically contraindicated in
patients with seizure disorders, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia due to increased risk of
seizures in these populations.
7. Which class of medications is the first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Barbiturates
C. SSRIs/SNRIs
D. Beta-blockers
Answer: C
Rationale: While benzodiazepines work quickly for acute anxiety, SSRIs and SNRIs are
considered first-line for long-term management of GAD due to their safety profile and lack
of dependency risk.
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs) to alleviate depressive symptoms?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Norepinephrine
D. Serotonin
Answer: D
Rationale: SSRIs specifically inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) into the presynaptic
neuron, increasing the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood work to monitor for
which life-threatening side effect?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Glaucoma
Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in
white blood cell count (ANC), requiring mandatory monitoring through the Clozapine
REMS program.
,3. Which mood stabilizer is most associated with the potential for Stevens-
Johnson Syndrome (SJS), requiring a very slow titration?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Gabapentin
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: D
Rationale: Lamotrigine must be titrated slowly to reduce the risk of life-threatening
rashes, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
4. What is the therapeutic range for Lithium in the maintenance treatment of
Bipolar Disorder?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.1 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5
mEq/L are generally considered toxic.
5. A patient on an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) should be educated to
avoid foods rich in which substance to prevent hypertensive crisis?
A. Tryptophan
B. Leucine
C. Phenylalanine
D. Tyramine
Answer: D
, Rationale: Tyramine is found in aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. When
MAO is inhibited, tyramine can cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a
hypertensive crisis.
6. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure
disorders or eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
D. Escitalopram
Answer: A
Rationale: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is specifically contraindicated in
patients with seizure disorders, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia due to increased risk of
seizures in these populations.
7. Which class of medications is the first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Barbiturates
C. SSRIs/SNRIs
D. Beta-blockers
Answer: C
Rationale: While benzodiazepines work quickly for acute anxiety, SSRIs and SNRIs are
considered first-line for long-term management of GAD due to their safety profile and lack
of dependency risk.
