NUR 5359 Exam 2 Psychiatric Medications Questions & Answers
2026 | High-Yield Review | Graded A+
1. What medication listed below is has the highest incidence of agranulocytosis?
Topiramate (Topamax)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Valproic acid (Depakote)
2. Describe the symptoms that indicate a patient may be experiencing
divalproex toxicity.
Symptoms include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
Symptoms include increased energy, weight gain, and improved
mood.
Symptoms include bruising, bleeding, malaise, weakness, facial
edema, anorexia, and vomiting.
Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain.
3. What are the full names of the medications Venlafaxine and Duloxetine?
Effexor and Cymbalta
Lexapro and Celexa
Zoloft and Prozac
Wellbutrin and Remeron
,4. If a patient presents with agitation and muscle rigidity after starting a new
antidepressant, what condition should be suspected?
Withdrawal Syndrome
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Steven Johnson Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome
5. A side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is orthostatic hypotension.
What type of receptor is most likely contributing to TCAs-induced orthostatic
hypotention?
H1 histamine receptors
M2 mAChR
α1 AR
GABAb Gaba repeptors
6. Describe the significance of the washout period when transitioning from a
serotonergic medication to an MAOI.
The washout period is not necessary for all medications.
The washout period is crucial to prevent serotonin syndrome.
The washout period is only relevant for antidepressants.
The washout period allows for faster medication effects.
7. Which of the following are monitoring parameters for divalproex therapy?
LFTs, CBC, VPA level
BMP, BMI, blood glucose
, VPA level, BMP, folate
Lipids, vitamin D level, VPA level
8. What is the required washout period when switching from fluoxetine to an
MAOI?
5 weeks
5-7 days
1 month
2 weeks
9. If a patient is experiencing side effects from a typical antipsychotic, how
might switching to aripiprazole benefit them?
It will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
It may reduce side effects due to its partial agonist activity at
dopamine D2 receptors.
It will have no impact on the side effects experienced.
It will eliminate all side effects completely.
10. What medication is administered to treat Serotonin Syndrome?
Lithium
Haloperidol
Cyproheptadine
Fluoxetine
11. Describe the potential severity of Steven Johnson Syndrome and its possible
outcomes.
, Steven Johnson Syndrome can lead to severe skin reactions and
potentially death.
Steven Johnson Syndrome has no serious outcomes.
Steven Johnson Syndrome is a mild allergic reaction.
Steven Johnson Syndrome only affects the respiratory system.
12. A patient presents with confusion and a coarse tremor after increasing their
lithium dosage. What should be the immediate course of action?
Increase the lithium dosage further to counteract symptoms.
Administer an antipsychotic medication immediately.
Advise the patient to continue their current dosage without changes.
Assess lithium levels and consider reducing the dosage.
13. If a patient taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reports experiencing
orthostatic hypotension, what should be the immediate nursing
intervention?
Encourage the patient to drink caffeinated beverages.
Assist the patient in changing positions slowly.
Advise the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
Increase the patient's dosage of medication.
14. Which two organs are primarily affected by lithium use?
Heart and lungs
Liver and pancreas
Kidneys and thyroid
Stomach and intestines
2026 | High-Yield Review | Graded A+
1. What medication listed below is has the highest incidence of agranulocytosis?
Topiramate (Topamax)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Valproic acid (Depakote)
2. Describe the symptoms that indicate a patient may be experiencing
divalproex toxicity.
Symptoms include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
Symptoms include increased energy, weight gain, and improved
mood.
Symptoms include bruising, bleeding, malaise, weakness, facial
edema, anorexia, and vomiting.
Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain.
3. What are the full names of the medications Venlafaxine and Duloxetine?
Effexor and Cymbalta
Lexapro and Celexa
Zoloft and Prozac
Wellbutrin and Remeron
,4. If a patient presents with agitation and muscle rigidity after starting a new
antidepressant, what condition should be suspected?
Withdrawal Syndrome
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Steven Johnson Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome
5. A side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is orthostatic hypotension.
What type of receptor is most likely contributing to TCAs-induced orthostatic
hypotention?
H1 histamine receptors
M2 mAChR
α1 AR
GABAb Gaba repeptors
6. Describe the significance of the washout period when transitioning from a
serotonergic medication to an MAOI.
The washout period is not necessary for all medications.
The washout period is crucial to prevent serotonin syndrome.
The washout period is only relevant for antidepressants.
The washout period allows for faster medication effects.
7. Which of the following are monitoring parameters for divalproex therapy?
LFTs, CBC, VPA level
BMP, BMI, blood glucose
, VPA level, BMP, folate
Lipids, vitamin D level, VPA level
8. What is the required washout period when switching from fluoxetine to an
MAOI?
5 weeks
5-7 days
1 month
2 weeks
9. If a patient is experiencing side effects from a typical antipsychotic, how
might switching to aripiprazole benefit them?
It will increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
It may reduce side effects due to its partial agonist activity at
dopamine D2 receptors.
It will have no impact on the side effects experienced.
It will eliminate all side effects completely.
10. What medication is administered to treat Serotonin Syndrome?
Lithium
Haloperidol
Cyproheptadine
Fluoxetine
11. Describe the potential severity of Steven Johnson Syndrome and its possible
outcomes.
, Steven Johnson Syndrome can lead to severe skin reactions and
potentially death.
Steven Johnson Syndrome has no serious outcomes.
Steven Johnson Syndrome is a mild allergic reaction.
Steven Johnson Syndrome only affects the respiratory system.
12. A patient presents with confusion and a coarse tremor after increasing their
lithium dosage. What should be the immediate course of action?
Increase the lithium dosage further to counteract symptoms.
Administer an antipsychotic medication immediately.
Advise the patient to continue their current dosage without changes.
Assess lithium levels and consider reducing the dosage.
13. If a patient taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) reports experiencing
orthostatic hypotension, what should be the immediate nursing
intervention?
Encourage the patient to drink caffeinated beverages.
Assist the patient in changing positions slowly.
Advise the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
Increase the patient's dosage of medication.
14. Which two organs are primarily affected by lithium use?
Heart and lungs
Liver and pancreas
Kidneys and thyroid
Stomach and intestines
