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NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct
Answers With Rationales Already Graded A+Brand
New Version!!
Question 1
A 45-year-old patient with major depressive disorder has been
prescribed fluoxetine. Which of the following best describes the
primary mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes
B. Blockade of the serotonin transporter (SERT)
C. Antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors
D. Enhancement of GABA-mediated chloride influx
Answer: B
Explanation: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Its primary mechanism is the blockade of the serotonin transporter
(SERT), which prevents the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft,
thereby increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Option A describes
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Option C describes
antipsychotics. Option D describes benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
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Question 2
A patient is started on a medication that requires approximately five
half-lives to reach steady-state plasma concentrations. If the drug has a
half-life of 24 hours, how many days will it take to achieve steady state?
A. 2 days
B. 3 days
C. 5 days
D. 7 days
Answer: C
Explanation: Steady state is typically achieved after approximately five
half-lives of a drug. With a half-life of 24 hours, five half-lives equal 120
hours, or 5 days. Therefore, option C is correct.
Question 3
Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing
approximately 50% of all clinically used medications?
A. CYP1A2
B. CYP2D6
C. CYP3A4
D. CYP2C19
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Answer: C
Explanation: CYP3A4 is the most abundant cytochrome P450 enzyme in
the liver and is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 50% of
all clinically used medications. CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 are also
important but metabolize a smaller percentage of drugs.
Question 4
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which of the
following receptor profiles is most associated with this medication?
A. High D2 antagonism, low 5-HT2A antagonism
B. Low D2 antagonism, high 5-HT2A antagonism
C. High D2 antagonism, high 5-HT2A antagonism
D. Low D2 antagonism, low 5-HT2A antagonism
Answer: C
Explanation: Risperidone is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic
with high affinity for both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A
receptors. It exhibits potent antagonism at both receptor types, which
contributes to its efficacy in treating both positive and negative
symptoms of schizophrenia with a lower risk of extrapyramidal
symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics.
Question 5
The somatic nervous system provides sensory and motor innervation
for which of the following?
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A. Peripheral nerves
B. Abdominal viscera
C. Secretory glands
D. Smooth muscle
Answer: A
Explanation: The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary
movement and sensory perception. It provides sensory and motor
innervation to peripheral nerves, including skeletal muscles and skin.
The autonomic nervous system innervates abdominal viscera, secretory
glands, and smooth muscle.
Question 6
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone.
Which of the following statements best describes its mechanism of
action?
A. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
B. Partial agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors
C. Antagonism at dopamine D2 receptors
D. Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake
Answer: B
Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that acts as a
partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. This mechanism reduces
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Newest Exam
Preparation With Complete Questions And Correct
Answers With Rationales Already Graded A+Brand
New Version!!
Question 1
A 45-year-old patient with major depressive disorder has been
prescribed fluoxetine. Which of the following best describes the
primary mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes
B. Blockade of the serotonin transporter (SERT)
C. Antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors
D. Enhancement of GABA-mediated chloride influx
Answer: B
Explanation: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Its primary mechanism is the blockade of the serotonin transporter
(SERT), which prevents the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft,
thereby increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Option A describes
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Option C describes
antipsychotics. Option D describes benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
,2|Page
Question 2
A patient is started on a medication that requires approximately five
half-lives to reach steady-state plasma concentrations. If the drug has a
half-life of 24 hours, how many days will it take to achieve steady state?
A. 2 days
B. 3 days
C. 5 days
D. 7 days
Answer: C
Explanation: Steady state is typically achieved after approximately five
half-lives of a drug. With a half-life of 24 hours, five half-lives equal 120
hours, or 5 days. Therefore, option C is correct.
Question 3
Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing
approximately 50% of all clinically used medications?
A. CYP1A2
B. CYP2D6
C. CYP3A4
D. CYP2C19
,3|Page
Answer: C
Explanation: CYP3A4 is the most abundant cytochrome P450 enzyme in
the liver and is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 50% of
all clinically used medications. CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 are also
important but metabolize a smaller percentage of drugs.
Question 4
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which of the
following receptor profiles is most associated with this medication?
A. High D2 antagonism, low 5-HT2A antagonism
B. Low D2 antagonism, high 5-HT2A antagonism
C. High D2 antagonism, high 5-HT2A antagonism
D. Low D2 antagonism, low 5-HT2A antagonism
Answer: C
Explanation: Risperidone is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic
with high affinity for both dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A
receptors. It exhibits potent antagonism at both receptor types, which
contributes to its efficacy in treating both positive and negative
symptoms of schizophrenia with a lower risk of extrapyramidal
symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics.
Question 5
The somatic nervous system provides sensory and motor innervation
for which of the following?
, 4|Page
A. Peripheral nerves
B. Abdominal viscera
C. Secretory glands
D. Smooth muscle
Answer: A
Explanation: The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary
movement and sensory perception. It provides sensory and motor
innervation to peripheral nerves, including skeletal muscles and skin.
The autonomic nervous system innervates abdominal viscera, secretory
glands, and smooth muscle.
Question 6
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone.
Which of the following statements best describes its mechanism of
action?
A. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
B. Partial agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors
C. Antagonism at dopamine D2 receptors
D. Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake
Answer: B
Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that acts as a
partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. This mechanism reduces
