Wilkes University | NSG 552 Psychopharmacology
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 |
Verified Questions
Wilkes University | NSG 552 Psychopharmacology | University-Level Advanced Practice Nursing Students
50 Verified Questions | 4 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Wilkes University | NSG 552 Psychopharmacology
Examination 1 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 50 original verified questions designed for university-level
advanced nursing students preparing for the NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1. The questions are
distributed across four core domains: Neurobiological Foundations and Pharmacokinetics (13 questions),
Psychotropic Medications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders (13 questions), Psychotropic Medications for
Psychotic and Cognitive Disorders (12 questions), and Special Populations and Adverse Effect
Management (12 questions). Content is original and structured to reinforce official Wilkes University NSG
552 course objectives for actual exam readiness and clinical proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027
academic year. Each question includes a correct answer and a clinical rationale grounded in foundational
psychopharmacology methodology and current evidence-based prescribing standards.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Neurobiological Foundations and Pharmacokinetics
Question 1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the monoamine
hypothesis of depression?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
D. Glutamate exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The monoamine hypothesis posits that deficits in serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or
dopamine neurotransmission contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder.
Question 2. The primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) is:
A. Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors
B. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase
C. Antagonism of histamine H1 receptors
D. Blockade of the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing synaptic serotonin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SSRIs bind to and inhibit the serotonin transporter, reducing reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron and thereby elevating synaptic serotonin concentrations.
Question 3. First-pass metabolism refers to:
A. The metabolism of a drug that occurs after it has reached systemic circulation
B. The extensive metabolism of an orally administered drug by the liver before it reaches systemic
circulation
C. Renal excretion of unchanged drug
D. Protein binding in plasma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: First-pass (presystemic) metabolism occurs when an orally absorbed drug is metabolized by
intestinal or hepatic enzymes before entering the systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability.
Question 4. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the metabolism of many
psychotropic medications, including several SSRIs and antipsychotics?
A. CYP1A2 only
B. CYP2D6
C. CYP2C19 exclusively
D. CYP3A4 only
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1
Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 |
Verified Questions
Wilkes University | NSG 552 Psychopharmacology | University-Level Advanced Practice Nursing Students
50 Verified Questions | 4 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Wilkes University | NSG 552 Psychopharmacology
Examination 1 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive examination contains 50 original verified questions designed for university-level
advanced nursing students preparing for the NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1. The questions are
distributed across four core domains: Neurobiological Foundations and Pharmacokinetics (13 questions),
Psychotropic Medications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders (13 questions), Psychotropic Medications for
Psychotic and Cognitive Disorders (12 questions), and Special Populations and Adverse Effect
Management (12 questions). Content is original and structured to reinforce official Wilkes University NSG
552 course objectives for actual exam readiness and clinical proficiency, aligned to the 2026/2027
academic year. Each question includes a correct answer and a clinical rationale grounded in foundational
psychopharmacology methodology and current evidence-based prescribing standards.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Neurobiological Foundations and Pharmacokinetics
Question 1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the monoamine
hypothesis of depression?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
D. Glutamate exclusively
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The monoamine hypothesis posits that deficits in serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or
dopamine neurotransmission contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder.
Question 2. The primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) is:
A. Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors
B. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase
C. Antagonism of histamine H1 receptors
D. Blockade of the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing synaptic serotonin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: SSRIs bind to and inhibit the serotonin transporter, reducing reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron and thereby elevating synaptic serotonin concentrations.
Question 3. First-pass metabolism refers to:
A. The metabolism of a drug that occurs after it has reached systemic circulation
B. The extensive metabolism of an orally administered drug by the liver before it reaches systemic
circulation
C. Renal excretion of unchanged drug
D. Protein binding in plasma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: First-pass (presystemic) metabolism occurs when an orally absorbed drug is metabolized by
intestinal or hepatic enzymes before entering the systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability.
Question 4. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the metabolism of many
psychotropic medications, including several SSRIs and antipsychotics?
A. CYP1A2 only
B. CYP2D6
C. CYP2C19 exclusively
D. CYP3A4 only
NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 1 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
