NR 546 Week 8 Exam V2 | NR 546 Advanced
Pharmacology Psychopharmacology for the
PMHNP | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NR546 Week
8 Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which neurotransmitter deficiency in the prefrontal cortex is most associated with the
symptoms of ADHD, specifically regarding focus and executive function?
A. Serotonin and Glutamate
B. GABA and Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine and Norepinephrine
D. Histamine and Substance P
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ADHD is hypothesized to involve a dysregulation of dopamine and
norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for executive functions
like planning, impulse control, and sustained attention. Stimulant medications work by
increasing the availability of these two neurotransmitters to enhance signaling.
2. A PMHNP is considering starting a patient on Atomoxetine. What is the primary
mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Alpha-2 Adrenergic Antagonist
B. Dopamine Agonist
C. Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (NRI)
,D. Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonist
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication used for ADHD that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Unlike stimulants, it does not have a high
potential for abuse because it does not significantly increase dopamine in the nucleus
accumbens. It typically takes several weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect.
3. Which medication is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist used in the treatment of ADHD, often
helpful for reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Guanfacine ER
C. Lisdexamfetamine
D. Modafinil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Guanfacine ER is a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist that
strengthens the signal in the prefrontal cortex. It is particularly effective for treating the
hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD. It can be used as monotherapy or as an
adjunct to stimulant medications.
4. Before initiating stimulant therapy for a pediatric patient with ADHD, which of the
following is a critical baseline assessment required by standard practice?
A. Blood glucose and HgbA1c
, B. Height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
C. Liver function tests and serum creatinine
D. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Stimulants can affect cardiovascular parameters and growth in pediatric
patients. Standard practice requires baseline and periodic monitoring of height, weight,
blood pressure, and heart rate. This ensures the PMHNP can detect any growth
suppression or hypertensive trends early in treatment.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety
disorders?
A. NMDA receptor antagonism
B. 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism
C. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
D. D2 receptor blockade
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by binding to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor
complex, enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. This leads to
increased chloride channel opening frequency and neuronal hyperpolarization. This
mechanism produces rapid anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects.
Pharmacology Psychopharmacology for the
PMHNP | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NR546 Week
8 Exam) | Chamberlain University
1. Which neurotransmitter deficiency in the prefrontal cortex is most associated with the
symptoms of ADHD, specifically regarding focus and executive function?
A. Serotonin and Glutamate
B. GABA and Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine and Norepinephrine
D. Histamine and Substance P
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ADHD is hypothesized to involve a dysregulation of dopamine and
norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for executive functions
like planning, impulse control, and sustained attention. Stimulant medications work by
increasing the availability of these two neurotransmitters to enhance signaling.
2. A PMHNP is considering starting a patient on Atomoxetine. What is the primary
mechanism of action of this medication?
A. Alpha-2 Adrenergic Antagonist
B. Dopamine Agonist
C. Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (NRI)
,D. Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonist
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication used for ADHD that works as a
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Unlike stimulants, it does not have a high
potential for abuse because it does not significantly increase dopamine in the nucleus
accumbens. It typically takes several weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect.
3. Which medication is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist used in the treatment of ADHD, often
helpful for reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Guanfacine ER
C. Lisdexamfetamine
D. Modafinil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Guanfacine ER is a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist that
strengthens the signal in the prefrontal cortex. It is particularly effective for treating the
hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD. It can be used as monotherapy or as an
adjunct to stimulant medications.
4. Before initiating stimulant therapy for a pediatric patient with ADHD, which of the
following is a critical baseline assessment required by standard practice?
A. Blood glucose and HgbA1c
, B. Height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate
C. Liver function tests and serum creatinine
D. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Stimulants can affect cardiovascular parameters and growth in pediatric
patients. Standard practice requires baseline and periodic monitoring of height, weight,
blood pressure, and heart rate. This ensures the PMHNP can detect any growth
suppression or hypertensive trends early in treatment.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety
disorders?
A. NMDA receptor antagonism
B. 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism
C. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
D. D2 receptor blockade
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by binding to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor
complex, enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. This leads to
increased chloride channel opening frequency and neuronal hyperpolarization. This
mechanism produces rapid anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects.
