Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam Review –
Updated Practice Quiz Questions and Answers
100% Pass!!! A+ Graded
Escitalopram may cause serious, potentially fatal reactions when used with _______________.
(select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Duloxetine, amitriptilyne, sertraline, St. John's
Wort
Mixing two serotonin agents can cause serotonin syndrome.
The therapeutic effects of imipramine develop over _____________. - CORRECT ANSWER-
Several weeks
The FDA-approved indications for fluoxetine include: (select all that apply) - CORRECT
ANSWER-Obsessive compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa
Taking food with buspirone alters absorption. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
May be taken with food to minimize gastric irritation
Venlafaxine is extensively metabolized on first pass through the ___________. - CORRECT
ANSWER-Liver
Signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity include: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-
Slurred speech, drowsiness
Valproate acid has FDA-approved indications for: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-
Acute mania, simple and complex absence seizures, prevention of migraine headaches
Atomoxetine selectively ____________ the presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine resulting in
a(n) ________________ attention span. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inhibits, improved
Phenelzine does not need to be discontinued several days before elective surgery that requires
anesthesia. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
Bupropion can be used for smoking cessation. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
Methylphenidate is not effective for narcoleptic patients. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
,Clozapine may cause: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Syncope, orthostatic
hypotension, cardiac arrest
Causes bradycardia which could lead to syncope and cardiac arrest
Administering risperidone with levodopa is contraindicated. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
It decreases the effects of levodopa
The ___________ form of ziprasidone is frequently used for control of acutely agitated patients.
- CORRECT ANSWER-Intramuscular (IM)
Anticonvulsants are frequently used as mood stabilizers for the treatment of mania and bipolar
spectrum disorders because they: - CORRECT ANSWER-Reduce synaptic kindling
A patient was started on fluoxetine for depression 3 days ago. She now complains that it "doesn't
help" and refuses to take it. Understanding the psychopharmacology, the nurse's best first action
is to: - CORRECT ANSWER-Discuss with the patient that these types of medications often take
several weeks before seeing the results.
Which of the following is a common side effect of both first- and second-generation
antipsychotic drugs? (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Extrapyramidal side effects
such as pseudo-parkinsonism or acute dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, excessive
sedation
A male patient who is taking the second-generation antipsychotic reports to the nurse that he has
observed a clear fluid leaking from his right nipple for the past month. The nurse's best initial
intervention is: - CORRECT ANSWER-Inform the patient that this could be a side effect of the
medication
The physician discusses the appropriateness of prescribing a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor (SNRI) for a patient. Which of the following medications are in this category? -
CORRECT ANSWER-Venlafaxine and duloxetine
A patient has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. The
nurse should counsel the patient about which of the following possible side effects, among
others? - CORRECT ANSWER-Fever, sweating, agitation, rapid heartbeat
,A nurse counsels a patient who has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) to
treat depression to avoid foods containing tyramine. Which of the following foods should the
patient avoid? (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Yogurt, tofu, pepperoni
A patient with severe kidney disease is started on lithium by a new resident. As the nurse on duty
your best initial response would be to: - CORRECT ANSWER-Contact the resident to remind
him that the client has kidney disease and lithium is contraindicated
Which of the following is generally true of medications used to treat anxiety disorders? -
CORRECT ANSWER-Just as with depression, the most common medications prescribed are
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
For which one of the following types of drugs is the consumption of grapefruit juice
contraindicated? - CORRECT ANSWER-Second-generation antipsychotics
Psychopharmaceutical agents are prescribed for individuals with substance use disorders for all
of the following reasons except: - CORRECT ANSWER-To elevate the patient's mood in a
manner comparable to the action of the misused substance
A patient has been prescribed disulfiram. The nurse would most appropriately counsel the patient
about which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-A toxic reaction if alcohol is consumed
When a patient is prescribed risperidone for schizoaffective disorder, the nurse must alert the
patient to the potential for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Which of the following would be
accurate information to give the patient? - CORRECT ANSWER-Neuroleptic malignant
syndrome is potentially fatal. It usually occurs during the first 2 weeks after starting an
antipsychotic drug or increasing the dose and is characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness,
paranoia, sweating, and large changes in blood pressure.
A client with depression is taking phenelzine. The nurse advises the client to avoid consuming
which foods while taking the medication - CORRECT ANSWER-Yogurt
Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant and is the drug of choice for individuals with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The desired effects of methylphenidate may be noted as:
- CORRECT ANSWER-Increased attention span and concentration
The risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) are given with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine. Serotonin
syndrome is best characterized in which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Muscle
rigidity and high fever
, A 19-year-old female client with depression who has been taking amitriptyline for three weeks
returns to the clinic for a follow-up. The nurse anticipates the possibility of observing which of
the following symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWER-Suicidal thoughts
A newly admitted client has started taking bupropion. The nurse understands which of the
following side effects that would indicate an overdose of the medication? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Seizure
A client taking lithium carbonate started complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness,
muscle weakness, tremor, blurred vision and ringing in the ears. The lithium serum level is 2
mEq/L. The nurse interprets this value as: - CORRECT ANSWER-Toxic level
Which of the following symptoms is a sign of mild lithium toxicity: - CORRECT ANSWER-
Course tremor and lethargy
A nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia and receiving an antipsychotic medication is
having uncontrolled movement of the lips and tongue. The nurse determines that the client is
experiencing? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tardive dyskinesia
A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with clozapine. A nurse
assesses the results of which laboratory study to monitor for adverse effect related to this
medication? - CORRECT ANSWER-White blood cell
Methylphenidate is prescribed to an 8-year-old child for the treatment of attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The nurse plans to monitor which of the following during
the medication therapy? - CORRECT ANSWER-Height and weight
Can cause slow growth and reduced appetite
A client who has been taking buspirone for two months returns to the clinic for a follow-up. The
nurse determines that the medication is effective if there is an absent display of... - CORRECT
ANSWER-Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
Your patient is taking the antipsychotic medications clozapine and divalproex sodium
(Depakote), both of which can contribute to weight gain. For what should this patient be
carefully monitored? - CORRECT ANSWER-Increased blood glucose
Nurse Trini knows that the following drugs have been known to be effective in treating
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): - CORRECT ANSWER-Fluvoxamine and clomipramine
Updated Practice Quiz Questions and Answers
100% Pass!!! A+ Graded
Escitalopram may cause serious, potentially fatal reactions when used with _______________.
(select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Duloxetine, amitriptilyne, sertraline, St. John's
Wort
Mixing two serotonin agents can cause serotonin syndrome.
The therapeutic effects of imipramine develop over _____________. - CORRECT ANSWER-
Several weeks
The FDA-approved indications for fluoxetine include: (select all that apply) - CORRECT
ANSWER-Obsessive compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa
Taking food with buspirone alters absorption. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
May be taken with food to minimize gastric irritation
Venlafaxine is extensively metabolized on first pass through the ___________. - CORRECT
ANSWER-Liver
Signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity include: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-
Slurred speech, drowsiness
Valproate acid has FDA-approved indications for: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-
Acute mania, simple and complex absence seizures, prevention of migraine headaches
Atomoxetine selectively ____________ the presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine resulting in
a(n) ________________ attention span. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inhibits, improved
Phenelzine does not need to be discontinued several days before elective surgery that requires
anesthesia. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
Bupropion can be used for smoking cessation. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
Methylphenidate is not effective for narcoleptic patients. - CORRECT ANSWER-False
,Clozapine may cause: (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Syncope, orthostatic
hypotension, cardiac arrest
Causes bradycardia which could lead to syncope and cardiac arrest
Administering risperidone with levodopa is contraindicated. - CORRECT ANSWER-True
It decreases the effects of levodopa
The ___________ form of ziprasidone is frequently used for control of acutely agitated patients.
- CORRECT ANSWER-Intramuscular (IM)
Anticonvulsants are frequently used as mood stabilizers for the treatment of mania and bipolar
spectrum disorders because they: - CORRECT ANSWER-Reduce synaptic kindling
A patient was started on fluoxetine for depression 3 days ago. She now complains that it "doesn't
help" and refuses to take it. Understanding the psychopharmacology, the nurse's best first action
is to: - CORRECT ANSWER-Discuss with the patient that these types of medications often take
several weeks before seeing the results.
Which of the following is a common side effect of both first- and second-generation
antipsychotic drugs? (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Extrapyramidal side effects
such as pseudo-parkinsonism or acute dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, excessive
sedation
A male patient who is taking the second-generation antipsychotic reports to the nurse that he has
observed a clear fluid leaking from his right nipple for the past month. The nurse's best initial
intervention is: - CORRECT ANSWER-Inform the patient that this could be a side effect of the
medication
The physician discusses the appropriateness of prescribing a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitor (SNRI) for a patient. Which of the following medications are in this category? -
CORRECT ANSWER-Venlafaxine and duloxetine
A patient has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. The
nurse should counsel the patient about which of the following possible side effects, among
others? - CORRECT ANSWER-Fever, sweating, agitation, rapid heartbeat
,A nurse counsels a patient who has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) to
treat depression to avoid foods containing tyramine. Which of the following foods should the
patient avoid? (select all that apply) - CORRECT ANSWER-Yogurt, tofu, pepperoni
A patient with severe kidney disease is started on lithium by a new resident. As the nurse on duty
your best initial response would be to: - CORRECT ANSWER-Contact the resident to remind
him that the client has kidney disease and lithium is contraindicated
Which of the following is generally true of medications used to treat anxiety disorders? -
CORRECT ANSWER-Just as with depression, the most common medications prescribed are
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
For which one of the following types of drugs is the consumption of grapefruit juice
contraindicated? - CORRECT ANSWER-Second-generation antipsychotics
Psychopharmaceutical agents are prescribed for individuals with substance use disorders for all
of the following reasons except: - CORRECT ANSWER-To elevate the patient's mood in a
manner comparable to the action of the misused substance
A patient has been prescribed disulfiram. The nurse would most appropriately counsel the patient
about which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-A toxic reaction if alcohol is consumed
When a patient is prescribed risperidone for schizoaffective disorder, the nurse must alert the
patient to the potential for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Which of the following would be
accurate information to give the patient? - CORRECT ANSWER-Neuroleptic malignant
syndrome is potentially fatal. It usually occurs during the first 2 weeks after starting an
antipsychotic drug or increasing the dose and is characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness,
paranoia, sweating, and large changes in blood pressure.
A client with depression is taking phenelzine. The nurse advises the client to avoid consuming
which foods while taking the medication - CORRECT ANSWER-Yogurt
Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant and is the drug of choice for individuals with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The desired effects of methylphenidate may be noted as:
- CORRECT ANSWER-Increased attention span and concentration
The risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) are given with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine. Serotonin
syndrome is best characterized in which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Muscle
rigidity and high fever
, A 19-year-old female client with depression who has been taking amitriptyline for three weeks
returns to the clinic for a follow-up. The nurse anticipates the possibility of observing which of
the following symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWER-Suicidal thoughts
A newly admitted client has started taking bupropion. The nurse understands which of the
following side effects that would indicate an overdose of the medication? - CORRECT
ANSWER-Seizure
A client taking lithium carbonate started complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness,
muscle weakness, tremor, blurred vision and ringing in the ears. The lithium serum level is 2
mEq/L. The nurse interprets this value as: - CORRECT ANSWER-Toxic level
Which of the following symptoms is a sign of mild lithium toxicity: - CORRECT ANSWER-
Course tremor and lethargy
A nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia and receiving an antipsychotic medication is
having uncontrolled movement of the lips and tongue. The nurse determines that the client is
experiencing? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tardive dyskinesia
A client with schizophrenia has been started on medication therapy with clozapine. A nurse
assesses the results of which laboratory study to monitor for adverse effect related to this
medication? - CORRECT ANSWER-White blood cell
Methylphenidate is prescribed to an 8-year-old child for the treatment of attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The nurse plans to monitor which of the following during
the medication therapy? - CORRECT ANSWER-Height and weight
Can cause slow growth and reduced appetite
A client who has been taking buspirone for two months returns to the clinic for a follow-up. The
nurse determines that the medication is effective if there is an absent display of... - CORRECT
ANSWER-Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
Your patient is taking the antipsychotic medications clozapine and divalproex sodium
(Depakote), both of which can contribute to weight gain. For what should this patient be
carefully monitored? - CORRECT ANSWER-Increased blood glucose
Nurse Trini knows that the following drugs have been known to be effective in treating
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): - CORRECT ANSWER-Fluvoxamine and clomipramine
