2024/2025//A+ GRADED WITH DETAILED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Which of the following is the best medication class for the PMHNP to prescribe for
Ernesto to address his elevated norepinephrine levels? - CORRECT ANSWER
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor would block the reuptake of serotonin, leaving a
larger amount of serotonin available. Increasing the amount of serotonin would help
regulate the feelings of fear and anxiety. Reducing the occurrence of fear would help
reduce the release of norepinephrine.
A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor would prevent the reuptake of
norepinephrine, which would not reduce the level of norepinephrine as needed.
Benzodiazepines increase the levels of GABA and do not impact norepinephrine. A
monoamine oxidase inhibitor would increase levels of norepinephrine.
During a follow up appointment after 4 weeks, the PMHNP should assess for the need
to add which medication to Ernesto's treatment plan? - CORRECT ANSWER The nurse
should assess for sexual dysfunction and anticipate the potential need for a
phosphodiesterase inhibitor such as sildenafil (Viagra).
-After 4 to 6 weeks, the client should be experiencing full effects of the SSRI, so the
need for a short-term medication like a benzodiazepine or a beta blocker are not
anticipated. St. John's Wort is contraindicated with an SSRI and can cause serotonin
syndrome.
Glu - CORRECT ANSWER Glutamate
-amino acid
-excitatory neurotransmitter
-"workhorse" of the brain-can affect almost every neuron in the brain
, -affects: energy, memory, learning, neural plasticity
-relay sensory info. and regulate spinal and motor reflexes
-too much: schizophrenia, epilepsy, mania
-receptors: NMDA, AMPA
GABA - CORRECT ANSWER inhibitory neurotransmitter
-decrease neuroexcitability across the brain
-"chill", take the edge off stress, help people calm down, relax, destress, sleep
-to little: may experience anxiety or schizophrenia
-slows down everything, even breathing
-affect executive function and motor coordination, increased risk for accidents
-Increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid have a calming effect.
5HT - CORRECT ANSWER Serotonin
-help regulate mood
-makes relaxed, comfortable, decreases stress, regulate sleep, arousal, libido,
aggression, pain perception
NE - CORRECT ANSWER norepinephrine
-monoamine neurotransmitter
-focus and productivity
-too much due to stress, meds, caffeine, stimulants can cause: nervous, antsy, affect
focus
DA - CORRECT ANSWER dopamine
-monoamine neurotransmitter
-regulate mood
-associated with executive function, ability to perform well, be organized, emotional
intelligence
-movement and coordination
-to little: lose pleasure, interest, alertness, self-confidence, Parkinson’s disease