Psychopharmacology for Psychiatric
Nursing
Midterm Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- A. Dopamine
- B. Norepinephrine
- C. Serotonin
- D. GABA
- ANS: C. Serotonin
- Rationale: SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain by
inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell.
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,2. Which of the following is a common side effect of
antipsychotic medications?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Weight gain
- C. Hyperactivity
- D. Insomnia
- ANS: B. Weight gain
- Rationale: Many antipsychotic medications can cause
significant weight gain due to metabolic changes.
3. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for
bipolar disorder?
- A. Lithium
- B. Fluoxetine
- C. Haloperidol
- D. Diazepam
- ANS: A. Lithium
- Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used as a
first-line treatment for bipolar disorder.
4. Which enzyme is inhibited by monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs)?
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, - A. Acetylcholinesterase
- B. Monoamine oxidase
- C. Catechol-O-methyltransferase
- D. Tyrosine hydroxylase
- ANS: B. Monoamine oxidase
- Rationale: MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase,
which breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and
norepinephrine.
5. Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of
clozapine?
- A. Agranulocytosis
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Hyperglycemia
- ANS: A. Agranulocytosis
- Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a
potentially life-threatening decrease in white blood cells.
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
6. The therapeutic range for lithium is _______ mEq/L.
- ANS: 0.6-1.2
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