WILKES UNIVERSITY
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - PMHNP
NSG 552 - Psychopharmacology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 2 Comprehensive Review - Anxiety, Trauma, Eating & Sleep Disorders
Question 1
A patient presents with acute panic symptoms. What is the appropriate first-line
pharmacologic intervention for immediate symptom relief?
A. SSRI (sertraline) daily
B. Short-term benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam)
C. Buspirone (Buspar)
D. Propranolol (Inderal)
CORRECT ANSWER B. Short-term benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam)
RATIONALE
Short-acting benzodiazepines are first-line for acute panic attacks due to rapid onset (15-30
minutes). However, they have high abuse potential and can cause rebound anxiety. SSRIs are first-
line for long-term prevention but take weeks to work.
, Question 2
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is started on an SSRI. The patient asks why
this medication was chosen over a benzodiazepine. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A. "Benzodiazepines are not effective for generalized anxiety."
B. "SSRIs work immediately and have no side effects."
C. "SSRIs are first-line because they treat comorbid depression, have no abuse potential,
and are effective for long-term management."
D. "Benzodiazepines are only used for panic disorder, not GAD."
CORRECT ANSWER
C. "SSRIs are first-line because they treat comorbid depression, have no abuse
potential, and are effective for long-term management."
RATIONALE
SSRIs/SNRIs are first-line for GAD due to efficacy, lack of abuse potential, and ability to treat
comorbid depression. Benzodiazepines are effective but have risks of tolerance, dependence, and
abuse.
Question 3
A patient with a specific phobia of needles refuses dental treatment. Which intervention
is most effective?
A. Prescribing alprazolam 1 hour before the appointment
B. Psychotherapy (exposure therapy)
C. Daily SSRI for 6 weeks
D. Propranolol 40 mg daily
CORRECT ANSWER B. Psychotherapy (exposure therapy)
RATIONALE
Psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, is the first-line treatment for specific phobias.
Medications are not particularly helpful for specific phobias and are not recommended as primary
treatment.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - PMHNP
NSG 552 - Psychopharmacology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 2 Comprehensive Review - Anxiety, Trauma, Eating & Sleep Disorders
Question 1
A patient presents with acute panic symptoms. What is the appropriate first-line
pharmacologic intervention for immediate symptom relief?
A. SSRI (sertraline) daily
B. Short-term benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam)
C. Buspirone (Buspar)
D. Propranolol (Inderal)
CORRECT ANSWER B. Short-term benzodiazepine (lorazepam, alprazolam)
RATIONALE
Short-acting benzodiazepines are first-line for acute panic attacks due to rapid onset (15-30
minutes). However, they have high abuse potential and can cause rebound anxiety. SSRIs are first-
line for long-term prevention but take weeks to work.
, Question 2
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is started on an SSRI. The patient asks why
this medication was chosen over a benzodiazepine. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A. "Benzodiazepines are not effective for generalized anxiety."
B. "SSRIs work immediately and have no side effects."
C. "SSRIs are first-line because they treat comorbid depression, have no abuse potential,
and are effective for long-term management."
D. "Benzodiazepines are only used for panic disorder, not GAD."
CORRECT ANSWER
C. "SSRIs are first-line because they treat comorbid depression, have no abuse
potential, and are effective for long-term management."
RATIONALE
SSRIs/SNRIs are first-line for GAD due to efficacy, lack of abuse potential, and ability to treat
comorbid depression. Benzodiazepines are effective but have risks of tolerance, dependence, and
abuse.
Question 3
A patient with a specific phobia of needles refuses dental treatment. Which intervention
is most effective?
A. Prescribing alprazolam 1 hour before the appointment
B. Psychotherapy (exposure therapy)
C. Daily SSRI for 6 weeks
D. Propranolol 40 mg daily
CORRECT ANSWER B. Psychotherapy (exposure therapy)
RATIONALE
Psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, is the first-line treatment for specific phobias.
Medications are not particularly helpful for specific phobias and are not recommended as primary
treatment.
