NR546 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR NURSING COMPLETE
EXAM STUDY GUIDE WITH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025–2026
What is the monoamine hypothesis of depression? - correct answer -It theorizes that
depression is caused by a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmission, while mania is due to an
excess.
What is a key prescribing consideration for antidepressants in bipolar disorder? - correct
answer -Antidepressants should not be given as monotherapy; they must be combined with a
mood stabilizer to avoid inducing mania.
What should be monitored when prescribing SNRIs to breastfeeding patients? - correct answer
-Infant irritability.
What factors should be considered when prescribing antidepressants? - correct answer -Client
preference, prior treatment response, anticipated adverse effects, comorbidities, half-life,
interactions, and cost.
What should be done if the initial antidepressant does not work? - correct answer -First,
increase the dose; if that fails, switch to a different drug in the same class, then try a drug in a
different class, and possibly add a second medication.
What is the recommended dose adjustment for older patients taking citalopram and
escitalopram? - correct answer -They should receive half the usual dose.
Which SSRI has the least CYP interactions? - correct answer -Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Which SSRI is considered good for forgetful patients? - correct answer -Fluoxetine, due to its 2-
3 day half-life.
, What is the longest-acting antidepressant? - correct answer -Fluoxetine, with a half-life of 1-2
weeks.
What is discontinuation syndrome and which medication is more likely to cause it? - correct
answer -Discontinuation syndrome occurs when stopping an antidepressant, and paroxetine is
more likely to cause it.
Which antidepressant is safe during nursing and pregnancy? - correct answer -Sertraline.
What is serotonin syndrome? - correct answer -A condition that occurs when two serotonergic
drugs are used together, leading to symptoms such as mental status changes, autonomic
instability, neuromuscular symptoms, seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
What is the treatment for serotonin syndrome? - correct answer -Stop the medication, provide
supportive care, and use benzodiazepines.
What is the black box warning for MAOIs? - correct answer -They carry a warning for suicidal
ideation in children, adolescents, and young adults.
What is the half-life of MAOIs? - correct answer -2-4 hours.
What is the black box warning for SSRIs? - correct answer -They carry a warning for suicidal
tendencies.
What are MAOIs and what do they inhibit? - correct answer -MAOIs (monoamine oxidase
inhibitors) are antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme that deactivates dopamine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin.
EXAM STUDY GUIDE WITH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2025–2026
What is the monoamine hypothesis of depression? - correct answer -It theorizes that
depression is caused by a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmission, while mania is due to an
excess.
What is a key prescribing consideration for antidepressants in bipolar disorder? - correct
answer -Antidepressants should not be given as monotherapy; they must be combined with a
mood stabilizer to avoid inducing mania.
What should be monitored when prescribing SNRIs to breastfeeding patients? - correct answer
-Infant irritability.
What factors should be considered when prescribing antidepressants? - correct answer -Client
preference, prior treatment response, anticipated adverse effects, comorbidities, half-life,
interactions, and cost.
What should be done if the initial antidepressant does not work? - correct answer -First,
increase the dose; if that fails, switch to a different drug in the same class, then try a drug in a
different class, and possibly add a second medication.
What is the recommended dose adjustment for older patients taking citalopram and
escitalopram? - correct answer -They should receive half the usual dose.
Which SSRI has the least CYP interactions? - correct answer -Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Which SSRI is considered good for forgetful patients? - correct answer -Fluoxetine, due to its 2-
3 day half-life.
, What is the longest-acting antidepressant? - correct answer -Fluoxetine, with a half-life of 1-2
weeks.
What is discontinuation syndrome and which medication is more likely to cause it? - correct
answer -Discontinuation syndrome occurs when stopping an antidepressant, and paroxetine is
more likely to cause it.
Which antidepressant is safe during nursing and pregnancy? - correct answer -Sertraline.
What is serotonin syndrome? - correct answer -A condition that occurs when two serotonergic
drugs are used together, leading to symptoms such as mental status changes, autonomic
instability, neuromuscular symptoms, seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
What is the treatment for serotonin syndrome? - correct answer -Stop the medication, provide
supportive care, and use benzodiazepines.
What is the black box warning for MAOIs? - correct answer -They carry a warning for suicidal
ideation in children, adolescents, and young adults.
What is the half-life of MAOIs? - correct answer -2-4 hours.
What is the black box warning for SSRIs? - correct answer -They carry a warning for suicidal
tendencies.
What are MAOIs and what do they inhibit? - correct answer -MAOIs (monoamine oxidase
inhibitors) are antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme that deactivates dopamine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin.
