NSG 552 EXAM 3 – WILKES PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (2026)
ACTUAL QUESTIONS & STUDY GUIDE | GUARANTEE PASS
NSG 552 – ADVANCED PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE EXAMINATION
(ORIGINAL)
PART 1 (QUESTIONS 1–25)
Table of Contents
1. Instructions
2. Multiple-Choice Questions (1–20)
3. Short-Answer Questions (21–25)
4. Answer Key with Detailed Rationales
Instructions
• Answer all questions.
• Multiple-choice questions have one best answer unless otherwise stated.
• Short-answer questions should be answered concisely.
• Review the rationale after each question to strengthen understanding.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1
Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the therapeutic effects of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Histamine
,Correct Answer: C. Serotonin
Rationale:
SSRIs selectively inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing serotonin concentrations
within the synaptic cleft. This enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission is associated with
improvement in depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several other
psychiatric conditions. Dopamine, acetylcholine, and histamine are not the primary targets of
SSRIs.
Question 2
Which medication requires routine serum concentration monitoring?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Sertraline
D. Buspirone
Correct Answer: B. Lithium
Rationale:
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and requires periodic serum concentration monitoring to
maintain efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Kidney function, thyroid function, and electrolyte
status should also be monitored during therapy.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, coarse tremor, confusion, and difficulty walking.
What is the priority action?
A. Continue medication and reassess next week.
B. Increase fluid intake only.
C. Hold lithium and obtain an urgent serum lithium level.
D. Add benztropine.
Correct Answer: C. Hold lithium and obtain an urgent serum lithium level.
Rationale:
These symptoms are consistent with lithium toxicity. Lithium should be withheld while urgent
,evaluation and laboratory testing are performed. Severe toxicity may require hospitalization and
supportive management.
Question 4
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with second-generation antipsychotics?
A. Pulmonary fibrosis
B. Metabolic syndrome
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Nephrolithiasis
Correct Answer: B. Metabolic syndrome
Rationale:
Many atypical antipsychotics can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and
increased cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring of weight, waist circumference, blood
pressure, glucose, and lipid profile is recommended.
Question 5
Which medication carries the greatest risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Clozapine
C. Quetiapine
D. Ziprasidone
Correct Answer: B. Clozapine
Rationale:
Clozapine is associated with potentially life-threatening neutropenia and agranulocytosis.
Patients require regular absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring according to prescribing
guidelines.
Question 6
Which medication is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder?
, A. Haloperidol
B. Sertraline
C. Carbamazepine
D. Memantine
Correct Answer: B. Sertraline
Rationale:
SSRIs such as sertraline are commonly recommended as first-line treatment for generalized
anxiety disorder because of their efficacy and relatively favorable safety profile.
Question 7
The primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines is:
A. Block dopamine receptors.
B. Enhance GABA-A receptor activity.
C. Inhibit serotonin reuptake.
D. Increase glutamate release.
Correct Answer: B. Enhance GABA-A receptor activity.
Rationale:
Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel
opening in response to GABA. This enhances inhibitory neurotransmission and produces
anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects.
Question 8
Which antidepressant has the greatest risk of sexual dysfunction?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Mirtazapine
D. Trazodone
Correct Answer: B. Sertraline
ACTUAL QUESTIONS & STUDY GUIDE | GUARANTEE PASS
NSG 552 – ADVANCED PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY PRACTICE EXAMINATION
(ORIGINAL)
PART 1 (QUESTIONS 1–25)
Table of Contents
1. Instructions
2. Multiple-Choice Questions (1–20)
3. Short-Answer Questions (21–25)
4. Answer Key with Detailed Rationales
Instructions
• Answer all questions.
• Multiple-choice questions have one best answer unless otherwise stated.
• Short-answer questions should be answered concisely.
• Review the rationale after each question to strengthen understanding.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Question 1
Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the therapeutic effects of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Histamine
,Correct Answer: C. Serotonin
Rationale:
SSRIs selectively inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT), increasing serotonin concentrations
within the synaptic cleft. This enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission is associated with
improvement in depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and several other
psychiatric conditions. Dopamine, acetylcholine, and histamine are not the primary targets of
SSRIs.
Question 2
Which medication requires routine serum concentration monitoring?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Sertraline
D. Buspirone
Correct Answer: B. Lithium
Rationale:
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and requires periodic serum concentration monitoring to
maintain efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Kidney function, thyroid function, and electrolyte
status should also be monitored during therapy.
Question 3
A patient taking lithium reports severe diarrhea, coarse tremor, confusion, and difficulty walking.
What is the priority action?
A. Continue medication and reassess next week.
B. Increase fluid intake only.
C. Hold lithium and obtain an urgent serum lithium level.
D. Add benztropine.
Correct Answer: C. Hold lithium and obtain an urgent serum lithium level.
Rationale:
These symptoms are consistent with lithium toxicity. Lithium should be withheld while urgent
,evaluation and laboratory testing are performed. Severe toxicity may require hospitalization and
supportive management.
Question 4
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with second-generation antipsychotics?
A. Pulmonary fibrosis
B. Metabolic syndrome
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Nephrolithiasis
Correct Answer: B. Metabolic syndrome
Rationale:
Many atypical antipsychotics can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and
increased cardiovascular risk. Regular monitoring of weight, waist circumference, blood
pressure, glucose, and lipid profile is recommended.
Question 5
Which medication carries the greatest risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Clozapine
C. Quetiapine
D. Ziprasidone
Correct Answer: B. Clozapine
Rationale:
Clozapine is associated with potentially life-threatening neutropenia and agranulocytosis.
Patients require regular absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring according to prescribing
guidelines.
Question 6
Which medication is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder?
, A. Haloperidol
B. Sertraline
C. Carbamazepine
D. Memantine
Correct Answer: B. Sertraline
Rationale:
SSRIs such as sertraline are commonly recommended as first-line treatment for generalized
anxiety disorder because of their efficacy and relatively favorable safety profile.
Question 7
The primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines is:
A. Block dopamine receptors.
B. Enhance GABA-A receptor activity.
C. Inhibit serotonin reuptake.
D. Increase glutamate release.
Correct Answer: B. Enhance GABA-A receptor activity.
Rationale:
Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel
opening in response to GABA. This enhances inhibitory neurotransmission and produces
anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects.
Question 8
Which antidepressant has the greatest risk of sexual dysfunction?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Mirtazapine
D. Trazodone
Correct Answer: B. Sertraline
