Wilkes NSG 552 Exam 2 – Psychopharmacology (2026) Actual Questions & Study Guide | Guarantee Pass

WILKES NSG 552 EXAM 2 – PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (2026)
ACTUAL QUESTIONS & STUDY GUIDE | GUARANTEE PASS
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM

NSG 552 – PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (GRADUATE NURSING)

PART 1 OF 5

NOTE: THIS IS AN ORIGINAL PRACTICE EXAMINATION DESIGNED FOR STUDY
PURPOSES.



Table of Contents
1. Instructions
2. Multiple-Choice Questions (1–30)
3. Answer Key with Detailed Rationales


Instructions
• Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.
• Read each clinical scenario carefully.
• Review the rationale after answering to reinforce key pharmacology
concepts.
• Questions are written at a graduate nursing level and emphasize clinical
decision-making.


Multiple-Choice Questions

Question 1

A patient with major depressive disorder is prescribed sertraline. Which mechanism best explains
its therapeutic action?

A. Blocks dopamine receptors

B. Inhibits serotonin reuptake

,C. Blocks norepinephrine receptors

D. Enhances GABA activity

Correct Answer: B. Inhibits serotonin reuptake

Rationale:
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By inhibiting serotonin reuptake into
the presynaptic neuron, it increases serotonin availability within the synaptic cleft, improving
depressive symptoms. Dopamine blockade is characteristic of antipsychotics, while GABA
enhancement occurs with benzodiazepines.



Question 2

Which antidepressant has the highest risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-
rich foods?

A. Fluoxetine
B. Venlafaxine

C. Phenelzine

D. Bupropion

Correct Answer: C. Phenelzine

Rationale:
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Consuming tyramine-rich foods while
taking an MAOI may precipitate a hypertensive crisis because tyramine is no longer adequately
metabolized.



Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily deficient in Parkinson disease?

A. Serotonin

B. Dopamine

C. Histamine
D. Acetylcholine

Correct Answer: B. Dopamine

,Rationale:
Parkinson disease results from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra,
leading to dopamine deficiency and characteristic motor symptoms.



Question 4

A patient taking lithium reports persistent vomiting and coarse tremors. What is the nurse
practitioner's priority action?

A. Continue medication
B. Increase the lithium dose

C. Evaluate for lithium toxicity

D. Recommend caffeine intake

Correct Answer: C. Evaluate for lithium toxicity

Rationale:
Vomiting, coarse tremor, confusion, and ataxia are concerning for lithium toxicity. Immediate
assessment and serum lithium measurement are warranted.



Question 5

Which laboratory value requires routine monitoring during lithium therapy?

A. Hemoglobin

B. Platelet count

C. Serum lithium level

D. Bilirubin

Correct Answer: C. Serum lithium level

Rationale:
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index. Regular serum monitoring helps maintain therapeutic
efficacy while minimizing toxicity.



Question 6

Which medication is considered a first-line SSRI?

, A. Sertraline

B. Haloperidol

C. Lamotrigine

D. Buspirone

Correct Answer: A. Sertraline

Rationale:
Sertraline is a commonly prescribed SSRI and is considered first-line for major depressive
disorder and several anxiety disorders.



Question 7

Which adverse effect is most characteristic of clozapine?

A. Hyperthyroidism

B. Agranulocytosis
C. Renal failure

D. Cataracts

Correct Answer: B. Agranulocytosis

Rationale:
Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis, requiring regular absolute
neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring.


Question 8

Which medication is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia?

A. Risperidone

B. Clozapine

C. Olanzapine

D. Quetiapine

Correct Answer: B. Clozapine