1
NSG 552 Exam 3- Wilkes Psychopharmacology | Advanced
Practice Psychopharmacology for PMHNP Students | 200 Exam-
Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
100% Pass Guaranteed | Graded A+
1 A patient is brought to the emergency department with suspected opioid overdose. The
patient is unresponsive, with respirations of 6 breaths/min and pinpoint pupils. Which of the
following is the most appropriate initial intervention?
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV
B. Administer flumazenil 0.2 mg IV
C. Start an IV infusion of normal saline
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Naloxone (Narcan) is a potent opioid antagonist indicated for opioid
overdose. The patient's symptoms of respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, and miosis
(pinpoint pupils) are classic signs of opioid intoxication. Naloxone acts by competing and
displacing opioids from receptor sites. Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose,
,2
not opioids. While oxygen and fluids are supportive, naloxone is the specific antidote and should
be administered promptly.
2 Which of the following medications is routinely prescribed for all patients with an opioid use
disorder to prevent fatal overdose?
A. Methadone
B. Buprenorphine
C. Naloxone (Narcan)
D. Naltrexone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Naloxone (Narcan) should be routinely prescribed for all patients with an
opioid use disorder. It is a potent opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. While
methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are all treatments for opioid use disorder, naloxone
is specifically prescribed for overdose prevention.
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3 A patient on methadone maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder develops QT interval
prolongation on ECG. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
A. Discontinue methadone immediately
B. Monitor QTc and consider dose reduction or alternative therapy
C. Add an antiarrhythmic medication
D. Continue methadone as it is a benign finding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Methadone can cause QTc prolongation and cardiac abnormalities. The
appropriate action is to monitor the QTc interval and consider dose reduction or alternative
therapy if significant prolongation occurs. Abrupt discontinuation is not indicated and could
precipitate withdrawal.
4 Buprenorphine is classified as which type of receptor agonist?
A. Full mu opioid receptor agonist
B. Partial mu opioid receptor agonist
, 4
C. Mu opioid receptor antagonist
D. Kappa opioid receptor agonist
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Buprenorphine is a mu receptor partial agonist. This means it produces opioid
effects but has a ceiling effect, making it safer with a lower risk of respiratory depression
compared to full agonists like methadone. The buprenorphine/naloxone combination
(Suboxone) is commonly used for opioid use disorder.
5 A patient receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder takes the medication too soon after
their last opioid use. What is the most likely outcome?
A. Euphoria and sedation
B. Precipitated withdrawal
C. No effect
D. Increased risk of overdose
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Buprenorphine taken too soon after the last opioid use can precipitate intense
NSG 552 Exam 3- Wilkes Psychopharmacology | Advanced
Practice Psychopharmacology for PMHNP Students | 200 Exam-
Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales |
100% Pass Guaranteed | Graded A+
1 A patient is brought to the emergency department with suspected opioid overdose. The
patient is unresponsive, with respirations of 6 breaths/min and pinpoint pupils. Which of the
following is the most appropriate initial intervention?
A. Administer naloxone 0.4 mg IV
B. Administer flumazenil 0.2 mg IV
C. Start an IV infusion of normal saline
D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Naloxone (Narcan) is a potent opioid antagonist indicated for opioid
overdose. The patient's symptoms of respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, and miosis
(pinpoint pupils) are classic signs of opioid intoxication. Naloxone acts by competing and
displacing opioids from receptor sites. Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose,
,2
not opioids. While oxygen and fluids are supportive, naloxone is the specific antidote and should
be administered promptly.
2 Which of the following medications is routinely prescribed for all patients with an opioid use
disorder to prevent fatal overdose?
A. Methadone
B. Buprenorphine
C. Naloxone (Narcan)
D. Naltrexone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Naloxone (Narcan) should be routinely prescribed for all patients with an
opioid use disorder. It is a potent opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. While
methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are all treatments for opioid use disorder, naloxone
is specifically prescribed for overdose prevention.
,3
3 A patient on methadone maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder develops QT interval
prolongation on ECG. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
A. Discontinue methadone immediately
B. Monitor QTc and consider dose reduction or alternative therapy
C. Add an antiarrhythmic medication
D. Continue methadone as it is a benign finding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Methadone can cause QTc prolongation and cardiac abnormalities. The
appropriate action is to monitor the QTc interval and consider dose reduction or alternative
therapy if significant prolongation occurs. Abrupt discontinuation is not indicated and could
precipitate withdrawal.
4 Buprenorphine is classified as which type of receptor agonist?
A. Full mu opioid receptor agonist
B. Partial mu opioid receptor agonist
, 4
C. Mu opioid receptor antagonist
D. Kappa opioid receptor agonist
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Buprenorphine is a mu receptor partial agonist. This means it produces opioid
effects but has a ceiling effect, making it safer with a lower risk of respiratory depression
compared to full agonists like methadone. The buprenorphine/naloxone combination
(Suboxone) is commonly used for opioid use disorder.
5 A patient receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder takes the medication too soon after
their last opioid use. What is the most likely outcome?
A. Euphoria and sedation
B. Precipitated withdrawal
C. No effect
D. Increased risk of overdose
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Buprenorphine taken too soon after the last opioid use can precipitate intense
