Wilkes NSG 552 Exam 2
Psychopharmacology
Actual Questions & Study Guide | 2026 Edition
120+ Practice Questions for Certification Success
Main Features
Comprehensive Pharmacology Review • Clinical Management
Scenarios • Safety Protocols • Laboratory Interpretation
Table of Contents
,Questions 1-120
,Question 1
Which neurotransmitter mechanism is primarily targeted by SSRIs?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism
B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
C. GABA-A receptor modulation
D. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron,
increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Question 2
A patient on lithium presents with coarse tremors, confusion, and ataxia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Increase fluid intake
B. Obtain a serum lithium level immediately
C. Switch to valproate
D. Administer a benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a serum lithium level immediately
Rationale: These are classic signs of lithium toxicity. Assessing the serum level is critical for
clinical management.
, Question 3
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which monitoring requirement is
mandatory?
A. Weekly absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring
B. Monthly liver function tests
C. Daily blood glucose checks
D. Weekly serum lithium levels
Correct Answer: A. Weekly absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, necessitating strict
ANC monitoring per the REMS program.
Question 4
Which neurotransmitter mechanism is primarily targeted by SSRIs?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism
B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
C. GABA-A receptor modulation
D. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron,
increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Psychopharmacology
Actual Questions & Study Guide | 2026 Edition
120+ Practice Questions for Certification Success
Main Features
Comprehensive Pharmacology Review • Clinical Management
Scenarios • Safety Protocols • Laboratory Interpretation
Table of Contents
,Questions 1-120
,Question 1
Which neurotransmitter mechanism is primarily targeted by SSRIs?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism
B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
C. GABA-A receptor modulation
D. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron,
increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Question 2
A patient on lithium presents with coarse tremors, confusion, and ataxia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Increase fluid intake
B. Obtain a serum lithium level immediately
C. Switch to valproate
D. Administer a benzodiazepine
Correct Answer: B. Obtain a serum lithium level immediately
Rationale: These are classic signs of lithium toxicity. Assessing the serum level is critical for
clinical management.
, Question 3
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which monitoring requirement is
mandatory?
A. Weekly absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring
B. Monthly liver function tests
C. Daily blood glucose checks
D. Weekly serum lithium levels
Correct Answer: A. Weekly absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring
Rationale: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, necessitating strict
ANC monitoring per the REMS program.
Question 4
Which neurotransmitter mechanism is primarily targeted by SSRIs?
A. Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism
B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
C. GABA-A receptor modulation
D. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
Correct Answer: B. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron,
increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
