NSG552 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
FINAL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs specifically block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin
into neurons, making more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages
between neurons.
2. Which of the following requires mandatory Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitoring
due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Risperidone
,B. Clozapine
C. Olanzapine
D. Quetiapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe neutropenia
(agranulocytosis), requiring strict blood monitoring through the Clozapine REMS program.
3. A patient taking an MAOI and an SSRI is at high risk for which life-threatening condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Metabolic Syndrome
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Combining Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) with other
serotonergic agents like SSRIs can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin, resulting
in Serotonin Syndrome.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Bupropion?
A. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition
B. Alpha-2 Antagonism
, C. Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition
D. NMDA Receptor Antagonism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion acts as a Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake
Inhibitor (NDRI), which distinguishes it from SSRIs and SNRIs.
5. Which medication is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Sertraline
C. Venlafaxine
D. Bupropion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, especially in patients
with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, making it contraindicated in these populations.
6. Which mood stabilizer is most associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
A. Lamotrigine
B. Valproate
C. Lithium
FINAL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs specifically block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin
into neurons, making more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages
between neurons.
2. Which of the following requires mandatory Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitoring
due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Risperidone
,B. Clozapine
C. Olanzapine
D. Quetiapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe neutropenia
(agranulocytosis), requiring strict blood monitoring through the Clozapine REMS program.
3. A patient taking an MAOI and an SSRI is at high risk for which life-threatening condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Metabolic Syndrome
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Combining Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) with other
serotonergic agents like SSRIs can lead to an excessive accumulation of serotonin, resulting
in Serotonin Syndrome.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Bupropion?
A. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition
B. Alpha-2 Antagonism
, C. Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition
D. NMDA Receptor Antagonism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion acts as a Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake
Inhibitor (NDRI), which distinguishes it from SSRIs and SNRIs.
5. Which medication is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Sertraline
C. Venlafaxine
D. Bupropion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, especially in patients
with bulimia or anorexia nervosa, making it contraindicated in these populations.
6. Which mood stabilizer is most associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
A. Lamotrigine
B. Valproate
C. Lithium
