NUR 521 AVD PHARM BLUEPRINT EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | NUR 521 STUDY
GUIDE & PRACTICE TEST 2026/2027
1 of 266
Definition
Prescriber name, license #, contact info
Prescriber DEA # (if applicable)
NPI #
Pt name/ DOB
Name of med
Indication for med
Med concentration if liquid prep
Dose, route, freq
# of tab/cap to dispense
# of refills
If ok to use generic
Give this one a go later!
,What are the 4 basic mechanisms of
necessary when writing a
, 2 of 266
Definition
Timeline for Improvement:
2–4 weeks:
Initial effects (better sleep, energy).
4–6 weeks: Full therapeutic effect.
Managing Non-Improvement:
After 4–6 weeks with no improvement:
Reassess diagnosis & adherence.
Evaluate side effects.
Actions if no improvement:
Switch meds (e.g., SSRIs → SNRIs, bupropion).
Add augmentation (e.g., low-dose antipsychotics, stimulants).
Consider psychotherapy or ECT for treatment-resistant cases.
Discontinue meds:
No improvement after 6-8 weeks.
Severe side effects.
Mnemonic:4-6-8 Approach
4 weeks: Reassess for improvement.
6 weeks: Check adherence, switch if no progress.
8 weeks: Consider alternative treatments.
Give this one a go later!
What to prescribe in addition to Sinemet if the pt experiences acute loss of effect of
drug?
, When can patients expect to start feeling better after starting an
antidepressant? Think about how you would manage a patient not getting
better- when would you discontinue a med, add another one, or suggest
other treatments?
How can a provider minimize the risk for med errors?
Norepinephrine (NE)
Don't know?
3 of 266
Definition
The most common addition for acute loss of effect in patients on
Sinemet would be a COMT inhibitor, like Entacapone. It’s commonly
used because it directly extends the duration of levodopa’s action,
helping to smooth out the fluctuations in symptoms. It’s typically well-
tolerated and used alongside Sinemet to help manage "wearing off"
and acute episodes.
Give this one a go later!
What to prescribe in addition to What should you consider when
Sinemet if the pt experiences prescribing medications to infants/
acute loss of effect of drug? children?
What are the 4 basic mechanisms of What is the black box warning (BBW)
drug interaction? for Phenytoin IV doses?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | NUR 521 STUDY
GUIDE & PRACTICE TEST 2026/2027
1 of 266
Definition
Prescriber name, license #, contact info
Prescriber DEA # (if applicable)
NPI #
Pt name/ DOB
Name of med
Indication for med
Med concentration if liquid prep
Dose, route, freq
# of tab/cap to dispense
# of refills
If ok to use generic
Give this one a go later!
,What are the 4 basic mechanisms of
necessary when writing a
, 2 of 266
Definition
Timeline for Improvement:
2–4 weeks:
Initial effects (better sleep, energy).
4–6 weeks: Full therapeutic effect.
Managing Non-Improvement:
After 4–6 weeks with no improvement:
Reassess diagnosis & adherence.
Evaluate side effects.
Actions if no improvement:
Switch meds (e.g., SSRIs → SNRIs, bupropion).
Add augmentation (e.g., low-dose antipsychotics, stimulants).
Consider psychotherapy or ECT for treatment-resistant cases.
Discontinue meds:
No improvement after 6-8 weeks.
Severe side effects.
Mnemonic:4-6-8 Approach
4 weeks: Reassess for improvement.
6 weeks: Check adherence, switch if no progress.
8 weeks: Consider alternative treatments.
Give this one a go later!
What to prescribe in addition to Sinemet if the pt experiences acute loss of effect of
drug?
, When can patients expect to start feeling better after starting an
antidepressant? Think about how you would manage a patient not getting
better- when would you discontinue a med, add another one, or suggest
other treatments?
How can a provider minimize the risk for med errors?
Norepinephrine (NE)
Don't know?
3 of 266
Definition
The most common addition for acute loss of effect in patients on
Sinemet would be a COMT inhibitor, like Entacapone. It’s commonly
used because it directly extends the duration of levodopa’s action,
helping to smooth out the fluctuations in symptoms. It’s typically well-
tolerated and used alongside Sinemet to help manage "wearing off"
and acute episodes.
Give this one a go later!
What to prescribe in addition to What should you consider when
Sinemet if the pt experiences prescribing medications to infants/
acute loss of effect of drug? children?
What are the 4 basic mechanisms of What is the black box warning (BBW)
drug interaction? for Phenytoin IV doses?
