NR 546 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
WEEK 3 - MOOD DISORDERS
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A 32-year-old patient with Bipolar I disorder is being started on Lithium. Which of the
following is the most accurate therapeutic range for acute mania according to standard
guidelines?
A. 0.4 - 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 1.0 - 1.5 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For acute mania, lithium levels are typically targeted higher,
between 1.0 and 1.5 mEq/L. Maintenance levels are usually lower, between 0.6 and 1.2
mEq/L.
2. Which mechanism of action is responsible for the antidepressant effects of Mirtazapine?
A. Selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake
B. Partial agonism at Dopamine D2 receptors
,C. Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase B
D. Antagonism of alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Mirtazapine is a Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic
Antidepressant (NaSSA) that works by blocking alpha-2 autoreceptors, which increases the
release of both norepinephrine and serotonin.
3. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) presents to the emergency department with a
severe headache, palpitations, and a blood pressure of 210/120 mmHg. Which dietary
substance likely precipitated this event?
A. Tryptophan
B. Tyramine
C. Phenylalanine
D. Glutamine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tyramine, found in aged cheeses and cured meats, can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs because the enzyme responsible for breaking
down tyramine is inhibited.
, 4. When switching a patient from Fluoxetine to a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), what
is the required washout period?
A. 2 days
B. 7 days
C. 2 weeks
D. 5 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine has a very long half-life due to its active metabolite,
norfluoxetine. A 5-week washout period is required to prevent Serotonin Syndrome when
switching to an MAOI.
5. Which of the following antidepressants is most likely to cause a significant increase in
blood pressure at higher doses?
A. Escitalopram
B. Venlafaxine
C. Bupropion
D. Trazodone
Answer: B
WEEK 3 - MOOD DISORDERS
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A 32-year-old patient with Bipolar I disorder is being started on Lithium. Which of the
following is the most accurate therapeutic range for acute mania according to standard
guidelines?
A. 0.4 - 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 1.0 - 1.5 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For acute mania, lithium levels are typically targeted higher,
between 1.0 and 1.5 mEq/L. Maintenance levels are usually lower, between 0.6 and 1.2
mEq/L.
2. Which mechanism of action is responsible for the antidepressant effects of Mirtazapine?
A. Selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake
B. Partial agonism at Dopamine D2 receptors
,C. Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase B
D. Antagonism of alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Mirtazapine is a Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonergic
Antidepressant (NaSSA) that works by blocking alpha-2 autoreceptors, which increases the
release of both norepinephrine and serotonin.
3. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) presents to the emergency department with a
severe headache, palpitations, and a blood pressure of 210/120 mmHg. Which dietary
substance likely precipitated this event?
A. Tryptophan
B. Tyramine
C. Phenylalanine
D. Glutamine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tyramine, found in aged cheeses and cured meats, can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs because the enzyme responsible for breaking
down tyramine is inhibited.
, 4. When switching a patient from Fluoxetine to a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), what
is the required washout period?
A. 2 days
B. 7 days
C. 2 weeks
D. 5 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine has a very long half-life due to its active metabolite,
norfluoxetine. A 5-week washout period is required to prevent Serotonin Syndrome when
switching to an MAOI.
5. Which of the following antidepressants is most likely to cause a significant increase in
blood pressure at higher doses?
A. Escitalopram
B. Venlafaxine
C. Bupropion
D. Trazodone
Answer: B
