NSG 552 Exam 1 V3 | NSG 552
Psychopharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG 552 Exam 1) | Wilkes
1. Which process describes what the drug does to the body, including the mechanism of
action and receptor interactions?
A. Pharmacokinetics
B. Pharmacogenetics
C. Bioavailability
D. Pharmacodynamics
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Pharmacodynamics refers to the biochemical and physiological effects of
drugs on the body. This involves the study of receptor binding, post-receptor effects, and
chemical interactions. In contrast, pharmacokinetics deals with how the body processes the
drug through absorption and metabolism.
2. A patient is prescribed Fluoxetine. Which Cytochrome P450 enzyme is significantly
inhibited by this medication, potentially increasing the levels of other drugs?
A. CYP1A2
B. CYP2C19
C. CYP2D6
,D. CYP3A4
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the CYP2D6 enzyme system. This
inhibition can lead to increased serum levels of other medications metabolized by this
pathway, such as tricyclic antidepressants or beta-blockers. Clinicians must monitor for
toxicity when adding Fluoxetine to a multi-drug regimen.
3. What is the therapeutic reference range for Lithium in the treatment of acute mania?
A. 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.4 to 0.8 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium during acute manic episodes is
generally 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L. Maintenance levels are typically lower, ranging from 0.6 to 1.0
mEq/L. Levels exceeding 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require immediate clinical
intervention.
4. Before initiating Clozapine, what is the minimum Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
required for a general population patient?
A. 500/mm³
, B. 1500/mm³
C. 1000/mm³
D. 2000/mm³
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: To begin Clozapine therapy, the baseline ANC must be at least 1500/mm³ for
the general population. This monitoring is critical due to the risk of severe neutropenia and
agranulocytosis associated with the drug. Different criteria apply to patients with Benign
Ethnic Neutropenia (BEN).
5. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) must avoid which of the following
to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Aged cheeses and cured meats
B. Fresh fruits and vegetables
C. Whole grain breads
D. White poultry and fish
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Tyramine is a sympathomimetic amine found in aged, fermented, or cured
foods that can cause a hypertensive crisis when MAOIs are present. MAOIs inhibit the
breakdown of tyramine in the gut, leading to massive norepinephrine release. Education on
a low-tyramine diet is a mandatory safety intervention for these patients.
Psychopharmacology | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NSG 552 Exam 1) | Wilkes
1. Which process describes what the drug does to the body, including the mechanism of
action and receptor interactions?
A. Pharmacokinetics
B. Pharmacogenetics
C. Bioavailability
D. Pharmacodynamics
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Pharmacodynamics refers to the biochemical and physiological effects of
drugs on the body. This involves the study of receptor binding, post-receptor effects, and
chemical interactions. In contrast, pharmacokinetics deals with how the body processes the
drug through absorption and metabolism.
2. A patient is prescribed Fluoxetine. Which Cytochrome P450 enzyme is significantly
inhibited by this medication, potentially increasing the levels of other drugs?
A. CYP1A2
B. CYP2C19
C. CYP2D6
,D. CYP3A4
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the CYP2D6 enzyme system. This
inhibition can lead to increased serum levels of other medications metabolized by this
pathway, such as tricyclic antidepressants or beta-blockers. Clinicians must monitor for
toxicity when adding Fluoxetine to a multi-drug regimen.
3. What is the therapeutic reference range for Lithium in the treatment of acute mania?
A. 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.4 to 0.8 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium during acute manic episodes is
generally 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L. Maintenance levels are typically lower, ranging from 0.6 to 1.0
mEq/L. Levels exceeding 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require immediate clinical
intervention.
4. Before initiating Clozapine, what is the minimum Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
required for a general population patient?
A. 500/mm³
, B. 1500/mm³
C. 1000/mm³
D. 2000/mm³
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: To begin Clozapine therapy, the baseline ANC must be at least 1500/mm³ for
the general population. This monitoring is critical due to the risk of severe neutropenia and
agranulocytosis associated with the drug. Different criteria apply to patients with Benign
Ethnic Neutropenia (BEN).
5. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) must avoid which of the following
to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Aged cheeses and cured meats
B. Fresh fruits and vegetables
C. Whole grain breads
D. White poultry and fish
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Tyramine is a sympathomimetic amine found in aged, fermented, or cured
foods that can cause a hypertensive crisis when MAOIs are present. MAOIs inhibit the
breakdown of tyramine in the gut, leading to massive norepinephrine release. Education on
a low-tyramine diet is a mandatory safety intervention for these patients.
