NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
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1. Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the therapeutic action of
many antipsychotic medications?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a major role in schizophrenia, particularly
excessive dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway, which is
associated with positive symptoms such as hallucinations and
,delusions. Most antipsychotic medications reduce psychotic symptoms
primarily through dopamine D2 receptor antagonism or modulation.
2. A patient taking an SSRI asks why improvement in depressive
symptoms may take several weeks. Which response by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A. "The medication immediately increases serotonin, but your brain
needs time to adjust."
B. "SSRIs primarily work by increasing dopamine after several months."
C. "The medication only becomes active after it accumulates in the
bloodstream."
D. "Your symptoms should completely resolve within 24 hours."
Answer: A. "The medication immediately increases serotonin, but
your brain needs time to adjust."
Rationale: SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake relatively quickly, but
clinical improvement generally takes several weeks because
downstream neuronal adaptations and changes in receptor sensitivity
occur over time. This distinction helps patients maintain realistic
expectations and continue treatment consistently.
3. Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)?
,A. Venlafaxine
B. Fluoxetine
C. Bupropion
D. Mirtazapine
Answer: B. Fluoxetine
Rationale: Fluoxetine is an SSRI that increases serotonergic
neurotransmission by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Venlafaxine is an
SNRI, bupropion primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine, and
mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic
antidepressant.
4. Which adverse effect is particularly important to monitor in a
patient taking an SSRI?
A. Severe hypoglycemia
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Pulmonary fibrosis
D. Agranulocytosis in every patient
Answer: B. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: SSRIs increase serotonergic activity and can contribute to
serotonin syndrome, particularly when combined with other
serotonergic medications. Symptoms may include agitation,
, confusion, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, tremor, fever, and autonomic
instability.
5. A patient taking sertraline develops agitation, diaphoresis, tremor,
hyperreflexia, and fever after starting another serotonergic
medication. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Lithium toxicity
Answer: B. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by excessive
serotonergic activity and commonly presents with mental-status
changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities
such as hyperreflexia and clonus. The temporal relationship to
combining serotonergic medications further supports the diagnosis.
6. Which medication is an SNRI?
A. Escitalopram
B. Venlafaxine
C. Trazodone
D. Fluoxetine
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the therapeutic action of
many antipsychotic medications?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine plays a major role in schizophrenia, particularly
excessive dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway, which is
associated with positive symptoms such as hallucinations and
,delusions. Most antipsychotic medications reduce psychotic symptoms
primarily through dopamine D2 receptor antagonism or modulation.
2. A patient taking an SSRI asks why improvement in depressive
symptoms may take several weeks. Which response by the nurse
is most appropriate?
A. "The medication immediately increases serotonin, but your brain
needs time to adjust."
B. "SSRIs primarily work by increasing dopamine after several months."
C. "The medication only becomes active after it accumulates in the
bloodstream."
D. "Your symptoms should completely resolve within 24 hours."
Answer: A. "The medication immediately increases serotonin, but
your brain needs time to adjust."
Rationale: SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake relatively quickly, but
clinical improvement generally takes several weeks because
downstream neuronal adaptations and changes in receptor sensitivity
occur over time. This distinction helps patients maintain realistic
expectations and continue treatment consistently.
3. Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)?
,A. Venlafaxine
B. Fluoxetine
C. Bupropion
D. Mirtazapine
Answer: B. Fluoxetine
Rationale: Fluoxetine is an SSRI that increases serotonergic
neurotransmission by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Venlafaxine is an
SNRI, bupropion primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine, and
mirtazapine is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic
antidepressant.
4. Which adverse effect is particularly important to monitor in a
patient taking an SSRI?
A. Severe hypoglycemia
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Pulmonary fibrosis
D. Agranulocytosis in every patient
Answer: B. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: SSRIs increase serotonergic activity and can contribute to
serotonin syndrome, particularly when combined with other
serotonergic medications. Symptoms may include agitation,
, confusion, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, tremor, fever, and autonomic
instability.
5. A patient taking sertraline develops agitation, diaphoresis, tremor,
hyperreflexia, and fever after starting another serotonergic
medication. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Lithium toxicity
Answer: B. Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by excessive
serotonergic activity and commonly presents with mental-status
changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities
such as hyperreflexia and clonus. The temporal relationship to
combining serotonergic medications further supports the diagnosis.
6. Which medication is an SNRI?
A. Escitalopram
B. Venlafaxine
C. Trazodone
D. Fluoxetine
