Wilkes University NSG 552
Psychopharmacology Exams 1, 2 &
3 Bundle 2026/2027 | Actual
PMHNP Exam Q&As + Expert
Rationales | Newly Released |
Guaranteed Pass A+ Graded
50 Questions with Answers & Rationales
Q1. A client is prescribed fluoxetine. Which neurotransmitter’s reuptake does this
medication primarily inhibit?
A. Serotonin [CORRECT]
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It
blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Q2. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which instruction is most
important to include?
A. “Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.”
B. “Maintain a consistent salt and fluid intake.” [CORRECT]
C. “Take the medication on an empty stomach.”
D. “Stop the medication if you feel better.”
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lithium levels are affected by sodium and fluid balance.
Consistent intake helps prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels.
Q3. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol. Which side effect should the
nurse monitor for?
A. Dry mouth
B. Weight loss
C. Extrapyramidal symptoms [CORRECT]
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine
D2 receptors, often causing extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and
bradykinesia.
Q4. A child with ADHD is prescribed methylphenidate. Which finding indicates a
therapeutic response?
A. Increased appetite
B. Improved attention span [CORRECT]
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because methylphenidate is a stimulant that improves attention and
reduces impulsivity in ADHD. Increased appetite and weight gain are not expected.
Q5. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is prescribed lorazepam. Which
neurotransmitter does this medication enhance?
, A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA [CORRECT]
D. Glutamate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory
effects of GABA, reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Q6. A nurse is reviewing the mechanism of action of venlafaxine. Which
neurotransmitters does it affect?
A. Serotonin only
B. Norepinephrine only
C. Serotonin and norepinephrine [CORRECT]
D. Dopamine and GABA
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
(SNRI). It blocks reuptake of both neurotransmitters.
Q7. A client taking clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Obtain a white blood cell count. [CORRECT]
C. Encourage fluids.
D. Withhold the next dose.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because clozapine can cause agranulocytosis. Fever and sore throat
may indicate infection, requiring immediate CBC monitoring.
Psychopharmacology Exams 1, 2 &
3 Bundle 2026/2027 | Actual
PMHNP Exam Q&As + Expert
Rationales | Newly Released |
Guaranteed Pass A+ Graded
50 Questions with Answers & Rationales
Q1. A client is prescribed fluoxetine. Which neurotransmitter’s reuptake does this
medication primarily inhibit?
A. Serotonin [CORRECT]
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It
blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
Q2. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which instruction is most
important to include?
A. “Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.”
B. “Maintain a consistent salt and fluid intake.” [CORRECT]
C. “Take the medication on an empty stomach.”
D. “Stop the medication if you feel better.”
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because lithium levels are affected by sodium and fluid balance.
Consistent intake helps prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels.
Q3. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol. Which side effect should the
nurse monitor for?
A. Dry mouth
B. Weight loss
C. Extrapyramidal symptoms [CORRECT]
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine
D2 receptors, often causing extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and
bradykinesia.
Q4. A child with ADHD is prescribed methylphenidate. Which finding indicates a
therapeutic response?
A. Increased appetite
B. Improved attention span [CORRECT]
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because methylphenidate is a stimulant that improves attention and
reduces impulsivity in ADHD. Increased appetite and weight gain are not expected.
Q5. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is prescribed lorazepam. Which
neurotransmitter does this medication enhance?
, A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA [CORRECT]
D. Glutamate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the inhibitory
effects of GABA, reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Q6. A nurse is reviewing the mechanism of action of venlafaxine. Which
neurotransmitters does it affect?
A. Serotonin only
B. Norepinephrine only
C. Serotonin and norepinephrine [CORRECT]
D. Dopamine and GABA
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
(SNRI). It blocks reuptake of both neurotransmitters.
Q7. A client taking clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Obtain a white blood cell count. [CORRECT]
C. Encourage fluids.
D. Withhold the next dose.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because clozapine can cause agranulocytosis. Fever and sore throat
may indicate infection, requiring immediate CBC monitoring.
