NURS 6630 Final Exam: Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of
Psychopathology: Walden University
QUESTION 1
What will the PMHNP most likely prescribe to a patient with psychotic aggression who
needs to manage the top-down cortical control and the excessive drive from striatal
hyperactivity?
A. Stimulants B. Antidepressants C. Antipsychotics D. SSRIs
QUESTION 2
The PMHNP is selecting a medication treatment option for a patient who is exhibiting
psychotic behaviors with poor impulse control and aggression. Of the available treatments,
which can help temper some of the adverse effects or symptoms that are normally caused
by D2 antagonism?
A. First-generation, conventional antipsychotics B. First-generation, atypical antipsychotics
C. Second-generation, conventional antipsychotics D. Second-generation, atypical
antipsychotics
QUESTION 3
The PMHNP is discussing dopamine D2 receptor occupancy and its association with
aggressive behaviors in patients with the student. Why does the PMHNP prescribe a
standard dose of atypical antipsychotics?
, A. The doses are based on achieving 100% D2 receptor occupancy. B. The doses are based
on achieving a minimum of 80% D2 receptor occupancy. C. The doses are based on
achieving 60% D2 receptor occupancy. D. None of the above.
QUESTION 4
Why does the PMHNP avoid prescribing clozapine (Clozaril) as a first-line treatment to the
patient with psychosis and aggression?
A. There is too high a risk of serious adverse side effects. B. It can exaggerate the psychotic
symptoms. C. Clozapine (Clozaril) should not be used as high-dose monotherapy. D. There
is no documentation that clozapine (Clozaril) is effective for patients who are violent.
QUESTION 5
The PMHNP is caring for a patient on risperidone (Risperdal). Which action made by the
PMHNP exhibits proper care for this patient?
A. Explaining to the patient that there are no risks of EPS B. Prescribing the patient 12
mg/dail C. Titrating the dose by increasing it every 5–7 days D. Writing a prescription for a
higher dose of oral risperidone (Risperdal) to achieve high D2 receptor occupancy
QUESTION 6
The PMHNP wants to prescribe Mr. Barber a mood stabilizer that will target aggressive
and impulsive symptoms by decreasing dopaminergic neurotransmission. Which mood
stabilizer will the PMHNP select? A. Lithium (Lithane) B. Phenytoin (Dilantin) C.
Valproate (Depakote) D. Topiramate (Topamax)
Psychopathology: Walden University
QUESTION 1
What will the PMHNP most likely prescribe to a patient with psychotic aggression who
needs to manage the top-down cortical control and the excessive drive from striatal
hyperactivity?
A. Stimulants B. Antidepressants C. Antipsychotics D. SSRIs
QUESTION 2
The PMHNP is selecting a medication treatment option for a patient who is exhibiting
psychotic behaviors with poor impulse control and aggression. Of the available treatments,
which can help temper some of the adverse effects or symptoms that are normally caused
by D2 antagonism?
A. First-generation, conventional antipsychotics B. First-generation, atypical antipsychotics
C. Second-generation, conventional antipsychotics D. Second-generation, atypical
antipsychotics
QUESTION 3
The PMHNP is discussing dopamine D2 receptor occupancy and its association with
aggressive behaviors in patients with the student. Why does the PMHNP prescribe a
standard dose of atypical antipsychotics?
, A. The doses are based on achieving 100% D2 receptor occupancy. B. The doses are based
on achieving a minimum of 80% D2 receptor occupancy. C. The doses are based on
achieving 60% D2 receptor occupancy. D. None of the above.
QUESTION 4
Why does the PMHNP avoid prescribing clozapine (Clozaril) as a first-line treatment to the
patient with psychosis and aggression?
A. There is too high a risk of serious adverse side effects. B. It can exaggerate the psychotic
symptoms. C. Clozapine (Clozaril) should not be used as high-dose monotherapy. D. There
is no documentation that clozapine (Clozaril) is effective for patients who are violent.
QUESTION 5
The PMHNP is caring for a patient on risperidone (Risperdal). Which action made by the
PMHNP exhibits proper care for this patient?
A. Explaining to the patient that there are no risks of EPS B. Prescribing the patient 12
mg/dail C. Titrating the dose by increasing it every 5–7 days D. Writing a prescription for a
higher dose of oral risperidone (Risperdal) to achieve high D2 receptor occupancy
QUESTION 6
The PMHNP wants to prescribe Mr. Barber a mood stabilizer that will target aggressive
and impulsive symptoms by decreasing dopaminergic neurotransmission. Which mood
stabilizer will the PMHNP select? A. Lithium (Lithane) B. Phenytoin (Dilantin) C.
Valproate (Depakote) D. Topiramate (Topamax)
