D116 NURS 6800 Advanced Pharmacology
(PMHNP)
Complete FA Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. What is the primary mechanism of action of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- a) Inhibition of norepinephrine production
- b) Enhancement of dopamine release
- c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at synaptic clefts
- d) Blocking GABA receptors
ANS : c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at synaptic clefts
Rationale : SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the
synaptic cleft to improve mood regulation.
©2025
,2. Which medication requires monitoring of liver function tests
due to potential hepatotoxicity in psychiatric patients?
- a) Lithium
- b) Valproic acid
- c) Risperidone
- d) Fluoxetine
ANS : b) Valproic acid
Rationale : Valproic acid is associated with hepatotoxicity,
especially during long-term use.
---
Fill-in-the-Blank
3. The therapeutic effect of lithium in bipolar disorder is
primarily achieved through the modulation of ________ signaling
pathways.
ANS : intracellular
Rationale : Lithium regulates intracellular signaling and
stabilizes mood in bipolar disorder.
4. The metabolism of benzodiazepines relies heavily on the
________ enzyme pathway, making them prone to drug-drug
interactions.
©2025
, ANS : cytochrome P450
Rationale : Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in
metabolizing many medications, including benzodiazepines.
---
True/False
5. First-generation antipsychotics primarily target dopamine D2
receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms.
ANS : True
Rationale : D2 receptor antagonism is the primary mechanism
for first-generation antipsychotics.
6. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
should avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crises.
ANS : True
Rationale : MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which
can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure when ingested.
---
Multiple Response
©2025
, 7. Which factors should be considered when prescribing
psychotropic medications for older adults? (Select all that apply)
- a) Increased risk of falls
- b) Altered pharmacokinetics due to renal decline
- c) Higher tolerance to sedatives
- d) Polypharmacy concerns
ANS : a), b), d)
Rationale : Older adults have altered pharmacokinetics,
increased fall risk, and often face polypharmacy challenges.
8. What are the primary adverse effects of antipsychotics that
require monitoring? (Select all that apply)
- a) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
- b) Metabolic syndrome
- c) Hepatotoxicity
- d) Prolonged QT interval
ANS : a), b), d)
Rationale : Antipsychotics may cause EPS, metabolic changes,
and cardiac rhythm issues.
---
©2025
(PMHNP)
Complete FA Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. What is the primary mechanism of action of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- a) Inhibition of norepinephrine production
- b) Enhancement of dopamine release
- c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at synaptic clefts
- d) Blocking GABA receptors
ANS : c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake at synaptic clefts
Rationale : SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the
synaptic cleft to improve mood regulation.
©2025
,2. Which medication requires monitoring of liver function tests
due to potential hepatotoxicity in psychiatric patients?
- a) Lithium
- b) Valproic acid
- c) Risperidone
- d) Fluoxetine
ANS : b) Valproic acid
Rationale : Valproic acid is associated with hepatotoxicity,
especially during long-term use.
---
Fill-in-the-Blank
3. The therapeutic effect of lithium in bipolar disorder is
primarily achieved through the modulation of ________ signaling
pathways.
ANS : intracellular
Rationale : Lithium regulates intracellular signaling and
stabilizes mood in bipolar disorder.
4. The metabolism of benzodiazepines relies heavily on the
________ enzyme pathway, making them prone to drug-drug
interactions.
©2025
, ANS : cytochrome P450
Rationale : Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in
metabolizing many medications, including benzodiazepines.
---
True/False
5. First-generation antipsychotics primarily target dopamine D2
receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms.
ANS : True
Rationale : D2 receptor antagonism is the primary mechanism
for first-generation antipsychotics.
6. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
should avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crises.
ANS : True
Rationale : MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which
can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure when ingested.
---
Multiple Response
©2025
, 7. Which factors should be considered when prescribing
psychotropic medications for older adults? (Select all that apply)
- a) Increased risk of falls
- b) Altered pharmacokinetics due to renal decline
- c) Higher tolerance to sedatives
- d) Polypharmacy concerns
ANS : a), b), d)
Rationale : Older adults have altered pharmacokinetics,
increased fall risk, and often face polypharmacy challenges.
8. What are the primary adverse effects of antipsychotics that
require monitoring? (Select all that apply)
- a) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
- b) Metabolic syndrome
- c) Hepatotoxicity
- d) Prolonged QT interval
ANS : a), b), d)
Rationale : Antipsychotics may cause EPS, metabolic changes,
and cardiac rhythm issues.
---
©2025
