D345 NURS 6348 Psychopharmacology(PMHNP)
Complete FA Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which medication class is considered the first-line treatment
for major depressive disorder (MDD)?
- a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- b) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- c) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- d) Atypical antipsychotics
ANS : a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Rationale : SSRIs are the first-line treatment due to their
efficacy and improved safety profile compared to TCAs and
MAOIs.
©2025
,2. What is the primary mechanism of action of atypical
antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole?
- a) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake
- b) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and partial agonism
- c) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation
- d) Glutamate receptor blockade
ANS : b) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and partial
agonism
Rationale : Atypical antipsychotics act on dopamine D2
receptors and serotonin receptors, reducing psychotic symptoms.
---
Fill-in-the-Blank
3. The mood-stabilizing effects of lithium are primarily achieved
by its regulation of ________ activity.
ANS : intracellular signaling
Rationale : Lithium modulates intracellular pathways,
stabilizing mood in patients with bipolar disorder.
4. In patients with generalized anxiety disorder, ________ are
often prescribed for short-term relief of acute symptoms.
©2025
, ANS : benzodiazepines
Rationale : Benzodiazepines provide rapid symptom relief but
are generally used short-term due to the risk of dependence.
---
True/False
5. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are contraindicated
in patients consuming tyramine-rich foods.
ANS : True
Rationale : MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which
can lead to hypertensive crises if consumed in excess.
6. Stimulant medications are contraindicated in all patients with
a history of substance use disorders.
ANS : False
Rationale : Stimulants can sometimes be safely prescribed with
close monitoring in patients with substance use histories.
---
Multiple Response
©2025
Complete FA Exam Review (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which medication class is considered the first-line treatment
for major depressive disorder (MDD)?
- a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- b) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- c) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- d) Atypical antipsychotics
ANS : a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Rationale : SSRIs are the first-line treatment due to their
efficacy and improved safety profile compared to TCAs and
MAOIs.
©2025
,2. What is the primary mechanism of action of atypical
antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole?
- a) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake
- b) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and partial agonism
- c) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation
- d) Glutamate receptor blockade
ANS : b) Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and partial
agonism
Rationale : Atypical antipsychotics act on dopamine D2
receptors and serotonin receptors, reducing psychotic symptoms.
---
Fill-in-the-Blank
3. The mood-stabilizing effects of lithium are primarily achieved
by its regulation of ________ activity.
ANS : intracellular signaling
Rationale : Lithium modulates intracellular pathways,
stabilizing mood in patients with bipolar disorder.
4. In patients with generalized anxiety disorder, ________ are
often prescribed for short-term relief of acute symptoms.
©2025
, ANS : benzodiazepines
Rationale : Benzodiazepines provide rapid symptom relief but
are generally used short-term due to the risk of dependence.
---
True/False
5. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are contraindicated
in patients consuming tyramine-rich foods.
ANS : True
Rationale : MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which
can lead to hypertensive crises if consumed in excess.
6. Stimulant medications are contraindicated in all patients with
a history of substance use disorders.
ANS : False
Rationale : Stimulants can sometimes be safely prescribed with
close monitoring in patients with substance use histories.
---
Multiple Response
©2025
