PMHNP Psychopharmacology – Final Exam Review – Nurse Practitioner
Program – Comprehensive Study Guide with Answers
This document provides a complete set of 104 practice questions and answers covering core topics in
psychopharmacology for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students. It addresses stress
response systems, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and the
pharmacodynamics of major psychotropic medications. Ideal for final exam preparation, it is structured in a
Q&A format for efficient study and memorization.
1. nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction),
energy is channeled into a host of functions preparing for rapid action.: When a
person or animal confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical
and hormonal reactions start to occur?
2. cortex, amygdala: Stressful events are perceived at the __________, processed at the
_______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
3. norepinephrine: when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation originates from the
locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
4. limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA: what is
responsible for the release of stress hormones?
, 5. chloride: _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
6. benzodiazepines: ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions which results in
widespread calming in may areas of the brain
7. serotonin: excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by _______
8. inhibitory: in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
9. activation: A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by making it more
disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
10. amygdala: Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the ___________.
11. encodes: After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain stimulus events
of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
12. serotonin: There is speculation that _______ many play a role in inhibiting cellular
reactivity in the amygdala
13. benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn
gabapentin: What are four medication options for treating GAD?
14. dependence/substance abuse: Benzodiazepines can be used to treat severe cases of
GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
15. Buspirone: _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is not addictive
16. gabapentin: This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat anxiety in bipolar
disorder
17. psychotropic medications: Specific phobias are generally not treated with
__________________.
18. beta-blockers: what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public speaking?
Program – Comprehensive Study Guide with Answers
This document provides a complete set of 104 practice questions and answers covering core topics in
psychopharmacology for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students. It addresses stress
response systems, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and the
pharmacodynamics of major psychotropic medications. Ideal for final exam preparation, it is structured in a
Q&A format for efficient study and memorization.
1. nonessential physiological processes shut down (i.e. digestion & reproduction),
energy is channeled into a host of functions preparing for rapid action.: When a
person or animal confronts actual (or perceived) danger situations, what neurochemical
and hormonal reactions start to occur?
2. cortex, amygdala: Stressful events are perceived at the __________, processed at the
_______, which then activates lower brain areas & puts the limbic system on alert
3. norepinephrine: when there is imminent danger, a burst of excitation originates from the
locus coeruleus which releases _____________, which results in instantaneous
hypervigilance.
4. limbic system and hypothalamus by activating the SNS, HTA, or HPA: what is
responsible for the release of stress hormones?
, 5. chloride: _________ ions act as a brake and dampen the limbic alert
6. benzodiazepines: ________ enhance the flow of negative (chloride) ions which results in
widespread calming in may areas of the brain
7. serotonin: excitability in the locus coerulues is also mediated by _______
8. inhibitory: in the Locus Coeruleus, serotonin is ____________.
9. activation: A decrease in serotonin may impact the locus coeruleus by making it more
disinhibited and more sensitive to ___________.
10. amygdala: Acquired fears appear to be mediated primarily by the ___________.
11. encodes: After very frightening events, the amygdala ________ certain stimulus events
of the experience. These memories are highly resistant to extinction.
12. serotonin: There is speculation that _______ many play a role in inhibiting cellular
reactivity in the amygdala
13. benzodiazepines, atypical antianxiety (buspirone), SNRIs and SSRIs, andn
gabapentin: What are four medication options for treating GAD?
14. dependence/substance abuse: Benzodiazepines can be used to treat severe cases of
GAD, but should not be used if the patient is at risk for ___________
15. Buspirone: _______ reduces worry and rumination seen in GAD, but it is not addictive
16. gabapentin: This antiseizure medication is primarily used to treat anxiety in bipolar
disorder
17. psychotropic medications: Specific phobias are generally not treated with
__________________.
18. beta-blockers: what is effective at reducing anxiety surrounding public speaking?
