NR546 / NR 546 Final Exam (Latest Update
2025/ 2026): Advanced Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology for the Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Questions
and Verified Answers | New!! – Chamberlain
Section 1: Mood Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. What is the gold standard medication for treating bipolar disorder, particularly
mania and maintenance?
A. Valproate
B. Lithium
C. Carbamazepine
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is the gold standard for bipolar disorder, effective for mania and
long-term maintenance.
2. What is the half-life of lithium?
A. 9–16 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 25–35 hours
D. 6–8 hours
Answer: 24 hours
Rationale: Lithium has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, allowing once-daily
dosing.
3. What is the half-life of valproate (Depakote)?
A. 9–16 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 25–35 hours
D. 6–8 hours
Answer: 9–16 hours
Rationale: Valproate’s half-life is 9–16 hours, requiring multiple daily doses.
4. How does valproate interact with lamotrigine?
A. Decreases lamotrigine levels
, B. Increases lamotrigine levels
C. No interaction
D. Decreases carbamazepine levels
Answer: Increases lamotrigine levels
Rationale: Valproate inhibits lamotrigine metabolism, increasing its levels; halve
lamotrigine dose when co-administered (VAL HA LA).
5. What is a serious adverse effect of lamotrigine (Lamictal)?
A. Hypertension
B. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Weight loss
Answer: Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Rationale: Lamotrigine carries a risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin
reaction (lamITCHal).
6. Which medication is used as an adjunct in depression for patients with low folate?
A. Bupropion
B. L-Methylfolate
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline
Answer: L-Methylfolate
Rationale: L-Methylfolate enhances serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine synthesis,
used as an adjunct in depression with folate deficiency.
7. What is the mechanism of action of L-Methylfolate?
A. Inhibits serotonin reuptake
B. Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis
C. Blocks dopamine receptors
D. Increases GABA levels
Answer: Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis
Rationale: L-Methylfolate enhances serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine synthesis,
aiding mood regulation.
8. Which SSRI is approved for bulimia nervosa to reduce binge-purge cycles?
A. Sertraline
B. Fluoxetine
C. Escitalopram
D. Paroxetine
2025/ 2026): Advanced Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology for the Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Questions
and Verified Answers | New!! – Chamberlain
Section 1: Mood Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. What is the gold standard medication for treating bipolar disorder, particularly
mania and maintenance?
A. Valproate
B. Lithium
C. Carbamazepine
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is the gold standard for bipolar disorder, effective for mania and
long-term maintenance.
2. What is the half-life of lithium?
A. 9–16 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 25–35 hours
D. 6–8 hours
Answer: 24 hours
Rationale: Lithium has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, allowing once-daily
dosing.
3. What is the half-life of valproate (Depakote)?
A. 9–16 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 25–35 hours
D. 6–8 hours
Answer: 9–16 hours
Rationale: Valproate’s half-life is 9–16 hours, requiring multiple daily doses.
4. How does valproate interact with lamotrigine?
A. Decreases lamotrigine levels
, B. Increases lamotrigine levels
C. No interaction
D. Decreases carbamazepine levels
Answer: Increases lamotrigine levels
Rationale: Valproate inhibits lamotrigine metabolism, increasing its levels; halve
lamotrigine dose when co-administered (VAL HA LA).
5. What is a serious adverse effect of lamotrigine (Lamictal)?
A. Hypertension
B. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Weight loss
Answer: Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Rationale: Lamotrigine carries a risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin
reaction (lamITCHal).
6. Which medication is used as an adjunct in depression for patients with low folate?
A. Bupropion
B. L-Methylfolate
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline
Answer: L-Methylfolate
Rationale: L-Methylfolate enhances serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine synthesis,
used as an adjunct in depression with folate deficiency.
7. What is the mechanism of action of L-Methylfolate?
A. Inhibits serotonin reuptake
B. Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis
C. Blocks dopamine receptors
D. Increases GABA levels
Answer: Enhances neurotransmitter synthesis
Rationale: L-Methylfolate enhances serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine synthesis,
aiding mood regulation.
8. Which SSRI is approved for bulimia nervosa to reduce binge-purge cycles?
A. Sertraline
B. Fluoxetine
C. Escitalopram
D. Paroxetine
