A + VE R I F I E D
W I LK E S U N I VE R S I T Y · N S G 5 5 2
NSG 552 Exam 2 — Psychopharmacology
Latest Update · Grade A · 50 Original High-Yield Questions
50 A+
O R IGINAL Q U ESTIONS VE R IFIE D ACC U R ACY L ATEST U P DATE
WHAT TH IS COVE RS
01 Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, and novel agents
02 Mood stabilizers and bipolar pharmacotherapy
03 Typical and atypical antipsychotics
04 Anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics, and ADHD pharmacotherapy
05 Drug interactions, metabolism, and special populations
A BO U T THIS ASSESSMENT
This original educational study assessment provides 50 high-yield multiple-choice questions covering
psychopharmacology across the lifespan. Each item is paired with a clearly marked correct answer and a concise
rationale explaining the underlying pharmacology, mechanism, and clinical monitoring considerations.
Question domains span antidepressants, mood stabilizers, typical and atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics and
sedative-hypnotics, stimulants and ADHD pharmacotherapy, substance use disorder pharmacotherapy, and CYP450
drug interactions. Specific emphasis is given to special populations including pregnancy, lactation, older adults, and
patients with comorbid conditions.
This assessment is intended for educational review only. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any
institution. Use it as a focused self-assessment alongside the course textbook and supervised clinical instruction.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM
, NSG552 EXAM 2 Original Educational Study Content ·
This section presents 50 original multiple-choice questions grouped by high-yield topic in psychopharmacology. Each question includes
the correct answer highlighted in green and a concise rationale explaining the underlying pharmacology and clinical reasoning.
SECTION I — ANTIDEPRESSANTS: SSRIS, SNRIS & NOVEL AGENTS
Mechanisms, dosing, adverse effects, and clinical monitoring of first-line antidepressant therapy.
1. A 32-year-old female with major depressive disorder is started on sertraline 50 mg daily. The patient asks
how the medication works. Which is the most accurate explanation?
A. It selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin availability in the
synaptic cleft
B. It enhances GABAergic inhibitory tone in the limbic system
C. It irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing synaptic norepinephrine
D. It blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It blocks the serotonin transporter (SERT) at the presynaptic
neuron, prolonging serotonin's action in the synaptic cleft. This is the proposed mechanism underlying its antidepressant effect.
2. A patient on an SSRI for 3 weeks reports new-onset restlessness, agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, and mild
confusion. The patient has also started tramadol for back pain. Which adverse effect is most likely?
A. Extrapyramidal reaction — administer diphenhydramine
B. Anticholinergic toxicity — administer physostigmine
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome — administer dantrolene
D. Serotonin syndrome — discontinue the offending agent and provide supportive care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome results from excessive central serotonergic activity, often when an SSRI is combined with another
serotonergic drug (e.g., tramadol, MAOIs, triptans, linezolid). Classic findings include neuromuscular hyperactivity (hyperreflexia,
clonus), autonomic instability, and altered mental status. Discontinue offending agents and provide supportive care.
3. Which antidepressant is most associated with a specific risk of hepatotoxicity and requires baseline and
ongoing liver function monitoring?
A. Bupropion
B. Fluoxetine
C. Nefazodone
D. Sertraline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nefazodone carries a black-box warning for life-threatening hepatotoxicity and has largely been replaced by other
agents. Baseline and periodic liver function tests are recommended if used. Other SSRIs (B, C) and bupropion do not carry this
boxed warning.
Page 1 STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM A+ VERIFIED
W I LK E S U N I VE R S I T Y · N S G 5 5 2
NSG 552 Exam 2 — Psychopharmacology
Latest Update · Grade A · 50 Original High-Yield Questions
50 A+
O R IGINAL Q U ESTIONS VE R IFIE D ACC U R ACY L ATEST U P DATE
WHAT TH IS COVE RS
01 Antidepressants: SSRIs, SNRIs, and novel agents
02 Mood stabilizers and bipolar pharmacotherapy
03 Typical and atypical antipsychotics
04 Anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics, and ADHD pharmacotherapy
05 Drug interactions, metabolism, and special populations
A BO U T THIS ASSESSMENT
This original educational study assessment provides 50 high-yield multiple-choice questions covering
psychopharmacology across the lifespan. Each item is paired with a clearly marked correct answer and a concise
rationale explaining the underlying pharmacology, mechanism, and clinical monitoring considerations.
Question domains span antidepressants, mood stabilizers, typical and atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics and
sedative-hypnotics, stimulants and ADHD pharmacotherapy, substance use disorder pharmacotherapy, and CYP450
drug interactions. Specific emphasis is given to special populations including pregnancy, lactation, older adults, and
patients with comorbid conditions.
This assessment is intended for educational review only. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any
institution. Use it as a focused self-assessment alongside the course textbook and supervised clinical instruction.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM
, NSG552 EXAM 2 Original Educational Study Content ·
This section presents 50 original multiple-choice questions grouped by high-yield topic in psychopharmacology. Each question includes
the correct answer highlighted in green and a concise rationale explaining the underlying pharmacology and clinical reasoning.
SECTION I — ANTIDEPRESSANTS: SSRIS, SNRIS & NOVEL AGENTS
Mechanisms, dosing, adverse effects, and clinical monitoring of first-line antidepressant therapy.
1. A 32-year-old female with major depressive disorder is started on sertraline 50 mg daily. The patient asks
how the medication works. Which is the most accurate explanation?
A. It selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin availability in the
synaptic cleft
B. It enhances GABAergic inhibitory tone in the limbic system
C. It irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing synaptic norepinephrine
D. It blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It blocks the serotonin transporter (SERT) at the presynaptic
neuron, prolonging serotonin's action in the synaptic cleft. This is the proposed mechanism underlying its antidepressant effect.
2. A patient on an SSRI for 3 weeks reports new-onset restlessness, agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, and mild
confusion. The patient has also started tramadol for back pain. Which adverse effect is most likely?
A. Extrapyramidal reaction — administer diphenhydramine
B. Anticholinergic toxicity — administer physostigmine
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome — administer dantrolene
D. Serotonin syndrome — discontinue the offending agent and provide supportive care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome results from excessive central serotonergic activity, often when an SSRI is combined with another
serotonergic drug (e.g., tramadol, MAOIs, triptans, linezolid). Classic findings include neuromuscular hyperactivity (hyperreflexia,
clonus), autonomic instability, and altered mental status. Discontinue offending agents and provide supportive care.
3. Which antidepressant is most associated with a specific risk of hepatotoxicity and requires baseline and
ongoing liver function monitoring?
A. Bupropion
B. Fluoxetine
C. Nefazodone
D. Sertraline
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nefazodone carries a black-box warning for life-threatening hepatotoxicity and has largely been replaced by other
agents. Baseline and periodic liver function tests are recommended if used. Other SSRIs (B, C) and bupropion do not carry this
boxed warning.
Page 1 STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM A+ VERIFIED
