NR 547 Week 5: Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan.100 Questions & Answers:Latest Updated A+ Score Solution Guide

NR 547 Week 5: Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental
Health Across the Lifespan.100 Questions & Answers
(Clinical Perspectives on Mood and Bipolar Disorders)
Part 1: Pharmacology – Actions & Examples
1. What is the primary mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
o A) Inhibit NE reuptake
o B) Inhibit 5-HT reuptake
o C) Block histamine receptors
o D) Inhibit DA reuptake
o Answer: B.
Rationale: SSRIs act by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).
2. Which of the following is an example of an SNRI?
o A) Sertraline
o B) Citalopram
o C) Venlafaxine
o D) Amitriptyline
o Answer: C. Rationale: Venlafaxine is categorized as a Serotonin-
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI).
3. How do SNRIs affect dopamine (DA) in the brain?
o A) Decrease DA in the basal ganglia
o B) Increase DA in the prefrontal cortex
o C) Block DA receptors directly
o D) No effect on DA

, o Answer: B. Rationale: SNRIs increase dopamine in the prefrontal
cortex, which can improve cognition.
4. Selective Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (SDRIs) primarily increase which
of the following?
o A) Sleep and relaxation
o B) Alertness and motivation
o C) Appetite
o D) Parasympathetic response
o Answer: B. Rationale: SDRIs inhibit DA reuptake, which leads to
increased alertness and motivation.
5. Which medication class inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and NE
while also blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors?
o A) SSRIs
o B) MAOIs
o C) TCAs
o D) SDRIs
o Answer: C. Rationale: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit the
reuptake of serotonin and NE and block norepinephrine, histamine,
and acetylcholine receptors.
6. Which enzyme do MAOIs inhibit to increase monoamine levels?
o A) Acetylcholinesterase
o B) Monoamine oxidase
o C) Cytochrome P450
o D) DNA polymerase

, o Answer: B. Rationale: MAOIs increase NE and serotonin by inhibiting
the enzyme (monoamine oxidase) that inactivates them.
7. Identify an example of a TCA from the list below:
o A) Phenelzine
o B) Doxepin
o C) Fluoxetine
o D) Duloxetine
o Answer: B. Rationale: Doxepin is a Tricyclic Antidepressant.
8. Which of these is a known MAOI?
o A) Isocarboxazid
o B) Paroxetine
o C) Desipramine
o D) Escitalopram
o Answer: A. Rationale: Isocarboxazid is an example of a Monoamine
Oxidase Inhibitor.
9. Which transmitter is NOT part of the monoamine hypothesis of
depression?
o A) Serotonin
o B) Norepinephrine
o C) GABA
o D) Dopamine
o Answer: C. Rationale: The monoamine hypothesis focuses on a
deficiency in serotonin, NE, and dopamine.
10.What is the current focus of research shifting toward regarding the
monoamine hypothesis?

, o A) Only serotonin levels
o B) Receptors and gene expression regulation
o C) Structural brain damage only
o D) Nutritional deficiencies alone
o Answer: B. Rationale: Emphasis has shifted from the transmitters
themselves to receptors and downstream events like gene expression
and epigenetic changes.


Part 2: Pharmacology – Adverse Effects & Pearls
1. A common side effect of SSRIs that often impacts compliance is:
o A) Hypertensive crisis
o B) Sexual side effects
o C) Urinary retention
o D) Hair loss
o Answer: B. Rationale: Sexual side effects are a noted adverse effect
of SSRIs.
2. SNRIs are unique from SSRIs because they may cause:
o A) Weight loss
o B) Elevated blood pressure
o C) Hypotension
o D) Bradycardia
o Answer: B. Rationale: Because SNRIs inhibit NE reuptake, they can
lead to elevated blood pressure.
3. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in clients with a history of
seizures?