Midterm Exam
, 1. What will the PMHNP most likely prescribe to a patient with psychotic aggression
who needs to manage the top-down cortical control and the excessive drive from
striatal hyperactivity? A. Stimulants B. Antidepressants C. Antipsychotics D. SSRIs
2. The PMHNP is selecting a medication treatment option for a patient who is exhibiting
psychotic behaviors with poor impulse control and aggression. Of the available
treatments, which can help temper some of the adverse effects or symptoms that are
normally caused by D2 antagonism? A. 1st generation, conventional antipsychotics B. 1st
generation, atypical antipsychotics C. 2nd generation, conventional antipsychotics D. 2nd
generation, atypical antipsychotics
3. The PMHNP is discussing dopamine D2 receptor occupancy and its association with
aggressive behaviors in patients with the student. Why does the PMHNP prescribe a
standard dose of atypical antipsychotics? A. The doses are based on achieving 100% D2
receptor occupancy B. The doses are based on achieving 80% D2 receptor occupancy C.
The doses are based on achieving 60% D2 receptor occupancy D. None of the above
4. Why does the PMHNP avoid prescribing clozapine (Clozaril) as a first-line treatment to
the patient with psychosis and aggression? A. There is too high a risk of serious adverse
side effects B. It can exaggerate the psychotic symptoms C. Clozapine (Clozaril) should
not be used as high-dose monotherapy D. There is no documentation that Clozapine
(Clozaril) is effective for patients who are violent.
5. The PMHNP is caring for a patient on risperidone (Risperdal). Which action made by the
PMHNP exhibits proper care for this patient? A. Explaining to the patient that there are
no risks of EPS B. Prescribing the patient 12mg/daily C. Titrating the dose increasing it
every 5-7 days D. Writing a prescription for a higher dose of oral risperidone (Risperdal)
to achieve D2 receptor occupancy
6. The PMHNP wants to prescribe Mr. Barber a mood stabilizer that will target aggressive
and impulsive symptoms by decreasing dopaminergic neurotransmission. Which mood
stabilizer will the PMHNP select? A. Lithium (Lithane) B. Phenytoin (Dilantin) C.
Valproate (Depakote) D. Topiramate (Topamax)
7. The parents of a 7-year-old patient with ADHD are concerned about the effects of
stimulants on their child. The parents prefer to start pharmacological treatment with a
non-stimulant. Which medication will the PMHNP will most likely prescribe? A.
Strattera B. Concerta C. Daytrana D. Adderall
8. The PMHNP understands that slow-dose extended release stimulants are most
appropriate for which patient with ADHD? A. 8-year-old patient B. 24-year-old patient
C. 55-year-old patient D. 82-year-old patient
9. A patient is prescribed D-methylphenidate, 10mg extended-release capsules. What
should the PMHNP include when discussing the side effects with the patient? A. The
formulation can have delayed actions when taking food B. Sedation can be a common
side effect of the drug C. The medication can affect your blood pressure D. This drug
does not cause any dependency.
10. The PMHNP is teaching parents about their child’s new prescription for Ritalin? What
will the PMHNP include in the teaching? A. The second dose should be taken at lunch
B. There are no risks for insomnia C. There is only one daily dose, to be taken in the
morning D. There will be continued effects into the evening.