1|Page
NURS 6630 FINAL EXAM | WALDEN UNIVERSITY 2025/2026 | 140
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | GRADED A+, 100%
CORRECT
Q1 — SSRI mechanism of action
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of SSRIs
such as fluoxetine and sertraline?
A. Block dopamine reuptake at the presynaptic neuron
B. Inhibit serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic transporter
C. Block norepinephrine release from vesicles
D. Increase GABA receptor activity
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs selectively block serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin
availability in the synapse.
Q2 — Antidepressant black box warning
What is the FDA black box warning for all antidepressants in children,
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adolescents, and young adults?
A. Risk of agranulocytosis
B. Risk of serotonin syndrome
C. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
D. Increased risk of seizures
Answer: C
Rationale: All antidepressants carry a black box warning for suicidality in
individuals ≤24 years old.
Q3 — First-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)
A. Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs or SNRIs
C. Buspirone
D. Beta-blockers
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are the evidence-based first-line agents for
GAD.
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Q4 — Lithium monitoring labs
Which labs must be monitored regularly in patients on lithium therapy?
A. Liver function tests
B. Complete blood count
C. Thyroid and renal function, plus serum lithium level
D. Fasting lipid panel
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium affects kidney clearance and thyroid function; toxicity
requires routine level checks.
Q5 — Clozapine safety concern
What is the most serious adverse effect requiring regular monitoring in
patients on clozapine?
A. Hepatic failure
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Hypertension
D. QT prolongation
Answer: B
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Rationale: Clozapine can cause life-threatening neutropenia; ANC
monitoring is mandatory.
Q6 — Benzodiazepine mechanism of action
A. Block NMDA receptors
B. Increase frequency of chloride channel opening via GABA-A receptor
C. Inhibit serotonin reuptake
D. Block norepinephrine reuptake
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are GABA-A receptor allosteric modulators,
enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission.
Q7 — First-line treatment for ADHD in school-aged children
A. Antipsychotics
B. SSRIs
C. Stimulants
D. Alpha-2 agonists
Answer: C
NURS 6630 FINAL EXAM | WALDEN UNIVERSITY 2025/2026 | 140
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | GRADED A+, 100%
CORRECT
Q1 — SSRI mechanism of action
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of SSRIs
such as fluoxetine and sertraline?
A. Block dopamine reuptake at the presynaptic neuron
B. Inhibit serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic transporter
C. Block norepinephrine release from vesicles
D. Increase GABA receptor activity
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs selectively block serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin
availability in the synapse.
Q2 — Antidepressant black box warning
What is the FDA black box warning for all antidepressants in children,
,2|Page
adolescents, and young adults?
A. Risk of agranulocytosis
B. Risk of serotonin syndrome
C. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
D. Increased risk of seizures
Answer: C
Rationale: All antidepressants carry a black box warning for suicidality in
individuals ≤24 years old.
Q3 — First-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)
A. Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs or SNRIs
C. Buspirone
D. Beta-blockers
Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are the evidence-based first-line agents for
GAD.
,3|Page
Q4 — Lithium monitoring labs
Which labs must be monitored regularly in patients on lithium therapy?
A. Liver function tests
B. Complete blood count
C. Thyroid and renal function, plus serum lithium level
D. Fasting lipid panel
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium affects kidney clearance and thyroid function; toxicity
requires routine level checks.
Q5 — Clozapine safety concern
What is the most serious adverse effect requiring regular monitoring in
patients on clozapine?
A. Hepatic failure
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Hypertension
D. QT prolongation
Answer: B
, 4|Page
Rationale: Clozapine can cause life-threatening neutropenia; ANC
monitoring is mandatory.
Q6 — Benzodiazepine mechanism of action
A. Block NMDA receptors
B. Increase frequency of chloride channel opening via GABA-A receptor
C. Inhibit serotonin reuptake
D. Block norepinephrine reuptake
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines are GABA-A receptor allosteric modulators,
enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission.
Q7 — First-line treatment for ADHD in school-aged children
A. Antipsychotics
B. SSRIs
C. Stimulants
D. Alpha-2 agonists
Answer: C
