Latest, (A Grade), Questions and ANSWERs, All Correct Study
Questions
Walden University, NURS 6630 Psychopharmacology Midterm Exam
1. The primary mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines is:
a) Antagonism at the NMDA receptor
b) Inhibition of monoamine oxidase
c) Enhancement of GABA-A receptor-mediated chloride influx
d) Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors
ANSWER: c) Enhancement of GABA-A receptor-mediated chloride influx
2. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a partial agonist?
a) It produces a maximal response equal to a full agonist.
b) It has zero efficacy and only blocks the receptor.
c) It produces a sub-maximal response even when occupying all receptors.
d) It irreversibly binds to the receptor site.
ANSWER: c) It produces a sub-maximal response even when occupying all receptors.
3. The therapeutic action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is primarily due to:
a) Increased degradation of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
b) Blockade of serotonin receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake into the presynaptic neuron.
d) Direct stimulation of serotonin synthesis.
ANSWER: c) Inhibition of serotonin reuptake into the presynaptic neuron.
4. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a potential long-term side effect associated with which class of drugs?
a) Atypical Antipsychotics
,b) Typical (First-Generation) Antipsychotics
c) Benzodiazepines
d) Mood Stabilizers
ANSWER: b) Typical (First-Generation) Antipsychotics
5. The "Black Box Warning" for antidepressants from the FDA specifically concerns the potential for:
a) Hepatotoxicity
b) Increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults
c) Hypertensive crisis
d) Development of Type II Diabetes
ANSWER: b) Increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults
6. Which of the following is NOT considered a monoamine neurotransmitter?
a) Dopamine
b) Norepinephrine
c) Serotonin
d) GABA
ANSWER: d) GABA
7. Pharmacokinetics is best defined as:
a) The biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
b) The time course of a drug's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
c) The study of how genetic variation affects an individual's response to drugs.
d) The dose-response relationship of a medication.
ANSWER: b) The time course of a drug's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
8. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) must avoid foods high in tyramine, such as
aged cheeses, to prevent:
a) Serotonin Syndrome
,b) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
c) Hypertensive Crisis
d) Diabetic Ketoacidosis
ANSWER: c) Hypertensive Crisis
9. Which antipsychotic is most associated with the side effect of agranulocytosis?
a) Haloperidol
b) Clozapine
c) Risperidone
d) Quetiapine
ANSWER: b) Clozapine
10. The primary reason for requiring gradual titration when initiating and discontinuing SSRIs is to:
a) Improve overall efficacy.
b) Minimize gastrointestinal side effects and prevent discontinuation syndrome.
c) Ensure rapid onset of action.
d) Reduce the cost of treatment.
ANSWER: b) Minimize gastrointestinal side effects and prevent discontinuation syndrome.
11. The therapeutic blood level range for Lithium is typically:
a) 0.1-0.5 mEq/L
b) 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
c) 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
d) 2.5-3.5 mEq/L
ANSWER: b) 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
12. Which valproate laboratory monitoring is most critical due to the risk of life-threatening toxicity?
a) Serum Sodium
b) Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
, c) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
d) Creatinine Clearance
ANSWER: b) Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
13. The drug of choice for treating acute extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) induced by antipsychotics is:
a) Lorazepam
b) Benztropine
c) Lithium
d) Propranolol
ANSWER: b) Benztropine
14. Which of the following is a common side effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?
a) Weight loss
b) Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation)
c) Hyponatremia
d) Metabolic alkalosis
ANSWER: b) Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation)
15. The concept of "half-life" refers to the time required for:
a) The drug to be completely eliminated from the body.
b) The plasma concentration of a drug to be reduced by 50%.
c) The drug to achieve its peak plasma concentration.
d) The onset of a drug's therapeutic effect.
ANSWER: b) The plasma concentration of a drug to be reduced by 50%.
16. Bupropion is an antidepressant that is unique because it primarily affects which neurotransmitters?
a) Serotonin and Norepinephrine
b) Dopamine and Norepinephrine
c) Serotonin only