NR546 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE | 2026/2027 COMPLETE
NURSING EXAM PREP | PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. What neurotransmitter receptors are primarily associated with Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
GABA receptors
Glutamate receptors
Dopamine receptors
Monoamine neurotransmitter receptors
2. All of the following are common side effects of SSRIs, EXCEPT:
a. Nausea
c. Myocardial Depression
d. b and c
b. Abnormal Bleeding
3. Serotonin Syndrome is always:
A pharmacokinetic interaction resulting in higher drug levels of the
object drug
Induced by a medication that increases absorption of another
medication
Due to decreased renal elimination of serotonin substances
Precipitated by the addition of another medication that results in
excess serotonin
4. What is the half-life range of Sertraline?
, 6-12 hours
27-36 hours
48-72 hours
12-24 hours
5. What is the black box warning associated with some selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and
adolescents
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
Increased risk of myocardial infarction
6. What is a side effect of MAOI medications when tyramine containing food is
ingested?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Ketoacidosis
Coma
Hypertensive crisis
7. The maximum daily dose of citalopram for patients greater than 60 years old
is:
60 mg
10 mg
40 mg
20 mg
, 8. Discuss the significance of Fluoxetine's half-life in the context of
antidepressant treatment.
Fluoxetine's half-life of 1-2 weeks allows for a more stable blood
concentration, which can help in managing symptoms of depression
effectively.
Fluoxetine's short half-life means it must be taken multiple times a day.
Fluoxetine's long half-life increases the risk of overdose.
Fluoxetine's half-life is irrelevant to its effectiveness as an
antidepressant.
9. What is the recommended adjustment for the dosage of citalopram or
escitalopram in older patients?
The dose should be increased by 25% for older patients.
The dose should remain the same for older patients.
The dose should be doubled for older patients.
The dose should be halved for older patients.
10. A patient is prescribed an SSRI and later starts taking a second medication
that is also serotonergic. What should the healthcare provider monitor for in
this patient?
Weight gain
Signs of serotonin syndrome
Decreased energy levels
Increased blood pressure
11. A patient has been taking Paroxetine for several months and decides to stop
the medication abruptly. What symptoms might they experience due to
NURSING EXAM PREP | PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. What neurotransmitter receptors are primarily associated with Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
GABA receptors
Glutamate receptors
Dopamine receptors
Monoamine neurotransmitter receptors
2. All of the following are common side effects of SSRIs, EXCEPT:
a. Nausea
c. Myocardial Depression
d. b and c
b. Abnormal Bleeding
3. Serotonin Syndrome is always:
A pharmacokinetic interaction resulting in higher drug levels of the
object drug
Induced by a medication that increases absorption of another
medication
Due to decreased renal elimination of serotonin substances
Precipitated by the addition of another medication that results in
excess serotonin
4. What is the half-life range of Sertraline?
, 6-12 hours
27-36 hours
48-72 hours
12-24 hours
5. What is the black box warning associated with some selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and
adolescents
Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
Increased risk of myocardial infarction
6. What is a side effect of MAOI medications when tyramine containing food is
ingested?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Ketoacidosis
Coma
Hypertensive crisis
7. The maximum daily dose of citalopram for patients greater than 60 years old
is:
60 mg
10 mg
40 mg
20 mg
, 8. Discuss the significance of Fluoxetine's half-life in the context of
antidepressant treatment.
Fluoxetine's half-life of 1-2 weeks allows for a more stable blood
concentration, which can help in managing symptoms of depression
effectively.
Fluoxetine's short half-life means it must be taken multiple times a day.
Fluoxetine's long half-life increases the risk of overdose.
Fluoxetine's half-life is irrelevant to its effectiveness as an
antidepressant.
9. What is the recommended adjustment for the dosage of citalopram or
escitalopram in older patients?
The dose should be increased by 25% for older patients.
The dose should remain the same for older patients.
The dose should be doubled for older patients.
The dose should be halved for older patients.
10. A patient is prescribed an SSRI and later starts taking a second medication
that is also serotonergic. What should the healthcare provider monitor for in
this patient?
Weight gain
Signs of serotonin syndrome
Decreased energy levels
Increased blood pressure
11. A patient has been taking Paroxetine for several months and decides to stop
the medication abruptly. What symptoms might they experience due to
