Psychopharmacology is the use of psychotropic medications to treat mental illness.
Correct Answer
True
Psychotropic drugs affect mood, behaviors, thoughts, and perceptions by targeting neurotransmitters and their receptors.
Question 2
SSRIs reach full therapeutic effect within the first 24 hours of use.
Correct Answer
False
SSRIs typically take 2 weeks to start seeing effects and 4 to 6 weeks for full therapeutic benefit. Clients should be counseled about this delay.
Question 3
Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and physical dependency.
Correct Answer
True
Benzodiazepines carry risk of dependence and must be tapered slowly when discontinuing to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Question 4
Benzodiazepines work by making the neurotransmitter GABA more effective.
Correct Answer
True
Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors in the limbic system and reticular activating system, stabilizing postsynaptic cells and interfering with neuron firing.
Question 5
Tricyclic antidepressants are considered first-line therapy for depression today.
Correct Answer
False
TCAs are now considered second-line drugs because of serious adverse reactions including cardiotoxicity. SSRIs are generally preferred as first-line therapy.
Question 6
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause anticholinergic effects including blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.
Correct Answer
True
TCAs block muscarinic (acetylcholine) receptors, causing anticholinergic side effects. They also block histamine and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.
Question 7
First-generation antipsychotics have a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms than second-generation antipsychotics.
Correct Answer
False
First-generation (typical) antipsychotics have a higher risk of extrapyramidal effects including pseudoparkinsonism, dystonia, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia.
Question 8
Antipsychotics work primarily by blocking dopamine receptors.
Correct Answer
True
The therapeutic effects of antipsychotics are most likely due to blocking dopamine receptors, though they also bind to other receptor types causing adverse effects.
Question 9
Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics are effective in treating both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis.
Correct Answer
True
Newer atypical medications have shown effectiveness against both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (flat affect, withdrawal).
Question 10
All first-generation antipsychotics have the same efficacy in relieving psychosis symptoms despite differences in potency.
Correct Answer
True
Potency refers to the concentration needed to produce a response, not effectiveness. All first-generation agents have equal ability to relieve psychosis symptoms.
Question 11
Bupropion commonly causes sexual dysfunction as a side effect.
Correct Answer
False
Unlike other antidepressants, bupropion (an NDRI) does not cause sexual dysfunction or orthostatic hypotension, making it a useful alternative.
Question 12
MAOIs can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods.
Correct Answer
True
MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down tyramine. Accumulated tyramine triggers massive norepinephrine release, causing dangerous blood pressure elevation.
Question 13
Clients should be screened for bipolar disorder before starting antidepressant therapy.
Correct Answer
True
Starting an antidepressant in an undiagnosed bipolar client can trigger a manic or hypomanic episode.
Question 14
Lithium has a wide therapeutic range and does not require blood level monitoring.
Correct Answer
False
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Toxicity can cause tremors, confusion, seizures, and renal damage, so levels must be monitored regularly.
Question 15
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD.
Correct Answer
True
These are all examples of anxiety disorders characterized by excessive fear, anxiety, and corresponding behaviors that impair daily functioning.
Question 16
Benzodiazepines can be safely discontinued abruptly after long-term use.
Correct Answer
False
Benzodiazepines must be tapered slowly when discontinuing. Abrupt cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms including seizures.
Question 17
The pathophysiology of anxiety involves an excess of excitatory neurotransmitters or a deficiency of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA.
Correct Answer
True
Most medications that improve anxiety symptoms act directly or indirectly on the GABA system to increase inhibitory neurotransmission.
Question 18
Antipsychotics are listed on the Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults.
Correct Answer
True
Antipsychotics are on the list because they are linked to higher rates of cognitive decline and death in persons with dementia.
Question 19
Tardive dyskinesia is easily reversible once antipsychotic medication is stopped.
Correct Answer
False
Tardive dyskinesia (abnormal involuntary muscle movements) may be irreversible even after discontinuation, especially after long-term use of typical antipsychotics.
Question 20
Asian clients may metabolize antidepressants more slowly than White clients.
Correct Answer
True
Based on current studies, Asian clients generally do not metabolize antidepressants as quickly, which can lead to drug accumulation and elevated toxicity risk.
Question 21
Serotonin syndrome can occur when combining MAOIs with other serotonergic medications.
Correct Answer
True
Use of MAOIs should be separated by at least 2 weeks from TCAs and other serotonergic drugs due to the risk of fatal serotonin syndrome.
Question 22
TCAs can prolong the heart's QTc interval, increasing the risk of dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer
True
Because of this cardiac risk, TCAs should be used with caution in clients with bradycardia, electrolyte abnormalities, or other QTc-prolonging medications.
Question 23
Bupropion has a decreased risk of seizures in clients with eating disorders.
Correct Answer
False
A higher incidence of seizures was observed in clients with a current or past diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia nervosa taking bupropion.
Question 24
Insomnia is defined as the inability to obtain an adequate amount of sleep needed to function efficiently during the day.
Correct Answer
True
Insomnia may be situational (lasting days to weeks) or a chronic disorder with significant inability to initiate or maintain sleep.
Question 25
Sleep is essential for body restoration, including tissue repair, protein synthesis, and growth hormone secretion.
Correct Answer
True
During sleep, the body performs critical restorative functions that cannot be adequately completed during waking hours.