NSG 533 – Advanced Pharmacology 1 Exam Wilkes
University | 2026/2027 | Verified Study Guide with
Correct Concepts
Which of the following SSRIs requires up to a 5-week washout period because of the
long half-life of its potent active metabolite?
A. Escitalopram
B. Fluvoxamine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline - ANSWER---C
Which of the following symptoms is most likely to improve within approximately 1 week
of starting treatment?
A. Depressed mood
B. Suicidal thoughts
C. Anhedonia
D. Sleep - ANSWER---D
Of the following combinations of medications, which one would you want to avoid?
A. Fluoxetine-lithium
B. Fluoxetine-phenelzine
C. Citalopram-valproic acid
D. Citalopram-aripiprazole - ANSWER---B
A 26-year-old man with a history of depression has been taking sertraline 200 mg/day for 12 weeks with
no response. The patient has no other complications. The physician asks for your recommendation. The
most reasonable recommendation would be to:
A. Increase sertraline
B. Add fluoxetine
C. Switch to amitriptyline
D. Change to venlafaxine
, NSG 533 – Advanced Pharmacology 1 Exam Wilkes
University | 2026/2027 | Verified Study Guide with
Correct Concepts
E. Decrease sertraline - ANSWER---D
Which of the following is a dangerous combination?
A. MAOI-lorazepam
B. MAOI-acetaminophen
C. MAOI-meperidine
D. MAOI-ziprasidone - ANSWER---C
A 23-year-old married white woman comes to the outpatient psychiatric clinic
complaining of decreased sleep, decreased appetite, decreased concentration, depressed
mood, thoughts of death, and lack of interest in activities for 6 weeks' duration. She has
no history of psychiatric illness and takes no medications except for Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo
daily. Based upon the patients symptoms, choose the best medication to treat this patient.
A. Nefazodone 100 mg po twice daily
B. Paroxetine 20 mg po daily
C. St. John's wort 300 mg po three times daily
D. Amitriptyline 25 mg at bedtime - ANSWER---B
A 36-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for a severe methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
diabetic foot infection and is started on linezolid 600 mg IV every 12 hours. His medication profile
includes paroxetine 40 mg every morning, trazodone 100 mg at bedtime as needed for sleep, and
metformin 1000 mg po twice daily. After 3
days on these medications, the patient becomes agitated, confused, and diaphoretic and develops
myoclonic jerks. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Overdose of metformin
B. Bacterial meningitis
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Serotonin syndrome - ANSWER---D
University | 2026/2027 | Verified Study Guide with
Correct Concepts
Which of the following SSRIs requires up to a 5-week washout period because of the
long half-life of its potent active metabolite?
A. Escitalopram
B. Fluvoxamine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline - ANSWER---C
Which of the following symptoms is most likely to improve within approximately 1 week
of starting treatment?
A. Depressed mood
B. Suicidal thoughts
C. Anhedonia
D. Sleep - ANSWER---D
Of the following combinations of medications, which one would you want to avoid?
A. Fluoxetine-lithium
B. Fluoxetine-phenelzine
C. Citalopram-valproic acid
D. Citalopram-aripiprazole - ANSWER---B
A 26-year-old man with a history of depression has been taking sertraline 200 mg/day for 12 weeks with
no response. The patient has no other complications. The physician asks for your recommendation. The
most reasonable recommendation would be to:
A. Increase sertraline
B. Add fluoxetine
C. Switch to amitriptyline
D. Change to venlafaxine
, NSG 533 – Advanced Pharmacology 1 Exam Wilkes
University | 2026/2027 | Verified Study Guide with
Correct Concepts
E. Decrease sertraline - ANSWER---D
Which of the following is a dangerous combination?
A. MAOI-lorazepam
B. MAOI-acetaminophen
C. MAOI-meperidine
D. MAOI-ziprasidone - ANSWER---C
A 23-year-old married white woman comes to the outpatient psychiatric clinic
complaining of decreased sleep, decreased appetite, decreased concentration, depressed
mood, thoughts of death, and lack of interest in activities for 6 weeks' duration. She has
no history of psychiatric illness and takes no medications except for Ortho-Tri Cyclen Lo
daily. Based upon the patients symptoms, choose the best medication to treat this patient.
A. Nefazodone 100 mg po twice daily
B. Paroxetine 20 mg po daily
C. St. John's wort 300 mg po three times daily
D. Amitriptyline 25 mg at bedtime - ANSWER---B
A 36-year-old man is admitted to the hospital for a severe methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
diabetic foot infection and is started on linezolid 600 mg IV every 12 hours. His medication profile
includes paroxetine 40 mg every morning, trazodone 100 mg at bedtime as needed for sleep, and
metformin 1000 mg po twice daily. After 3
days on these medications, the patient becomes agitated, confused, and diaphoretic and develops
myoclonic jerks. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Overdose of metformin
B. Bacterial meningitis
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Serotonin syndrome - ANSWER---D
