NR546 Final Exam Study Guide for Nursing
Carefully Structured Questions with Correct
Verified Solutions Already Graded A+ 2026
1
, What is the monoamine hypothesis of depression? ANSWER >> It theorizes that
depression is caused by a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmission, while mania is
due to an excess.
What is a key prescribing consideration for antidepressants in bipolar disorder?
ANSWER >> Antidepressants should not be given as monotherapy; they must be
combined with a mood stabilizer to avoid inducing mania.
What should be monitored when prescribing SNRIs to breastfeeding patients?
ANSWER >> Infant irritability.
What factors should be considered when prescribing antidepressants? ANSWER >>
Client preference, prior treatment response, anticipated adverse effects, comorbidities,
half-life, interactions, and cost.
What should be done if the initial antidepressant does not work? ANSWER >> First,
increase the dose; if that fails, switch to a different drug in the same class, then try a
drug in a different class, and possibly add a second medication.
What is the recommended dose adjustment for older patients taking citalopram and
escitalopram? ANSWER >> They should receive half the usual dose.
Which SSRI has the least CYP interactions? ANSWER >> Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Which SSRI is considered good for forgetful patients? ANSWER >> Fluoxetine, due to
its 2-3 day half-life.
What is the longest-acting antidepressant? ANSWER >> Fluoxetine, with a half-life of 1-
2 weeks.
What is discontinuation syndrome and which medication is more likely to cause it?
ANSWER >> Discontinuation syndrome occurs when stopping an antidepressant, and
paroxetine is more likely to cause it.
2
Carefully Structured Questions with Correct
Verified Solutions Already Graded A+ 2026
1
, What is the monoamine hypothesis of depression? ANSWER >> It theorizes that
depression is caused by a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmission, while mania is
due to an excess.
What is a key prescribing consideration for antidepressants in bipolar disorder?
ANSWER >> Antidepressants should not be given as monotherapy; they must be
combined with a mood stabilizer to avoid inducing mania.
What should be monitored when prescribing SNRIs to breastfeeding patients?
ANSWER >> Infant irritability.
What factors should be considered when prescribing antidepressants? ANSWER >>
Client preference, prior treatment response, anticipated adverse effects, comorbidities,
half-life, interactions, and cost.
What should be done if the initial antidepressant does not work? ANSWER >> First,
increase the dose; if that fails, switch to a different drug in the same class, then try a
drug in a different class, and possibly add a second medication.
What is the recommended dose adjustment for older patients taking citalopram and
escitalopram? ANSWER >> They should receive half the usual dose.
Which SSRI has the least CYP interactions? ANSWER >> Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Which SSRI is considered good for forgetful patients? ANSWER >> Fluoxetine, due to
its 2-3 day half-life.
What is the longest-acting antidepressant? ANSWER >> Fluoxetine, with a half-life of 1-
2 weeks.
What is discontinuation syndrome and which medication is more likely to cause it?
ANSWER >> Discontinuation syndrome occurs when stopping an antidepressant, and
paroxetine is more likely to cause it.
2
