EXAM
PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan II - Walden
University
Actual Qs and Ans Expert-Verified
Explanation
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
100 Questions and Answers
format set of multiple-choice
, Expert-Verified Explanation
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1) The half-life of lithium is about…?
A. 8 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 48 hours
Correct Answer: C. 24 hours
Rationale: Lithium’s plasma half-life, in an individual with normal renal
function, is typically around 24 hours. This moderate half-life often allows
once- or twice-daily dosing. Even slight changes in kidney function or fluid
balance can significantly affect levels, so monitoring is crucial.
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2) Fluoxetine is the SSRI with the ______ withdrawal risk, due to its long half-
life.
A. Highest
B. Lowest
C. Moderate
D. No
Correct Answer: B. Lowest
,Rationale: Fluoxetine (Prozac) has one of the longest half-lives among SSRIs
(approximately two weeks when factoring in its active metabolite). Because
the drug leaves the body gradually, discontinuation symptoms are less
pronounced compared to shorter half-life antidepressants.
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3) Which one of the following antipsychotics is incorrectly associated with a
long half-life?
A. Cariprazine (2–4 days; active metabolites up to 3 weeks)
B. Aripiprazole (≈3 days)
C. Risperidone (≈12–24 hours)
D. Brexipiprazole (≈4 days)
Correct Answer: C. Risperidone (≈12–24 hours)
Rationale: Cariprazine, aripiprazole, and brexipiprazole all have notably
long half-lives or active metabolites lasting days/weeks, which can help
maintain stable blood levels if doses are occasionally missed. Risperidone,
however, has a relatively short half-life (about 12–24 hours).
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4) Disulfiram’s alcohol-interaction effects can persist for up to how long after
the medication is stopped?
A. 1 day
B. 2–3 days, up to 2 weeks
C. 4 weeks
D. 12 hours
, Correct Answer: B. 2–3 days, up to 2 weeks
Rationale: Disulfiram (Antabuse) irreversibly inhibits aldehyde
dehydrogenase. The effect can last up to 1–2 weeks after discontinuation,
because the body must synthesize new enzyme. Patients are advised to
avoid alcohol for at least 14 days upon stopping.
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5) Which TCA is known for having a long half-life?
A. Amitriptyline
B. Doxepin
C. Nortriptyline
D. Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Correct Answer: D. Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Rationale: Protriptyline is less commonly prescribed but has a relatively
longer half-life among the tricyclic antidepressants. TCAs require close
monitoring for side effects and potential toxicity; half-life affects how quickly
toxicity or withdrawal might manifest.
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6) Most psychotropics (including many psychiatric medications) have a
“medium-range” half-life of approximately…?
A. 6 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 24 hours
D. 72 hours