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
Correct Answer: C. 24 hours