NR546 Psychopharmacology: Week 1 Questions And
Correct Answers
1. What is the global burden of disease of mental health, neurological, and
substance use disorders?: 30%
2. How many children and adolescents are impacted by mental health disorders
worldwide?: 20%
3. How much does lost productivity related to anxiety and depression cost the
global economy each year?: $1 trillion USD
4. When prescribing medications, the psychiatric mental health nurse practi-
tioner (PMHNP) must consider each client's unique circumstances including but
not limited to-: - symptoms
- age
- physical health
- previous response to treatment
- lifestyle
5. The development of mental health conditions is linked to causes such as-: -
genetics
- biochemical processes
- environment
- lifestyle
6. Which is the priority data used to determine a treatment plan for mental
health disorders?
a. drug adverse effects
b. patient lifestyle
c. patient symptoms
d. treatment history: c. patient symptoms
7. Psychoactive Medications (image):
1/9
, 8. Psychoactive & Psychotropic Medications: According to the World Health Organization (WHO,
2020), the terms "psychoactive" and "psychotropic" may be used interchangeably and are the most neutral and
descriptive terms for medications that attect mental processes.
9. Symptom-Based Treatment: - A diagnosis is determined based on the presenting symptoms and by
utilizing well-developed interview techniques and assessment skills.
- The PMHNP must recognize that presenting symptoms may represent what is happening within the client's brain. For
example, changes or losses in grey matter are associated with numerous psychiatric diagnoses, including Alzheimer's
disease, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder
10. Challenges of Psychiatric Prescribing: - Several factors hinder the ettectiveness of psychiatric
drugs making a one-size-fits-all treatment plan impossible and even harmful. It is important to thoroughly understand
the full scope of a client's presenting symptoms.
- For example, a client who presents with depressive symptoms such as a lack of energy, somnolence, weight loss, and
suicidal thinking may warrant treatment with a more stimulating antidepressant. On the contrary, a client who presents
with both depressive and anxiety symptoms together may require a ditterent medication that will not aggravate their
anxiety. Even though each of these clients may indeed be clinically depressed, it is imperative to evaluate their specific
presenting symptoms to guide medication selection.
11. Is it common for patients with psychiatric disorders to need more than one
medication to treat their symptoms?: Yes, polypharmacy is common in treating psychiatric disorders,
so a client may need more than one psychotropic medication to treat their symptoms.
12. Lifestyle Factors: - client's smoking status
- diet
- exercise
- history of medication adherence
- history of addiction
Lifestyle factors should be considered when prescribing psychotropic medications.
13. Lifespan Considerations: - The PMHNP must consider the lifespan continuum to ensure safe and
ettective medication management.
- Careful consideration must be given to the client's age, developmental level, emotional status, health status, and ability
to participate in the medication administration process.
- Attention must also be given to the treatment needs of special populations.
2/9
Correct Answers
1. What is the global burden of disease of mental health, neurological, and
substance use disorders?: 30%
2. How many children and adolescents are impacted by mental health disorders
worldwide?: 20%
3. How much does lost productivity related to anxiety and depression cost the
global economy each year?: $1 trillion USD
4. When prescribing medications, the psychiatric mental health nurse practi-
tioner (PMHNP) must consider each client's unique circumstances including but
not limited to-: - symptoms
- age
- physical health
- previous response to treatment
- lifestyle
5. The development of mental health conditions is linked to causes such as-: -
genetics
- biochemical processes
- environment
- lifestyle
6. Which is the priority data used to determine a treatment plan for mental
health disorders?
a. drug adverse effects
b. patient lifestyle
c. patient symptoms
d. treatment history: c. patient symptoms
7. Psychoactive Medications (image):
1/9
, 8. Psychoactive & Psychotropic Medications: According to the World Health Organization (WHO,
2020), the terms "psychoactive" and "psychotropic" may be used interchangeably and are the most neutral and
descriptive terms for medications that attect mental processes.
9. Symptom-Based Treatment: - A diagnosis is determined based on the presenting symptoms and by
utilizing well-developed interview techniques and assessment skills.
- The PMHNP must recognize that presenting symptoms may represent what is happening within the client's brain. For
example, changes or losses in grey matter are associated with numerous psychiatric diagnoses, including Alzheimer's
disease, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder
10. Challenges of Psychiatric Prescribing: - Several factors hinder the ettectiveness of psychiatric
drugs making a one-size-fits-all treatment plan impossible and even harmful. It is important to thoroughly understand
the full scope of a client's presenting symptoms.
- For example, a client who presents with depressive symptoms such as a lack of energy, somnolence, weight loss, and
suicidal thinking may warrant treatment with a more stimulating antidepressant. On the contrary, a client who presents
with both depressive and anxiety symptoms together may require a ditterent medication that will not aggravate their
anxiety. Even though each of these clients may indeed be clinically depressed, it is imperative to evaluate their specific
presenting symptoms to guide medication selection.
11. Is it common for patients with psychiatric disorders to need more than one
medication to treat their symptoms?: Yes, polypharmacy is common in treating psychiatric disorders,
so a client may need more than one psychotropic medication to treat their symptoms.
12. Lifestyle Factors: - client's smoking status
- diet
- exercise
- history of medication adherence
- history of addiction
Lifestyle factors should be considered when prescribing psychotropic medications.
13. Lifespan Considerations: - The PMHNP must consider the lifespan continuum to ensure safe and
ettective medication management.
- Careful consideration must be given to the client's age, developmental level, emotional status, health status, and ability
to participate in the medication administration process.
- Attention must also be given to the treatment needs of special populations.
2/9
