NSG 552 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS 2026
▶ ETOH 2nd line treatment? Answer:disulfiram (Antabuse)
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) causes? Answer:aversion reaction to ETOH
(flushing, headaches, n/v, palpitation, SOB, vertigo, hypotension)
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) Do not? Answer:administer until the person has
been alcohol free at least 12 hours
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) MOA? Answer:Blocks enzyme (aldehyde
dehydrogenase) in the liver
▶ ETOH withdrawal- Benzos? Answer:To keep patient calm and lightly
sedated
▶ Benzos MOA? Answer:Enhance the effects of GABA
▶ Meds used in mild alcohol withdrawal? Answer:Tegretol, Valproic or
Gabapentin
▶ ETHO meds for nutritional deficiencies? Answer:Thiamine, folic acid, and
multivitamin - 'Banana bag'
▶ Wernicke's encephalopathy treatment? Answer:Parenteral Thiamine and
Folate
▶ Wernicke's encephalopathy cause? Answer:B1 deficiency
▶ Cocaine mechanism? Answer:reuptake of dopamine, epinephrine, and
NE = Stimulant effect
, ▶ Cocaine effects on the body? Answer:has vasoconstrictive effects = can
cause MI, stroke
▶ Cocaine treatment options? Answer:NO FDA approved med; Off-label =
naltrexone, modafinil, Topamax
▶ Antabuse in cocaine use disorder? Answer:increase synaptic dopamine
in the brain reward circuit and act as an agonist treatment in the setting of
cocaine use disorder
▶ Medications for cocaine-induced chest pain? Answer:nitroglycerin &
aspirin = No metoprolol
▶ Amphetamine treatment? Answer:Rehydrate, correct electrolyte, and
treat hyperthermia
▶ PCP symptoms of intoxication? Answer:Nystagmus
▶ Sedatives intoxication treatment? Answer:Benzos = Flumazenil in OD
(Benzo antagonist)
▶ PCP treatment options? Answer:Supportive care (rehydration, electrolyte
balance etc.); Benzos for agitation, anxiety, muscle spasms; Haldol for
severe agitation and psychosis
▶ Nicotine treatment? Answer:varenicline (Chantix)
▶ Varenicline (Chantix) MOA? Answer:mimics action of nicotine; most
effective tobacco cessation; Reduces rewarding aspects; Prevents
withdrawal symptoms
▶ Leading causes of death in serious mental illness? Answer:heart
disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular or respiratory disease, which can all
be linked to smoking
▶ Opioid medications/drugs stimulation? Answer:mu, kappa, and delta
opiate receptors
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS 2026
▶ ETOH 2nd line treatment? Answer:disulfiram (Antabuse)
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) causes? Answer:aversion reaction to ETOH
(flushing, headaches, n/v, palpitation, SOB, vertigo, hypotension)
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) Do not? Answer:administer until the person has
been alcohol free at least 12 hours
▶ disulfiram (Antabuse) MOA? Answer:Blocks enzyme (aldehyde
dehydrogenase) in the liver
▶ ETOH withdrawal- Benzos? Answer:To keep patient calm and lightly
sedated
▶ Benzos MOA? Answer:Enhance the effects of GABA
▶ Meds used in mild alcohol withdrawal? Answer:Tegretol, Valproic or
Gabapentin
▶ ETHO meds for nutritional deficiencies? Answer:Thiamine, folic acid, and
multivitamin - 'Banana bag'
▶ Wernicke's encephalopathy treatment? Answer:Parenteral Thiamine and
Folate
▶ Wernicke's encephalopathy cause? Answer:B1 deficiency
▶ Cocaine mechanism? Answer:reuptake of dopamine, epinephrine, and
NE = Stimulant effect
, ▶ Cocaine effects on the body? Answer:has vasoconstrictive effects = can
cause MI, stroke
▶ Cocaine treatment options? Answer:NO FDA approved med; Off-label =
naltrexone, modafinil, Topamax
▶ Antabuse in cocaine use disorder? Answer:increase synaptic dopamine
in the brain reward circuit and act as an agonist treatment in the setting of
cocaine use disorder
▶ Medications for cocaine-induced chest pain? Answer:nitroglycerin &
aspirin = No metoprolol
▶ Amphetamine treatment? Answer:Rehydrate, correct electrolyte, and
treat hyperthermia
▶ PCP symptoms of intoxication? Answer:Nystagmus
▶ Sedatives intoxication treatment? Answer:Benzos = Flumazenil in OD
(Benzo antagonist)
▶ PCP treatment options? Answer:Supportive care (rehydration, electrolyte
balance etc.); Benzos for agitation, anxiety, muscle spasms; Haldol for
severe agitation and psychosis
▶ Nicotine treatment? Answer:varenicline (Chantix)
▶ Varenicline (Chantix) MOA? Answer:mimics action of nicotine; most
effective tobacco cessation; Reduces rewarding aspects; Prevents
withdrawal symptoms
▶ Leading causes of death in serious mental illness? Answer:heart
disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular or respiratory disease, which can all
be linked to smoking
▶ Opioid medications/drugs stimulation? Answer:mu, kappa, and delta
opiate receptors
