NURSING 7350
Psychopharmacology
Across the Lifespan
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who has been
recently diagnosed with depression. Which of the following
psychotropic medications would the nurse anticipate being
prescribed due to its efficacy and reduced risk of adverse
effects in older adults?
a) Fluoxetine (Prozac)
b) Venlafaxine (Effexor)
c) Paroxetine (Paxil)
d) Sertraline (Zoloft)
Answer: d) Sertraline (Zoloft)
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression. It is
often preferred in older adults due to its reduced side effect
profile and lower drug-drug interaction potential compared
to other SSRIs.
2. A 30-year-old female patient with bipolar disorder
presents with manic symptoms. Considering this patient's
gender and reproductive stage, which mood stabilizer
would be most appropriate to avoid negative effects on
fertility and pregnancy?
a) Lithium
b) Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
c) Valproate (Depakote)
d) Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Answer: d) Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Rationale: Lamotrigine has demonstrated a lower risk of
reproductive adverse effects and is considered a safe option
, during pregnancy. It is often the preferred choice for
women of reproductive age who need mood stabilization.
3. An adolescent female is experiencing her first episode of
psychosis. Which atypical antipsychotic would be the most
suitable option for reducing the risk of weight gain and
metabolic disturbances?
a) Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
b) Risperidone (Risperdal)
c) Quetiapine (Seroquel)
d) Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Answer: d) Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Rationale: Aripiprazole has a lower risk of causing weight
gain and metabolic disturbances compared to other atypical
antipsychotics. This makes it a preferable choice for
individuals who may already be at risk for metabolic
disorders.
4. A 70-year-old patient is taking warfarin for atrial
fibrillation and requires treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder. Which anxiolytic would be the best choice in this
case to minimize drug-drug interactions?
a) Alprazolam (Xanax)
b) Buspirone (Buspar)
c) Clonazepam (Klonopin)
d) Diazepam (Valium)
Answer: b) Buspirone (Buspar)
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic
Psychopharmacology
Across the Lifespan
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who has been
recently diagnosed with depression. Which of the following
psychotropic medications would the nurse anticipate being
prescribed due to its efficacy and reduced risk of adverse
effects in older adults?
a) Fluoxetine (Prozac)
b) Venlafaxine (Effexor)
c) Paroxetine (Paxil)
d) Sertraline (Zoloft)
Answer: d) Sertraline (Zoloft)
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression. It is
often preferred in older adults due to its reduced side effect
profile and lower drug-drug interaction potential compared
to other SSRIs.
2. A 30-year-old female patient with bipolar disorder
presents with manic symptoms. Considering this patient's
gender and reproductive stage, which mood stabilizer
would be most appropriate to avoid negative effects on
fertility and pregnancy?
a) Lithium
b) Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
c) Valproate (Depakote)
d) Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Answer: d) Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Rationale: Lamotrigine has demonstrated a lower risk of
reproductive adverse effects and is considered a safe option
, during pregnancy. It is often the preferred choice for
women of reproductive age who need mood stabilization.
3. An adolescent female is experiencing her first episode of
psychosis. Which atypical antipsychotic would be the most
suitable option for reducing the risk of weight gain and
metabolic disturbances?
a) Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
b) Risperidone (Risperdal)
c) Quetiapine (Seroquel)
d) Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Answer: d) Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Rationale: Aripiprazole has a lower risk of causing weight
gain and metabolic disturbances compared to other atypical
antipsychotics. This makes it a preferable choice for
individuals who may already be at risk for metabolic
disorders.
4. A 70-year-old patient is taking warfarin for atrial
fibrillation and requires treatment for generalized anxiety
disorder. Which anxiolytic would be the best choice in this
case to minimize drug-drug interactions?
a) Alprazolam (Xanax)
b) Buspirone (Buspar)
c) Clonazepam (Klonopin)
d) Diazepam (Valium)
Answer: b) Buspirone (Buspar)
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic
