Question 1

Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-5, as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

A depressed affect plus five or more symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, abnormal eating patterns, and feelings of despair for at least two weeks

Question 2

A patient is prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for depression. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for this medication?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain

Question 3

A nurse is educating a patient about foods to avoid while taking phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. Which of the following foods should the patient avoid to prevent hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Aged cheese and soy sauce

Question 4

Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil)?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic effects

Question 5

A patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder develops excessive thirst, confusion, and muscle weakness after a day of heavy exercise in hot weather. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Excessive loss of sodium leading to lithium toxicity

Question 6

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake, while MAOIs decrease the effectiveness of monoamine oxidase, increasing neurotransmitter levels

Question 7

A patient with a history of major depressive disorder is prescribed sertraline. Which of the following is a serious potential adverse effect that requires immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Suicidal ideation, especially in children and adolescents

Question 8

A nurse is monitoring a patient on imipramine (Tofranil). Which laboratory test result would be most concerning and require immediate follow-up?

Accepted Answer

Elevated serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase

Question 9

A patient taking phenelzine (Nardil) develops a severe headache, palpitations, and nausea after eating at a restaurant. What is the most likely explanation for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive crisis due to ingestion of tyramine-containing foods

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the therapeutic effect of methylphenidate (Ritalin) in patients with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Heightens awareness and increases focus by stimulating the reticular activating system

Question 11

A nurse is caring for a patient on lithium therapy for bipolar disorder. Which of the following nursing interventions is most important to prevent toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Monitor electrolyte balance, especially sodium levels

Question 12

A patient is prescribed both sertraline (an SSRI) and warfarin (an anticoagulant). What is the primary concern with this drug combination?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of bleeding due to protein binding interactions

Question 13

Which of the following is a key nursing consideration when administering methylphenidate (Ritalin) to a child with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Monitor growth and development, as the drug may cause weight loss and affect height

Question 14

A patient taking an MAOI is prescribed a new medication. Which of the following drug classes should be avoided due to the risk of serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and SSRIs

Question 15

A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid (Depakene) as a mood stabilizer. What is the primary reason for using this antiseizure drug in bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

It stabilizes mood by modulating neurotransmitter activity

Question 16

A patient on imipramine (Tofranil) abruptly stops taking the medication. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Rebound dysphoria, irritability, or sleeplessness

Question 17

Which of the following is a common side effect of SSRIs such as sertraline?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Question 18

A patient with ADHD is started on methylphenidate. Which of the following is an important teaching point for the patient and family?

Accepted Answer

Do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets

Question 19

A nurse is caring for a patient on phenelzine (Nardil). Which of the following symptoms would indicate the need for immediate medical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Severe headache, palpitations, and chest pain

Question 20

A patient with depression is not responding to pharmacotherapy. Which of the following is an appropriate next step according to the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Pharmacological Management of Emotional, Mood, and Behavioral Disorders

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