ACT Pharmacology & Medication Management 2

Question 1

A client taking an SSRI for depression asks about starting St. John's Wort to boost the effect. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome risk

Answer

Combining SSRIs with St. John's Wort can cause serotonin syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects.

Question 2

Which class of medications is most commonly associated with discontinuation syndrome if stopped abruptly?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs

Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs frequently cause discontinuation syndrome (dizziness, flu-like symptoms, 'brain zaps') when stopped abruptly.

Question 3

A client on lithium therapy reports nausea, tremor, and polyuria. The therapist's most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Refer to the prescribing physician immediately

Answer

These symptoms may indicate lithium toxicity, requiring immediate medical evaluation as the window between therapeutic and toxic levels is narrow.

Question 4

In ACT-integrated care, the therapist's role regarding a client's psychiatric medication is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with prescribers while maintaining scope of practice

Answer

ACT therapists coordinate with prescribers as part of integrated care while remaining within their non-prescribing scope of practice.

Question 5

A client expresses that their antidepressant 'numbs' their emotions and they want to stop. The ACT-consistent response prioritizes:

Accepted Answer

Exploring the client's values and facilitating a conversation with their prescriber

Answer

ACT supports client autonomy and values-based decision-making while encouraging coordination with the prescribing physician.

ACT Practice Test