ASPPB Psychopharmacology 2

Question 1

A patient on lithium reports coarse tremor, confusion, and vomiting. Serum lithium is 2.4 mEq/L. The most appropriate intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Discontinue lithium and initiate hemodialysis

Answer

Lithium levels above 2.0 mEq/L with neurological symptoms indicate severe toxicity requiring discontinuation and often hemodialysis.

Question 2

Which antidepressant mechanism is most associated with priapism as a side effect?

Accepted Answer

Trazodone via alpha-1 adrenergic blockade

Answer

Trazodone's alpha-1 adrenergic blockade impairs penile detumescence, making priapism a notable risk.

Question 3

A prescribing psychologist considers augmenting an SSRI non-responder with aripiprazole. Aripiprazole's primary mechanism that aids antidepressant augmentation is:

Accepted Answer

Partial D2 and 5-HT1A agonism with 5-HT2A antagonism

Answer

Aripiprazole is a partial D2/D3 and 5-HT1A agonist plus 5-HT2A antagonist, which modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic tone to enhance antidepressant response.

Question 4

Which pharmacokinetic parameter best describes the relationship between a drug's dose and its plasma concentration at steady state?

Accepted Answer

Clearance

Answer

Clearance determines steady-state plasma concentration for a given dose rate; higher clearance means lower steady-state levels.

Question 5

Naltrexone is used in alcohol use disorder primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Blocks opioid receptors, reducing alcohol's rewarding effects

Answer

Naltrexone blocks mu-opioid receptors, attenuating the dopaminergic reward signal triggered by alcohol consumption.

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

ASPPB Psychopharmacology 2