BHP Pharmacology & Medication Management 3

Question 1

A BHP observes that a client prescribed risperidone has developed breast enlargement and galactorrhea. This is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

Elevated prolactin from dopamine D2 blockade

Answer

Risperidone's strong D2 blockade raises prolactin levels by removing dopamine's inhibitory effect on prolactin secretion.

Question 2

Which benzodiazepine property makes lorazepam preferred over diazepam for clients with liver impairment?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam undergoes glucuronidation rather than oxidative hepatic metabolism

Answer

Lorazepam is conjugated via glucuronidation, a pathway preserved in liver disease, unlike diazepam's oxidative metabolism.

Question 3

A client on valproate for bipolar disorder becomes pregnant. The BHP's most important immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Alert the prescriber immediately due to high teratogenicity risk

Answer

Valproate carries a high risk of neural tube defects and other fetal harm, requiring urgent prescriber consultation for medication review.

Question 4

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) works primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Blocking reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine

Answer

Methylphenidate blocks dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, increasing their synaptic availability in the prefrontal cortex.

Question 5

A client is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. They must be warned to avoid:

Accepted Answer

All alcohol-containing products including mouthwash and cough syrups

Answer

Disulfiram blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase, and even small amounts of alcohol from mouthwash or medication can trigger a severe reaction.

(BHP) Behavioral Health Professional Certification Practice Test