LCSW Psychopharmacology and Medication Awareness

Question 1

A client who takes lithium for bipolar I disorder reports vomiting, diarrhea, a coarse hand tremor and new confusion. What should the social worker do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client for immediate medical evaluation for possible lithium toxicity

Answer

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index. GI upset, a coarse tremor and confusion are classic signs of toxicity, which is a medical emergency, so immediate medical evaluation comes before any clinical exploration.

Question 2

The FDA black box warning on SSRI antidepressants refers to which risk?

Accepted Answer

Increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults

Answer

Antidepressants, including SSRIs, carry a black box warning for increased suicidality in people under 25, especially early in treatment or after dose changes. Social workers should monitor these clients closely.

Question 3

Which antipsychotic requires ongoing blood monitoring because it can cause agranulocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Clozapine works well for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but can cause a dangerous drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis), so absolute neutrophil counts must be monitored regularly.

Question 4

A client who has taken a first-generation antipsychotic for many years shows involuntary lip smacking, tongue thrusting and grimacing. These symptoms are MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder linked to long-term dopamine-blocking medications. It involves repetitive involuntary movements of the face, tongue and limbs and may be irreversible.

Question 5

Which of the following medications is a benzodiazepine?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety. Benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence, and stopping them abruptly can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic.

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW Psychopharmacology and Medication Awareness