Psychopharmacology & Medication Management Flashcards
7 cards from real LSP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Psychopharmacology & Medication Management flashcards as text
Which class of antidepressants works primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons?
Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs selectively block the reabsorption of serotonin into presynaptic neurons, increasing serotonin availability in the synapse and producing antidepressant effects.
Which mood stabilizer requires regular serum level monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window?
Answer: Lithium
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and requires regular blood level monitoring to avoid toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
A client taking an MAOI should avoid which dietary component to prevent hypertensive crisis?
Answer: Tyramine
MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses and cured meats can trigger a dangerous hypertensive crisis.
What is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Answer: Enhancing the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor and potentiate the inhibitory effects of GABA, producing anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle-relaxant effects.
Which atypical antipsychotic is associated with the highest risk of agranulocytosis and requires enrollment in a mandatory monitoring program?
Answer: Clozapine
Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cells), requiring mandatory regular blood count monitoring through the FDA REMS program.
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as akathisia, dystonia, and parkinsonism are most commonly associated with which class of medications?
Answer: First-generation (typical) antipsychotics
First-generation antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway, causing movement-related adverse effects collectively termed extrapyramidal symptoms.
When collaborating with prescribers regarding a client's medication management, the psychologist's primary role is to:
Answer: Provide behavioral observations and treatment response information
Psychologists contribute to pharmacological treatment by providing clinical observations, behavioral data, and treatment response information to inform the prescriber's medical decisions.