LSP Psychopharmacology & Medication Management 3

Question 1

A client being treated with lithium presents with tremors, excessive thirst, and cognitive dulling. The psychologist's most appropriate immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the prescribing physician to discuss potential lithium toxicity

Answer

Reassure the client these are temporary and expected side effects

Answer

Recommend the client reduce their lithium dose on their own

Answer

Advise the client to restrict fluid intake to reduce thirst

Question 2

In psychopharmacology, 'augmentation therapy' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Adding a second medication to enhance the therapeutic effect of the primary agent

Answer

Replacing one medication with a more effective alternative

Answer

Gradually tapering medication doses to minimize discontinuation effects

Answer

Switching from a brand-name medication to a generic formulation

Question 3

Research consistently shows that medication adherence is most effectively improved through:

Accepted Answer

Psychoeducation, a strong therapeutic alliance, and collaborative problem-solving around side effects

Answer

Prescribing all medications as single daily doses regardless of pharmacokinetics

Answer

Requiring clients to sign formal medication compliance contracts

Answer

Using only injectable depot medications to ensure compliance

Question 4

The FDA black box warning on antidepressants specifically for children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 24 addresses:

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in youth

Answer

Increased risk of psychosis in pediatric populations

Answer

Potential for physical dependence and addiction

Answer

Risk of seizures in pediatric populations

Question 5

Valproate (valproic acid) is generally contraindicated during pregnancy primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

High risk of neural tube defects and fetal developmental impairment

Answer

Risk of fetal cardiac defects

Answer

Risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome

Answer

Significantly increased risk of premature birth

Question 6

When a client's major depressive disorder has not responded to two adequate antidepressant trials of sufficient dose and duration, this is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Treatment-resistant depression

Answer

Pseudo-resistance due to medication non-adherence

Answer

Bipolar II depression requiring a different class of treatment

Answer

Dysthymia requiring long-term maintenance therapy

Question 7

Which statement best describes a psychologist's ethical and professional responsibility regarding psychopharmacology knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists should maintain sufficient knowledge to recognize medication effects and collaborate effectively with prescribers

Answer

Psychologists must acquire pharmacology knowledge equivalent to that of psychiatrists

Answer

Psychologists have no responsibility for medication knowledge since they do not prescribe

Answer

Psychologists may prescribe medications when psychiatric consultation is unavailable in rural areas