BCACP Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

Which first-line antidepressant class is preferred for treating major depressive disorder in ambulatory care due to its favorable safety profile?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

SSRIs are first-line for MDD due to their tolerability and safety compared to older antidepressant classes.

Question 2

A patient on lithium presents with tremor, polyuria, and a serum level of 1.6 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Hold lithium and assess for toxicity

Answer

A lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L exceeds the therapeutic range (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and symptoms indicate toxicity requiring dose hold and evaluation.

Question 3

Which medication used for opioid use disorder (OUD) requires enrollment in the DEA X-waiver program (prior to 2023 regulations) for office-based prescribing?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone

Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone previously required a DEA X-waiver for office-based prescribing for OUD, unlike methadone which required an OTP clinic.

Question 4

What is the recommended duration of maintenance antidepressant therapy after a second episode of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 year

Answer

After a second MDD episode, guidelines recommend at least 1 year of maintenance therapy to reduce recurrence risk.

Question 5

Which screening tool is validated for detecting alcohol use disorder in primary care settings?

Accepted Answer

AUDIT-C

Answer

The AUDIT-C is a validated 3-item alcohol screening tool recommended for use in primary care ambulatory settings.

BCACP - Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Exam Practice Test

BCACP - Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Exam Practice Test

BCACP Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders