Depression Medications: Pharmacology for Nurses

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is the primary target of most antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 2

Selegiline belongs to which class of antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressant

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Question 3

How do SSRIs and SNRIs differ in their mechanism of action for treating depression?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin, while SNRIs block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Answer

SSRIs boost serotonin production, while SNRIs slow down serotonin breakdown.

Answer

SSRIs block serotonin and norepinephrine receptors, while SNRIs activate these receptors.

Question 4

Which medication class is commonly recommended as the initial treatment for moderate to severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism of action for SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of GABA transmission

Answer

Blockade of muscarinic receptors

Question 6

What is a potential drug interaction with MAOIs?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine-containing foods

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Aspirin

Question 7

What is a contraindication for the use of venlafaxine?

Accepted Answer

History of seizures

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Asthma

Question 8

Which of the following is a known side effect of paroxetine?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Bone marrow suppression

Question 9

Which of the following is a newer antidepressant that has demonstrated efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression?

Accepted Answer

Mirtazapine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Venlafaxine XR

Answer

Escitalopram

Question 10

Which of the following accurately describes the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake in the brain

Answer

Enhancement of norepinephrine activity in the brain

Answer

Stimulation of dopamine production

Answer

Prevention of acetylcholine breakdown

Question 11

In the treatment of moderate to severe depression, which class of antidepressants is generally recommended as the first-line therapy?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

Question 12

For a patient with a history of seizures who is prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), which of the following adverse effects should the nurse prioritize monitoring for?

Accepted Answer

Seizures

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Ataxia

Answer

Hypertension

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a commonly reported side effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Elevated sodium levels

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Weight gain

Question 14

Which of the following conditions is a contraindication to the use of venlafaxine (Effexor)?

Accepted Answer

Recent heart attack

Answer

Hepatic impairment

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Overactive thyroid

Question 15

Which medication is commonly used in combination with antidepressants as an adjunct therapy for treating major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Carbamazepine

Question 16

When administering a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), which of the following nursing interventions is of paramount importance?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Encouraging fluid intake

Answer

Assessing for extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Monitoring liver function tests

Question 17

Which of the following is a potential concern associated with the administration of mirtazapine (Remeron)?

Accepted Answer

Sedation

Answer

Cardiovascular toxicity

Answer

Liver damage

Answer

Kidney damage

Question 18

What is the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Blocking the reuptake of serotonin

Answer

Blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine

Answer

Blocking the reuptake of dopamine

Answer

Blocking the reuptake of GABA

Question 19

Which of the following is least likely to be a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Photosensitivity

Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

Sedation

Answer

Weight gain

Question 20

What is the major metabolite of fluoxetine?

Accepted Answer

Norfluoxetine

Answer

Dextrofluoxetine

Answer

Levocitalopram

Answer

Paroxetine

Question 21

Which of the following best describes the potential adverse effects associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of seizures, anticholinergic effects, and cardiovascular toxicity

Answer

Primarily gastrointestinal side effects, with limited cardiovascular or neurological impact

Answer

Minimal adverse effects, making TCAs generally well-tolerated

Question 22

Which of the following mechanisms of action best describes how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alleviate depression?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting reuptake of serotonin

Answer

Inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine

Answer

Increasing release of dopamine

Answer

Blocking acetylcholine receptors

Question 23

Which patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

A patient with severe depression who has not responded to medication

Answer

A patient with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a manic episode

Answer

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

A patient with schizophrenia

Question 24

What is the nurse's most important role in assessing a patient for depression?

Accepted Answer

Collecting a thorough psychiatric history

Answer

Performing a physical examination

Answer

Administering medication

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 25

Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 26

Which class of antidepressants exerts a dual effect on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Question 27

Select the most common potential adverse effect associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

Mania

Answer

Seizure activity

Answer

Weight gain

Question 28

For moderate to severe depression, what is the first-line treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

Combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy

Answer

Psychotherapy only

Answer

Antidepressant medication only

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of a drug holiday in the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

To assess the patient's response to the medication

Answer

To prevent the development of tolerance

Answer

To reduce the risk of adverse effects

Answer

To prevent drug dependence

Question 30

Identify the shared mechanism of action between venlafaxine and duloxetine:

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of dopamine reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase

Question 31

Which potential adverse effect is associated with the use of bupropion?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Weight gain

Question 32

Which patient is a suitable candidate for treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

Accepted Answer

A patient with mild to moderate depression

Answer

A patient with a history of seizures

Answer

A patient with bipolar disorder

Answer

A patient with significant liver impairment

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological treatment for depression?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Answer

Light therapy

Question 34

What is the most common side effect associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

Dizziness

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Blurred vision

Question 35

Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

Dizziness

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Anxiety

Question 36

A patient is taking an antidepressant and reports feeling emotionally detached and indifferent. Which of the following is the most likely adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 37

Which non-pharmacological intervention is commonly recommended as an adjunctive therapy for depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Massage therapy

Answer

Acupuncture

Answer

Yoga

Question 38

Which of the following is not a type of antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

Anxiolytic

Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

Answer

Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)

Question 39

What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity

Answer

Blockade of dopamine receptors

Question 40

When should an MAOI be considered as a first-line treatment for depression?

Accepted Answer

When other antidepressants have failed

Answer

When the patient has a history of seizures

Answer

When the patient is pregnant

Answer

When the patient has a history of anxiety disorders

Question 41

Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Recent myocardial infarction

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

History of depression

Question 42

What is the recommended duration of treatment for depression with an SSRI?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 months

Answer

2-3 weeks

Answer

Indefinitely

Answer

1-2 months

Question 43

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction with MAOIs?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine-containing foods

Answer

Antihistamines

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 44

What is the primary goal of antidepressant therapy?

Accepted Answer

To improve mood and functionality

Answer

To cure depression

Answer

To reduce suicidal thoughts

Answer

To prevent relapse

Question 45

Which of the following is a warning sign of potential misuse of antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

Taking more than prescribed

Answer

Feeling improved after taking the medication

Answer

Experiencing mild side effects

Answer

Taking the medication as prescribed

Question 46

Compare the clinical applications of trazodone and bupropion in the treatment of depression.

Accepted Answer

Trazodone is preferred in patients with insomnia, while bupropion is preferred in patients with fatigue.

Answer

Bupropion is preferred in patients with sexual dysfunction, while trazodone is preferred in patients with anxiety.

Answer

Trazodone is preferred in patients with bipolar disorder, while bupropion is preferred in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Question 47

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Blockade of dopamine reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity

Answer

Stimulation of norepinephrine release

Question 48

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

QTc prolongation

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Question 49

Which of the following antidepressants is generally considered as first-line treatment for severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Venlafaxine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Citalopram

Answer

Trazodone

Question 50

What is a primary concern when administering monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Dietary restrictions

Answer

QTc prolongation

Answer

Cardiac toxicity

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Question 51

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

Recent myocardial infarction

Answer

Catatonia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Psychosis

Question 52

What is the purpose of aripiprazole augmentation in the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

To enhance dopaminergic effects

Answer

To reduce serotonergic effects

Answer

To block noradrenergic effects

Answer

To inhibit cholinergic effects

Question 53

Which of the following is an essential nursing intervention for patients receiving lithium?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring serum lithium levels

Answer

Administering the medication with food

Answer

Encouraging caffeine intake

Answer

Providing education on alcohol consumption

Question 54

What is the primary goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression?

Accepted Answer

To change negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To regulate sleep patterns

Answer

To enhance coping mechanisms

Answer

To increase serotonin levels

Question 55

Which of the following is a risk factor for depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 56

What is the nursing priority when caring for a patient with suicidal ideation?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patient safety

Answer

Educating the patient on depression

Answer

Providing emotional support

Answer

Administering prescribed medications