Week 1 - 4 Midterm Exam: NR546

Week 1 - 4 Midterm Exam: NR546 /

NR 546 (Latest Update 2025 / 2026)

Advanced Pharmacology:

Psychopharmacology for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct – Chamberlain

Question:

Is it common for patients with psychiatric disorders to need more than one medication to treat their symptoms?

Answer:

Yes, polypharmacy is common in treating psychiatric disorders, so a client may need more than one psychotropic medication to treat their symptoms.

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Question:

Lifestyle Factors

Answer:

• client's smoking status
• diet
• exercise
• history of medication adherence
• history of addiction

Lifestyle factors should be considered when prescribing psychotropic medications.

Question:

Lifespan Considerations

Answer:

• The PMHNP must consider the lifespan continuum to ensure safe and

effective medication management.

• Careful consideration must be given to the client's age, developmental level,

emotional status, health status, and ability to participate in the medication administration process.

• Attention must also be given to the treatment needs of special populations.

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Question:

Lifespan Considerations: Pediatrics

Answer:

• Pediatric clients respond differently to drugs than adults.
• They have heightened drug sensitivity, show greater individual variation,

and are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions.

• Dosage selection can be challenging because their brains and bodies are still

developing.

Question:

Lifespan Considerations: Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Answer:

• Several psychotropic drugs are not safe to use during pregnancy or when

breastfeeding.

• The use of certain drugs during pregnancy can result in birth defects and the

use of certain drugs during breastfeeding can result in the presence of the drug in breastmilk, affect the breastfed child, or affect milk production.

• The potential risks to the fetus or breastfed child and benefits to the mother

must be considered when prescribing psychotropic therapy.

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Question:

Lifespan Considerations: Older Adults

Answer:

• The physiologic changes associated with aging impact the drug processes of

absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications, so lower than normal dosages may be needed.

• The most recent Beers Criteria should be reviewed to avoid prescribing

potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.

• Older adults may also have multiple illnesses or chronic diseases for which

other medications are prescribed; therefore, there is an increased risk of drug interactions.

Question:

Adherence: Persistence vs Compliance

Answer:

• Persistence is taking the medication over the intended time period.

• Compliance is taking the medication as prescribed.

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