The PMHNP is treating a 13-year-old boy with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and Tourette's syndrome with guanfacine (Intuniv). What is the mechanism of action of guanfacine?
It is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
It is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor
It is a centrally acting alpha-2A agonist
It is a selective serotonin agonist
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors increase norepinephrine availability but guanfacine does not inhibit reuptake; its action is through receptor agonism, not reuptake inhibition.
Choice B reason: Dopamine reuptake inhibition is the mechanism for some stimulant medications, not for guanfacine, which has a different pharmacologic profile.
Choice C reason: Guanfacine is a centrally acting alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It modulates prefrontal cortex activity, improving attention, working memory, and impulse control. This mechanism also helps reduce tics and hyperactivity in ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome.
Choice D reason: Selective serotonin agonists target serotonergic pathways, which is unrelated to guanfacine’s effects on adrenergic receptors and ADHD symptom control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because autism-specific screening is recommended to begin as early as 18 months. Waiting until after 24 months could delay early identification and intervention, which are crucial for improving developmental outcomes.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Evidence-based guidelines recommend universal autism screening at 18 and 24 months during routine pediatric visits. Early identification allows for timely referral to developmental services and behavioral interventions that significantly improve outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because autism can occur regardless of family history. Relying solely on family history risks missing early signs in children without a known familial predisposition.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because pediatricians may not always identify subtle signs of autism during routine well visits. Proactive screening at recommended ages ensures that potential developmental concerns are systematically assessed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The Beck Anxiety Inventory is a self-report measure, not a clinician-administered scale.
Choice B reason: GAD-7 is also a self-report questionnaire, widely used for generalized anxiety disorder but not administered by clinicians.
Choice C reason: The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) is the most commonly used clinician-administered instrument for assessing anxiety severity, allowing monitoring of treatment progress over time.
Choice D reason: The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale assesses social anxiety, is clinician-administered, but is more specialized and less commonly used for general anxiety monitoring.
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