WITH 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Which of the following are risk factors for neuroleptic malignant
syndrome? Select all that apply.
A. Age
B. Rapid dose escalation
C. Parenteral route of administration
D. Higher potency typical antipsychotics
Correct Answers: B, C, D
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening
complication of antipsychotic medication use. Rapid dose escalation
increases the risk by causing sudden and intense dopamine receptor
blockade. The parenteral route of administration leads to higher peak
serum concentrations and faster onset of action, increasing NMS risk.
Higher potency typical antipsychotics such as haloperidol and
fluphenazine have greater D2 receptor affinity and are more strongly
associated with NMS. While age is a risk factor for many medication
adverse effects, it is not consistently identified as an independent risk
factor for NMS compared to these other factors.
2. Antipsychotic medications provide D2 blockade in the mesocortical
pathway, causing which of the following effects?
,A. Reduces negative symptoms
B. Increases extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
C. Causes prolactinemia
D. Reduces positive symptoms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: D2 blockade in the mesocortical pathway leads to decreased
dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex, which can worsen
negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. This pathway
projects from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex. When
antipsychotics block D2 receptors here, it can result in increased
extrapyramidal symptoms due to the disruption of dopamine signaling.
D2 blockade in the tuberoinfundibular pathway causes prolactinemia,
while D2 blockade in the mesolimbic pathway reduces positive
symptoms. The mesocortical pathway specifically is associated with
cognitive function and negative symptoms.
3. Phencyclidine (PCP) and Ketamine exert their unique behavioral
effects by blocking which of the following receptors?
A. GABA type receptors
B. Serotonin receptors
C. Dopamine receptors
D. NMDA type receptors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: PCP and ketamine are noncompetitive antagonists at the N-
methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors. By
blocking NMDA receptors, these drugs produce a dissociative state
,characterized by analgesia, amnesia, and hallucinations. The NMDA
receptor is an ionotropic glutamate receptor that plays a crucial role in
synaptic plasticity and memory function. PCP and ketamine block the
ion channel of the NMDA receptor, preventing calcium influx and
disrupting normal glutamatergic transmission, which leads to their
unique behavioral effects including psychosis-like symptoms.
4. The diagnosis used to describe a syndrome characterized by specific
signs and symptoms resulting from recent ingestion or exposure to a
substance is known as which of the following?
A. Substance intoxication
B. Substance withdrawal
C. Substance use disorder
D. Any of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Substance intoxication is defined as a reversible substance-
specific syndrome due to recent ingestion or exposure to a substance. It
involves clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological
changes that develop during or shortly after substance use. These
changes are directly attributable to the physiological effects of the
substance on the central nervous system. Substance withdrawal refers
to symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces substance use
after prolonged use. Substance use disorder involves a pattern of
pathological use with impairment or distress over 12 months.
, 5. Abnormal involuntary movements in a rhythmic pattern affecting
the face, mouth, tongue, and jaw are known as which of the
following?
A. Akathisia
B. Dystonia
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Extrapyramidal side effects
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal involuntary
movements, typically rhythmic, affecting the face, mouth, tongue, and
jaw. These movements include tongue protrusion, lip smacking,
chewing movements, and facial grimacing. Tardive dyskinesia is a late-
onset complication of long-term antipsychotic use. Akathisia presents as
subjective restlessness and objective pacing or fidgeting movements.
Dystonia involves sustained muscle contractions causing twisting
movements and abnormal postures. Extrapyramidal side effects
encompass a broader category that includes Parkinsonism, akathisia,
dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia.
6. A deeply held belief despite evidence to the contrary, lasting at
least one month, without prominent hallucinations, with functional
impairment that relates to the delusional system, is characteristic of
which of the following?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Delusional disorder