NSG 552 Exam 3 – Wilkes Psychopharmacology Study Guide 2026 UPDATE
1. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia and is the target for typical antipsychotics?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Rationale: Overactivity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway is thought to mediate the
positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations/delusions).
2. What is the therapeutic reference range for Lithium in the maintenance phase of Bipolar
Disorder?
A. 0.4 - 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.0 - 1.5 mEq/L
D. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
,Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above
1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
3. Which side effect of Clozapine requires mandatory monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil
Count (ANC)?
A. Seizures
B. Myocarditis
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Sialorrhea
Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis, requiring
strict blood monitoring protocols.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) should avoid which of the following foods to
prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh poultry
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Green leafy vegetables
D. Whole grain bread
Answer: B
, Rationale: Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented
products, can trigger a hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Inhibition of the Serotonin Transporter (SERT)
B. Antagonism of 5HT-2A receptors
C. Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase
D. Stimulation of GABA receptors
Answer: A
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the SERT protein, preventing the reuptake of serotonin
into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing levels in the synaptic cleft.
6. Which mood stabilizer is most strongly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome (SJS)?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Lamotrigine
D. Gabapentin
Answer: C
1. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia and is the target for typical antipsychotics?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Rationale: Overactivity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway is thought to mediate the
positive symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations/delusions).
2. What is the therapeutic reference range for Lithium in the maintenance phase of Bipolar
Disorder?
A. 0.4 - 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.0 - 1.5 mEq/L
D. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
,Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above
1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
3. Which side effect of Clozapine requires mandatory monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil
Count (ANC)?
A. Seizures
B. Myocarditis
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Sialorrhea
Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis, requiring
strict blood monitoring protocols.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) should avoid which of the following foods to
prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh poultry
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Green leafy vegetables
D. Whole grain bread
Answer: B
, Rationale: Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented
products, can trigger a hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs.
5. What is the primary mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Inhibition of the Serotonin Transporter (SERT)
B. Antagonism of 5HT-2A receptors
C. Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase
D. Stimulation of GABA receptors
Answer: A
Rationale: SSRIs work by blocking the SERT protein, preventing the reuptake of serotonin
into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing levels in the synaptic cleft.
6. Which mood stabilizer is most strongly associated with the risk of Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome (SJS)?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Lamotrigine
D. Gabapentin
Answer: C
