NUR_660_EXAM_1_2026_CLINICAL_PRACTICE_SET_ANSWERS_FULL_SOLUTION.pdf

NUR 660 EXAM 1 2026 CLINICAL PRACTICE
SET ANSWERS FULL SOLUTION


◉ Mesolimbic dopamine pathway
Answer: Projects from the midbrain ventral tegmental area to the
nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system) where many behaviors
such as pleasurable sensations, the powerful euphoria of drug abuse
as well as delusions and hallucinations.


◉ Mesocortical pathway
Answer: Projects from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal
cortex and is important for cognition


◉ Tuberofundibular pathway
Answer: Projects from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary
gland and controls prolaction secretion


◉ Thalamic pathway
Answer: Arises from multiple sites.
-Function not well known, may be involved in sleep and arousal
mechanisms

, ◉ Major neurotransmitters involved in schizophrenia
Answer: -Dopamine
-Glutamate


◉ Dopamine and Schizophrenia
Answer: Major neurotransmitter in schizophrenia
Some atypical psychotics block dopamine receptors
Increased in schizophrenia


◉ Glutamate and schizophrenia
Answer: Considered the "master switch" of the brain. Glutamate is
the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the CNS as it can turn on
nearly all of the CNS neurons
Decreased in schizophrenia


◉ Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Answer: -Adverse reaction to antipsychotics with severe "lead pipe"
rigidity, FEVER, and mental status changes
-Lab findings- increased CK, leukocytosis, low serum iron
-Caused by dopamine antagonists
-Slower in onset, 1-2 weeks after starting/changing therapy.
-Manage by stopping causative agent, supportive care, ECT,
Dantrolene, bromocriptine, and amantadine.