NRNP 6635 MIDTERM EXAM:
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the hypothesis of NMDA receptor
hypofunction in Schizophrenia?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia
suggests that glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, is dysregulated at NMDA
receptors, leading to cognitive and negative symptoms.
,2. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Schizophrenia, signs of the disturbance must persist for at
least how long?
A. 1 month
B. 6 months
C. 3 months
D. 1 year
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6
months, which must include at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms.
3. Which side effect of Clozapine requires mandatory weekly blood monitoring for the first six
months of treatment?
A. Metabolic Syndrome
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Seizures
D. Myocarditis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis
(severely low white blood cell count), necessitating strict Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
monitoring.
, 4. In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), excessive anxiety and worry must occur more days
than not for at least:
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 6 months
D. 3 months
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5, GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety
and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of events or
activities.
5. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the hypothesis of NMDA receptor
hypofunction in Schizophrenia?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia
suggests that glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, is dysregulated at NMDA
receptors, leading to cognitive and negative symptoms.
,2. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Schizophrenia, signs of the disturbance must persist for at
least how long?
A. 1 month
B. 6 months
C. 3 months
D. 1 year
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6
months, which must include at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms.
3. Which side effect of Clozapine requires mandatory weekly blood monitoring for the first six
months of treatment?
A. Metabolic Syndrome
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Seizures
D. Myocarditis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis
(severely low white blood cell count), necessitating strict Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
monitoring.
, 4. In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), excessive anxiety and worry must occur more days
than not for at least:
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 6 months
D. 3 months
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5, GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety
and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months about a number of events or
activities.
5. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
