NU664 ADVANCED
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient taking Lithium Carbonate presents with a coarse tremor, ataxia, and confusion.
The most likely cause is:
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Lithium Toxicity
D. Anticholinergic Toxicity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium toxicity is characterized by central nervous system
symptoms like ataxia and confusion, along with coarse tremors, distinguishing it from the
therapeutic fine tremor.
2. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is significantly inhibited by Fluoxetine and Paroxetine,
potentially increasing levels of TCAs?
A. CYP1A2
,B. CYP3A4
C. CYP2C19
D. CYP2D6
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine and Paroxetine are potent inhibitors of CYP2D6,
which is responsible for the metabolism of many tricyclic antidepressants and beta-
blockers.
3. Which antipsychotic is known for having a unique mechanism as a D2 partial agonist?
A. Risperidone
B. Olanzapine
C. Aripiprazole
D. Haloperidol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at D2 receptors, stabilizing
dopamine activity by acting as an antagonist in high-dopamine states and an agonist in
low-dopamine states.
4. A patient develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability after starting
Haloperidol. What is the priority intervention?
A. Increase the dose to control agitation
, B. Administer Benztropine
C. Discontinue Haloperidol immediately
D. Switch to Fluphenazine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: These are symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS),
a medical emergency requiring immediate cessation of the causative antipsychotic.
5. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Sertraline
B. Mirtazapine
C. Bupropion
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly in patients
with electrolyte imbalances associated with bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines?
A. Antagonism of NMDA receptors
B. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient taking Lithium Carbonate presents with a coarse tremor, ataxia, and confusion.
The most likely cause is:
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Lithium Toxicity
D. Anticholinergic Toxicity
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium toxicity is characterized by central nervous system
symptoms like ataxia and confusion, along with coarse tremors, distinguishing it from the
therapeutic fine tremor.
2. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is significantly inhibited by Fluoxetine and Paroxetine,
potentially increasing levels of TCAs?
A. CYP1A2
,B. CYP3A4
C. CYP2C19
D. CYP2D6
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine and Paroxetine are potent inhibitors of CYP2D6,
which is responsible for the metabolism of many tricyclic antidepressants and beta-
blockers.
3. Which antipsychotic is known for having a unique mechanism as a D2 partial agonist?
A. Risperidone
B. Olanzapine
C. Aripiprazole
D. Haloperidol
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at D2 receptors, stabilizing
dopamine activity by acting as an antagonist in high-dopamine states and an agonist in
low-dopamine states.
4. A patient develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability after starting
Haloperidol. What is the priority intervention?
A. Increase the dose to control agitation
, B. Administer Benztropine
C. Discontinue Haloperidol immediately
D. Switch to Fluphenazine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: These are symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS),
a medical emergency requiring immediate cessation of the causative antipsychotic.
5. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Sertraline
B. Mirtazapine
C. Bupropion
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly in patients
with electrolyte imbalances associated with bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
6. What is the primary mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines?
A. Antagonism of NMDA receptors
B. Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors
