NU664 ADVANCED
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the mechanism of action of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by specifically inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in
the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing its availability at post-synaptic receptors.
2. Clozapine treatment requires mandatory monitoring of which lab value due to the risk of
agranulocytosis?
A. Liver function tests
,B. Serum Creatinine
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe
neutropenia/agranulocytosis, requiring strict ANC monitoring via a national registry.
3. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder?
A. Sertraline
B. Lithium
C. Haloperidol
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium remains the benchmark treatment for stabilization and
prophylaxis in Bipolar I Disorder.
4. Which of the following is a classic symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Diarrhea
C. Hypotension
, D. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, high fever, and
autonomic instability, whereas hyperreflexia is more typical of Serotonin Syndrome.
5. Lamotrigine titration must be performed slowly to minimize the risk of which life-
threatening condition?
A. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
B. Aplastic Anemia
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Pancreatitis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid escalation of Lamotrigine increases the risk of serious
rashes, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
6. Aripiprazole’s unique mechanism of action in the dopamine system is described as:
A. Full Agonist
B. Full Antagonist
C. Inverse Agonist
D. Partial Agonist
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the mechanism of action of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by specifically inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in
the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing its availability at post-synaptic receptors.
2. Clozapine treatment requires mandatory monitoring of which lab value due to the risk of
agranulocytosis?
A. Liver function tests
,B. Serum Creatinine
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe
neutropenia/agranulocytosis, requiring strict ANC monitoring via a national registry.
3. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder?
A. Sertraline
B. Lithium
C. Haloperidol
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium remains the benchmark treatment for stabilization and
prophylaxis in Bipolar I Disorder.
4. Which of the following is a classic symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Hyperreflexia
B. Diarrhea
C. Hypotension
, D. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, high fever, and
autonomic instability, whereas hyperreflexia is more typical of Serotonin Syndrome.
5. Lamotrigine titration must be performed slowly to minimize the risk of which life-
threatening condition?
A. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
B. Aplastic Anemia
C. Serotonin Syndrome
D. Pancreatitis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid escalation of Lamotrigine increases the risk of serious
rashes, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
6. Aripiprazole’s unique mechanism of action in the dopamine system is described as:
A. Full Agonist
B. Full Antagonist
C. Inverse Agonist
D. Partial Agonist
