NU664 ADVANCED
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway involves the projection of dopamine
from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Hyperactivity in this pathway is
associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
2. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Bupropion
,C. Sertraline
D. Mirtazapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is specifically
contraindicated in patients with epilepsy, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia due to increased
seizure risk.
3. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood draws to monitor for which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Nephrotoxicity
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe neutropenia
(agranulocytosis), requiring mandatory Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitoring.
4. What is the mechanism of action of Buspirone in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
A. 5-HT1A partial agonist
B. GABA-A receptor agonist
C. NMDA receptor antagonist
, D. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone acts as a high-affinity partial agonist at the serotonin
5-HT1A receptors, providing anxiolytic effects without the sedation of benzodiazepines.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of bipolar disorder
but requires monitoring of renal and thyroid function?
A. Valproate
B. Lamotrigine
C. Quetiapine
D. Lithium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a foundational treatment for bipolar disorder but can
cause long-term side effects like hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease, requiring
regular labs.
6. A patient presents with high fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered
mental status after starting Haloperidol. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Anticholinergic Toxicity
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway involves the projection of dopamine
from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. Hyperactivity in this pathway is
associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
2. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Bupropion
,C. Sertraline
D. Mirtazapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is specifically
contraindicated in patients with epilepsy, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia due to increased
seizure risk.
3. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood draws to monitor for which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Nephrotoxicity
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a risk of severe neutropenia
(agranulocytosis), requiring mandatory Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitoring.
4. What is the mechanism of action of Buspirone in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
A. 5-HT1A partial agonist
B. GABA-A receptor agonist
C. NMDA receptor antagonist
, D. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone acts as a high-affinity partial agonist at the serotonin
5-HT1A receptors, providing anxiolytic effects without the sedation of benzodiazepines.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of bipolar disorder
but requires monitoring of renal and thyroid function?
A. Valproate
B. Lamotrigine
C. Quetiapine
D. Lithium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a foundational treatment for bipolar disorder but can
cause long-term side effects like hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease, requiring
regular labs.
6. A patient presents with high fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered
mental status after starting Haloperidol. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Anticholinergic Toxicity
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
