NSG 552 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY – EXAM 1 PRACTICE WILKES UNIVERSITY | MODULES 1–3 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES.

Page 1 of 62


NSG 552 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY – EXAM 1 PRACTICE
WILKES UNIVERSITY | MODULES 1–3 2026/2027
COMPLETE (150) CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Prepare effectively for the NSG 552 Psychopharmacology Exam 2 with this focused
study resource. It supports review of psychiatric medications, pharmacodynamics,
pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effects, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and
medication management principles. Use the material to reinforce your
psychopharmacology knowledge, review high-yield topics, and identify areas that may
require additional study. This resource is suited for nursing students, psychiatric-
mental health nursing learners, and candidates preparing for the NSG 552 Exam 2.



MULTIPLE CHOCICE.
SECTION 1: BASIC NEUROSCIENCE & NEUROTRANSMISSION (Questions
1–20)
Question 1:
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) student is studying
the basic principles of neurotransmission. Which statement correctly
describes the process of neurotransmission?
A) Neurotransmitters are synthesized in the postsynaptic neuron and released
into the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the presynaptic neuron.
B) Neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles, released into the
synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.
C) Neurotransmitters are synthesized in the synaptic cleft and transported
into the presynaptic neuron for storage.
D) Neurotransmitters bind to G-protein coupled receptors exclusively, which
directly open ion channels.
Answer: B
Rationale: Neurotransmission involves the synthesis of neurotransmitters in
the presynaptic neuron, storage in synaptic vesicles, release into the synaptic

, Page 2 of 62


cleft upon depolarization, and binding to receptors on the postsynaptic
neuron.


Question 2:
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the target of many psychotropic
medications. What is the primary mechanism of signal transduction for
GPCRs?
A) Direct opening of ion channels upon ligand binding
B) Activation of intracellular second messenger systems via G-proteins
C) Translocation of the receptor into the nucleus to alter gene transcription
D) Phosphorylation of the receptor by receptor tyrosine kinases
Answer: B
Rationale: GPCRs are metabotropic receptors that activate intracellular G-
proteins, which in turn modulate second messenger systems (e.g., cAMP, IP3)
to produce cellular effects. This is a slower but more prolonged response
compared to ionotropic receptors.


Question 3:
The synthesis of serotonin (5-HT) requires which amino acid precursor?
A) Tyrosine
B) Tryptophan
C) Glutamine
D) Phenylalanine
Answer: B
Rationale: Tryptophan is the essential amino acid precursor for serotonin
synthesis. It is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by tryptophan
hydroxylase, then to serotonin (5-HT) by aromatic L-amino acid
decarboxylase. Tyrosine is the precursor for catecholamines (dopamine,
norepinephrine, epinephrine).

, Page 3 of 62


Question 4:
Which dopamine pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms
of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A) Mesolimbic pathway
B) Mesocortical pathway
C) Nigrostriatal pathway
D) Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Rationale: The mesolimbic dopamine pathway projects from the ventral
tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens and limbic structures.
Hyperactivity of this pathway is implicated in the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.


Question 5:
Blockade of which dopamine pathway is responsible for the extrapyramidal
side effects (EPS) of antipsychotic medications?
A) Mesolimbic pathway
B) Mesocortical pathway
C) Nigrostriatal pathway
D) Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Rationale: The nigrostriatal dopamine pathway projects from the substantia
nigra to the striatum and is involved in motor control. Blockade of D2
receptors in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms such as
parkinsonism, dystonia, and akathisia.


Question 6:
The tuberoinfundibular dopamine pathway projects from the hypothalamus to
the pituitary gland. Blockade of D2 receptors in this pathway results in:
A) Improved cognitive function
B) Increased prolactin secretion (hyperprolactinemia)

, Page 4 of 62


C) Decreased prolactin secretion
D) Improved motor control
Answer: B
Rationale: The tuberoinfundibular pathway normally inhibits prolactin
release. D2 receptor blockade in this pathway disinhibits prolactin secretion,
leading to hyperprolactinemia, which can cause galactorrhea, gynecomastia,
and sexual dysfunction.


Question 7:
A patient taking a first-generation antipsychotic experiences muscle stiffness,
tremor, and bradykinesia. These symptoms are most consistent with:
A) Akathisia
B) Dystonia
C) Drug-induced parkinsonism
D) Tardive dyskinesia
Answer: C
Rationale: Drug-induced parkinsonism is characterized by muscle stiffness
(rigidity), resting tremor, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). It is a
common EPS side effect of first-generation antipsychotics due to D2 receptor
blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway.


Question 8:
Which neurotransmitter is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the
central nervous system?
A) Glutamate
B) GABA
C) Dopamine
D) Serotonin
Answer: B
Rationale: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the CNS. It binds to GABA-A and GABA-B receptors,