NR 605 MIDTERM & FINAL EXAM:
PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS AND
MANAGEMENT. QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with severe depression, and the provider decides to initiate
an SSRI. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily targeted to modulate mood in the
limbic system?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
emotion; while typically discussed in relation to dopamine, its regulation within the limbic
system is the primary target for antidepressant mood modulation.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most critical to monitor for a patient taking
Clozapine (Clozaril)?
A. Serum potassium levels
,B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis.
Frequent monitoring of the ANC is required to ensure the patient does not develop life-
threatening neutropenia.
3. A patient diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder is started on Lithium. What is the generally
accepted therapeutic serum range for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
C. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are generally considered toxic.
4. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders due to an increased risk of seizures?
A. Fluoxetine
, B. Sertraline
C. Venlafaxine
D. Bupropion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly in patients
with electrolyte imbalances or existing seizure disorders, and is strictly contraindicated in
bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
5. According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
be present for a formal diagnosis?
A. At least 2 weeks
B. At least 1 month
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 criteria for GAD require excessive anxiety and worry
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
6. Which movement disorder, characterized by involuntary rhythmic movements of the
tongue, face, and jaw, is a potential long-term side effect of first-generation antipsychotics?
A. Akathisia
PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS AND
MANAGEMENT. QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with severe depression, and the provider decides to initiate
an SSRI. Which neurotransmitter pathway is primarily targeted to modulate mood in the
limbic system?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
emotion; while typically discussed in relation to dopamine, its regulation within the limbic
system is the primary target for antidepressant mood modulation.
2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most critical to monitor for a patient taking
Clozapine (Clozaril)?
A. Serum potassium levels
,B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis.
Frequent monitoring of the ANC is required to ensure the patient does not develop life-
threatening neutropenia.
3. A patient diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder is started on Lithium. What is the generally
accepted therapeutic serum range for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
C. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are generally considered toxic.
4. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders due to an increased risk of seizures?
A. Fluoxetine
, B. Sertraline
C. Venlafaxine
D. Bupropion
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly in patients
with electrolyte imbalances or existing seizure disorders, and is strictly contraindicated in
bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
5. According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
be present for a formal diagnosis?
A. At least 2 weeks
B. At least 1 month
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 criteria for GAD require excessive anxiety and worry
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.
6. Which movement disorder, characterized by involuntary rhythmic movements of the
tongue, face, and jaw, is a potential long-term side effect of first-generation antipsychotics?
A. Akathisia
