NR 546 MIDTERM EXAM PREP:
ADVANCED PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (LATEST),
(A+ GUARANTEE). JUST RELEASED
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Mesolimbic pathway
Answer: D
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. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) consumes aged cheese and wine,
resulting in a hypertensive crisis. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for this interaction?
A. Phenylalanine
B. Tryptophan
,C. Tyramine
D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine in the gut. High levels
of tyramine cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
3. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 50%
of all clinically used drugs, including many psychotropics?
A. CYP2D6
B. CYP3A4
C. CYP1A2
D. CYP2C19
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CYP3A4 is the most prevalent enzyme in the liver and is
involved in the metabolism of roughly half of all medications.
4. When switching from a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to an MAOI, why is a
‘washout’ period required?
A. To prevent hypertensive crisis
B. To allow the liver to regenerate enzymes
C. To prevent Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
, D. To prevent Serotonin Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs and MAOIs both increase serotonin. Combining them or
switching without a washout (usually 2 weeks, 5 weeks for fluoxetine) can cause life-
threatening Serotonin Syndrome.
5. Which atypical antipsychotic is known for having the highest risk of metabolic side effects,
including significant weight gain and dyslipidemia?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Olanzapine
C. Ziprasidone
D. Lurasidone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Olanzapine and Clozapine carry the highest risk for weight gain
and metabolic syndrome among atypical antipsychotics.
6. The ‘Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology’ concept of a ‘partial agonist’ is best described
as:
A. A drug that mimics the neurotransmitter perfectly.
B. A drug that blocks the receptor entirely.
ADVANCED PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (LATEST),
(A+ GUARANTEE). JUST RELEASED
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Mesolimbic pathway
Answer: D
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. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) consumes aged cheese and wine,
resulting in a hypertensive crisis. Which neurotransmitter is responsible for this interaction?
A. Phenylalanine
B. Tryptophan
,C. Tyramine
D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine in the gut. High levels
of tyramine cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
3. Which cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 50%
of all clinically used drugs, including many psychotropics?
A. CYP2D6
B. CYP3A4
C. CYP1A2
D. CYP2C19
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CYP3A4 is the most prevalent enzyme in the liver and is
involved in the metabolism of roughly half of all medications.
4. When switching from a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to an MAOI, why is a
‘washout’ period required?
A. To prevent hypertensive crisis
B. To allow the liver to regenerate enzymes
C. To prevent Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
, D. To prevent Serotonin Syndrome
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs and MAOIs both increase serotonin. Combining them or
switching without a washout (usually 2 weeks, 5 weeks for fluoxetine) can cause life-
threatening Serotonin Syndrome.
5. Which atypical antipsychotic is known for having the highest risk of metabolic side effects,
including significant weight gain and dyslipidemia?
A. Aripiprazole
B. Olanzapine
C. Ziprasidone
D. Lurasidone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Olanzapine and Clozapine carry the highest risk for weight gain
and metabolic syndrome among atypical antipsychotics.
6. The ‘Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology’ concept of a ‘partial agonist’ is best described
as:
A. A drug that mimics the neurotransmitter perfectly.
B. A drug that blocks the receptor entirely.
