NR 546 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
EXAM WEEK 4 - COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST 2026 /
2027), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Overactivity of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway is
associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Blockade of D2 receptors in this
pathway reduces these symptoms.
2. A patient taking Clozapine presents with a sudden fever, sore throat, and lethargy. What is
the most critical laboratory test to order immediately?
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
,B. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
C. Serum Clozapine levels
D. Blood glucose and HgbA1c
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
sudden fever and sore throat are clinical signs of infection, requiring an immediate
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) check.
3. Which antidepressant is considered the most ‘activating’ and is typically taken in the
morning to avoid insomnia?
A. Paroxetine
B. Mirtazapine
C. Fluvoxamine
D. Fluoxetine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine has a long half-life and is known for its activating
effects, making it suitable for patients with low energy but problematic for those with
initial insomnia.
, 4. A patient experiences akathisia shortly after starting Haloperidol. Which medication class is
the first-line treatment for this side effect?
A. SSRIs
B. Dopamine agonists
C. Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine)
D. Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Akathisia, a subjective feeling of inner restlessness, is best
treated with beta-blockers like propranolol. Anticholinergics are less effective for akathisia
than for other EPS.
5. Which mood stabilizer is associated with a risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS),
necessitating a slow titration schedule?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Oxcarbazepine
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: D
EXAM WEEK 4 - COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST 2026 /
2027), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Overactivity of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway is
associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Blockade of D2 receptors in this
pathway reduces these symptoms.
2. A patient taking Clozapine presents with a sudden fever, sore throat, and lethargy. What is
the most critical laboratory test to order immediately?
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
,B. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
C. Serum Clozapine levels
D. Blood glucose and HgbA1c
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
sudden fever and sore throat are clinical signs of infection, requiring an immediate
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) check.
3. Which antidepressant is considered the most ‘activating’ and is typically taken in the
morning to avoid insomnia?
A. Paroxetine
B. Mirtazapine
C. Fluvoxamine
D. Fluoxetine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Fluoxetine has a long half-life and is known for its activating
effects, making it suitable for patients with low energy but problematic for those with
initial insomnia.
, 4. A patient experiences akathisia shortly after starting Haloperidol. Which medication class is
the first-line treatment for this side effect?
A. SSRIs
B. Dopamine agonists
C. Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine)
D. Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Akathisia, a subjective feeling of inner restlessness, is best
treated with beta-blockers like propranolol. Anticholinergics are less effective for akathisia
than for other EPS.
5. Which mood stabilizer is associated with a risk of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS),
necessitating a slow titration schedule?
A. Lithium
B. Valproate
C. Oxcarbazepine
D. Lamotrigine
Answer: D
