,NSG 552 Exam 3 Psychopharmacology Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Wilkes University
Q1. Which neurotransmitter is most closely involved in the
mesolimbic reward pathway underlying reinforcement from many
addictive substances?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Histamine
D) Glycine
Correct Answer: B) Dopamine
Rationale: Many addictive substances ultimately increase dopaminergic
signaling within mesolimbic reward circuitry. Reinforcement of drug-taking
behavior is strongly linked to dopamine activity in pathways connecting the
ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens.
Q2. Which term describes the reversible syndrome that develops
after recent ingestion of a psychoactive substance and produces
substance-specific behavioral or physiologic changes?
A) Intoxication
B) Withdrawal
C) Tolerance
D) Dependence
Correct Answer: A) Intoxication
Rationale: Intoxication refers to clinically significant behavioral,
psychological, or physiologic changes occurring after exposure to a
substance. The specific manifestations depend on the drug class and amount
consumed.
Q3. Which concept is best demonstrated when a patient requires
progressively larger doses of the same substance to achieve an
effect previously obtained with a smaller dose?
A) Craving
B) Sensitization
, C) Withdrawal
D) Tolerance
Correct Answer: D) Tolerance
Rationale: Tolerance develops when repeated exposure produces a reduced
response to a given dose, requiring greater amounts to achieve a similar
effect. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic adaptations may contribute.
Q4. Substance-specific symptoms that develop after abrupt
reduction or discontinuation following repeated exposure are
termed what?
A) Intoxication
B) Reinforcement
C) Withdrawal
D) Remission
Correct Answer: C) Withdrawal
Rationale: Withdrawal results from neuroadaptation to sustained substance
exposure. When drug concentrations decline, physiologic counter-regulatory
changes can produce characteristic symptoms that vary by substance class.
CHAPTER 2 — OPIOID OVERDOSE AND WITHDRAWAL
Q5. Which clinical triad most strongly supports opioid overdose?
A) Mydriasis, hypertension, and agitation
B) Diarrhea, yawning, and rhinorrhea
C) Respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, and pinpoint pupils
D) Tremor, hallucinations, and hyperreflexia
Correct Answer: C) Respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, and
pinpoint pupils
Rationale: Opioid toxicity classically causes CNS depression,
hypoventilation, and miosis. Respiratory depression is the most immediately
life-threatening manifestation and requires rapid airway support and opioid
antagonism when appropriate.
2026/2027 Wilkes University
Q1. Which neurotransmitter is most closely involved in the
mesolimbic reward pathway underlying reinforcement from many
addictive substances?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Histamine
D) Glycine
Correct Answer: B) Dopamine
Rationale: Many addictive substances ultimately increase dopaminergic
signaling within mesolimbic reward circuitry. Reinforcement of drug-taking
behavior is strongly linked to dopamine activity in pathways connecting the
ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens.
Q2. Which term describes the reversible syndrome that develops
after recent ingestion of a psychoactive substance and produces
substance-specific behavioral or physiologic changes?
A) Intoxication
B) Withdrawal
C) Tolerance
D) Dependence
Correct Answer: A) Intoxication
Rationale: Intoxication refers to clinically significant behavioral,
psychological, or physiologic changes occurring after exposure to a
substance. The specific manifestations depend on the drug class and amount
consumed.
Q3. Which concept is best demonstrated when a patient requires
progressively larger doses of the same substance to achieve an
effect previously obtained with a smaller dose?
A) Craving
B) Sensitization
, C) Withdrawal
D) Tolerance
Correct Answer: D) Tolerance
Rationale: Tolerance develops when repeated exposure produces a reduced
response to a given dose, requiring greater amounts to achieve a similar
effect. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic adaptations may contribute.
Q4. Substance-specific symptoms that develop after abrupt
reduction or discontinuation following repeated exposure are
termed what?
A) Intoxication
B) Reinforcement
C) Withdrawal
D) Remission
Correct Answer: C) Withdrawal
Rationale: Withdrawal results from neuroadaptation to sustained substance
exposure. When drug concentrations decline, physiologic counter-regulatory
changes can produce characteristic symptoms that vary by substance class.
CHAPTER 2 — OPIOID OVERDOSE AND WITHDRAWAL
Q5. Which clinical triad most strongly supports opioid overdose?
A) Mydriasis, hypertension, and agitation
B) Diarrhea, yawning, and rhinorrhea
C) Respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, and pinpoint pupils
D) Tremor, hallucinations, and hyperreflexia
Correct Answer: C) Respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, and
pinpoint pupils
Rationale: Opioid toxicity classically causes CNS depression,
hypoventilation, and miosis. Respiratory depression is the most immediately
life-threatening manifestation and requires rapid airway support and opioid
antagonism when appropriate.
