NRNP 6635 Final Exam 2025 Actual – Walden University Psychopathology | Complete Verified Exam Answers | Updated Content

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NR546 Final Exam 2025 – Psychopharmacology
(Chamberlain) | 100% Verified Prediction
Questions with Correct A+ Answers



Question 1
Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: B. Dopamine
Rationale: The dopamine hypothesis suggests that excess dopamine activity in mesolimbic
pathways contributes to positive symptoms of schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations). Serotonin is
more linked to mood disorders, GABA to anxiety, and acetylcholine to cognitive functions.

Question 2
A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. What is its mechanism of action?
A. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
D. Dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Correct Answer: B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin
levels in the synaptic cleft. SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) target both serotonin and norepinephrine,
MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, and dopamine reuptake inhibitors are less common in
depression treatment.

Question 3
Which adverse effect is most associated with clozapine?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Tardive dyskinesia
C. Serotonin syndrome
D. Hypertensive crisis
Correct Answer: A. Agranulocytosis

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Rationale: Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has a black box warning for agranulocytosis,
requiring regular white blood cell monitoring. Tardive dyskinesia is more linked to typical
antipsychotics, serotonin syndrome to SSRIs, and hypertensive crisis to MAOIs.

Question 4
A patient on lithium presents with tremors and confusion. This suggests:
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Lithium toxicity
C. Hypernatremia
D. Dehydration
Correct Answer: B. Lithium toxicity
Rationale: Lithium toxicity is characterized by tremors, confusion, and potentially seizures,
often due to elevated serum levels. Hypothyroidism is a long-term effect, hypernatremia is
unrelated, and dehydration may contribute but is not the primary cause.

Question 5
Which medication is first-line for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Lorazepam
B. Buspirone
C. Sertraline
D. Propranolol
Correct Answer: C. Sertraline
Rationale: Sertraline, an SSRI, is first-line for generalized anxiety disorder due to its efficacy
and low dependence risk. Lorazepam is for acute anxiety, buspirone is an alternative, and
propranolol is for performance anxiety.

Question 6
A patient is prescribed risperidone. Which receptor does it primarily antagonize?
A. Serotonin 5-HT2
B. Dopamine D2
C. Histamine H1
D. Muscarinic M1
Correct Answer: B. Dopamine D2
Rationale: Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, primarily antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors
to reduce psychotic symptoms. It also blocks serotonin 5-HT2 receptors but is most effective via
D2 antagonism. Histamine and muscarinic effects cause side effects like sed ation.

Question 7
Which lab test is required before initiating valproic acid for bipolar disorder?
A. Thyroid function

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B. Liver function
C. Renal function
D. Complete blood count
Correct Answer: B. Liver function
Rationale: Valproic acid can cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests (e.g., ALT, AST) are
required before and during treatment. Thyroid and renal function are less directly affected, and
CBC is more relevant for carbamazepine.

Question 8
A patient on an SSRI reports sexual dysfunction. Which medication is least likely to cause this?
A. Paroxetine
B. Bupropion
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline
Correct Answer: B. Bupropion
Rationale: Bupropion, an NDRI, has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction compared to SSRIs like
paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline, which commonly cause this side effect due to serotonin
modulation.

Question 9
Which medication is used to treat acute mania in bipolar disorder?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Amitriptyline
D. Buspirone
Correct Answer: B. Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is a first-line mood stabilizer for acute mania in bipolar disorder, stabilizing
mood via multiple mechanisms. Fluoxetine and amitriptyline treat depression but may trigger
mania, and buspirone is for anxiety.

Question 10
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed olanzapine. Which adverse effect is most common?
A. Weight gain
B. Akathisia
C. QT prolongation
D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: A. Weight gain
Rationale: Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is strongly associated with weight gain and
metabolic syndrome. Akathisia is more common with typical antipsychotics, QT prolongation
with ziprasidone, and dry mouth is less specific.