NURS 660 – PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY &
NEUROSCIENCE
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This Exam contains:
✪ 50 Questions and Answers
✪ Multiple-choice and True/False Format
✪ Expert-Verified Explanations
✪ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
1. What neurotransmitter is considered the “master switch” that excites all of the
CNS?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
EXPLANATION: Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS and plays a
critical role in synaptic plasticity and neural activation.
2. What is the treatment for akathisia?
A. SSRI
B. Benzodiazepine only
C. Beta blockers, anticholinergics, or lorazepam
D. MAOIs
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Akathisia is treated using beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), anticholinergic
agents (e.g., benztropine), or benzodiazepines like lorazepam to reduce motor restlessness.
3. What labs must be monitored with clozapine?
A. ALT, AST, thyroid levels
B. ANC, CBC, lipids, glucose, weight
C. BUN, creatinine, LFTs
D. WBC only
Answer: B
, EXPLANATION: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis and metabolic syndrome, so
frequent ANC monitoring, CBCs, and metabolic labs are essential.
4. What is the main side effect of risperidone?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Weight loss
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Risperidone strongly antagonizes D2 receptors, increasing prolactin levels,
which may lead to galactorrhea and gynecomastia.
5. What is the recommended action when a patient develops galactorrhea from
risperidone?
A. Increase risperidone dose
B. Add benztropine
C. Switch to aripiprazole
D. Discontinue all medications
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Aripiprazole is a partial D2 agonist that tends to reduce prolactin levels and
is a preferred alternative in such cases.
6. Antagonism of which receptor site by atypical antipsychotics causes weight
gain?
A. D2
B. 5HT1A
C. H1
D. NMDA
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: H1 receptor antagonism increases appetite and leads to sedation and weight
gain, common with many atypical antipsychotics.
7. Which antipsychotic is most associated with weight gain?
NEUROSCIENCE
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This Exam contains:
✪ 50 Questions and Answers
✪ Multiple-choice and True/False Format
✪ Expert-Verified Explanations
✪ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
1. What neurotransmitter is considered the “master switch” that excites all of the
CNS?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
EXPLANATION: Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS and plays a
critical role in synaptic plasticity and neural activation.
2. What is the treatment for akathisia?
A. SSRI
B. Benzodiazepine only
C. Beta blockers, anticholinergics, or lorazepam
D. MAOIs
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Akathisia is treated using beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), anticholinergic
agents (e.g., benztropine), or benzodiazepines like lorazepam to reduce motor restlessness.
3. What labs must be monitored with clozapine?
A. ALT, AST, thyroid levels
B. ANC, CBC, lipids, glucose, weight
C. BUN, creatinine, LFTs
D. WBC only
Answer: B
, EXPLANATION: Clozapine carries a risk for agranulocytosis and metabolic syndrome, so
frequent ANC monitoring, CBCs, and metabolic labs are essential.
4. What is the main side effect of risperidone?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Weight loss
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Risperidone strongly antagonizes D2 receptors, increasing prolactin levels,
which may lead to galactorrhea and gynecomastia.
5. What is the recommended action when a patient develops galactorrhea from
risperidone?
A. Increase risperidone dose
B. Add benztropine
C. Switch to aripiprazole
D. Discontinue all medications
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Aripiprazole is a partial D2 agonist that tends to reduce prolactin levels and
is a preferred alternative in such cases.
6. Antagonism of which receptor site by atypical antipsychotics causes weight
gain?
A. D2
B. 5HT1A
C. H1
D. NMDA
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: H1 receptor antagonism increases appetite and leads to sedation and weight
gain, common with many atypical antipsychotics.
7. Which antipsychotic is most associated with weight gain?
