NRNP 6675 COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2027
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. 1 week
B. 6 months
C. 1 month
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder require that
symptoms be present for at least a 2-week period and represent a change from previous
functioning.
2. Which of the following is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. Buspirone
B. Alprazolam
,C. Quetiapine
D. Sertraline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs like Sertraline are considered first-line treatments for GAD
due to their safety profile and efficacy in treating both anxiety and comorbid depression.
3. A patient on Lithium therapy presents with coarse hand tremors, ataxia, and confusion.
What is the likely serum lithium level?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 1.0 mEq/L
C. 1.5 mEq/L or higher
D. 1.2 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium toxicity symptoms like coarse tremors and ataxia
typically occur when serum levels exceed the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), often
above 1.5 mEq/L.
4. What is the most serious side effect associated with the use of Clozapine?
A. Weight gain
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Sedation
, D. Sialorrhea
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening drop in white
blood cell count, requiring mandatory ANC monitoring for patients on Clozapine.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. GABA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron, increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
6. A patient exhibits hyperreflexia, shivering, and diaphoresis after adding an SSRI to their
regimen. This likely indicates:
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic Toxicity
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2027
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. 1 week
B. 6 months
C. 1 month
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder require that
symptoms be present for at least a 2-week period and represent a change from previous
functioning.
2. Which of the following is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. Buspirone
B. Alprazolam
,C. Quetiapine
D. Sertraline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs like Sertraline are considered first-line treatments for GAD
due to their safety profile and efficacy in treating both anxiety and comorbid depression.
3. A patient on Lithium therapy presents with coarse hand tremors, ataxia, and confusion.
What is the likely serum lithium level?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 1.0 mEq/L
C. 1.5 mEq/L or higher
D. 1.2 mEq/L
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium toxicity symptoms like coarse tremors and ataxia
typically occur when serum levels exceed the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), often
above 1.5 mEq/L.
4. What is the most serious side effect associated with the use of Clozapine?
A. Weight gain
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Sedation
, D. Sialorrhea
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening drop in white
blood cell count, requiring mandatory ANC monitoring for patients on Clozapine.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. GABA
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron, increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
6. A patient exhibits hyperreflexia, shivering, and diaphoresis after adding an SSRI to their
regimen. This likely indicates:
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic Toxicity
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
