NR 607 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
MASTER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2027
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure; excessive dopamine activity in this region is linked to the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have their Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitored
regularly due to the risk of which life-threatening condition?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
B. Metabolic syndrome
,C. Agranulocytosis
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a
severe reduction in white blood cell count that leaves patients vulnerable to infection.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Benzodiazepines to produce their
anxiolytic effect?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Glutamate
D. GABA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA throughout the central nervous
system.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Antagonizing 5-HT2A receptors
B. Blocking the Serotonin Transporter (SERT)
, C. Inhibiting the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase
D. Enhancing Norepinephrine release
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron by inhibiting the SERT protein, thereby increasing serotonin levels in
the synaptic cleft.
5. Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
that distinguishes it from Serotonin Syndrome?
A. ‘Lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Altered mental status
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While both conditions involve fever and mental status changes,
NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, whereas Serotonin Syndrome often presents
with hyperreflexia and myoclonus.
6. A patient prescribed Lithium should be educated to maintain a consistent intake of which
substance to avoid toxicity?
A. Potassium
MASTER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2027
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Nigrostriatal pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure; excessive dopamine activity in this region is linked to the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have their Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) monitored
regularly due to the risk of which life-threatening condition?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
B. Metabolic syndrome
,C. Agranulocytosis
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a
severe reduction in white blood cell count that leaves patients vulnerable to infection.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Benzodiazepines to produce their
anxiolytic effect?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Glutamate
D. GABA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA throughout the central nervous
system.
4. What is the primary mechanism of action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Antagonizing 5-HT2A receptors
B. Blocking the Serotonin Transporter (SERT)
, C. Inhibiting the enzyme Monoamine Oxidase
D. Enhancing Norepinephrine release
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the
presynaptic neuron by inhibiting the SERT protein, thereby increasing serotonin levels in
the synaptic cleft.
5. Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
that distinguishes it from Serotonin Syndrome?
A. ‘Lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Altered mental status
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While both conditions involve fever and mental status changes,
NMS is characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, whereas Serotonin Syndrome often presents
with hyperreflexia and myoclonus.
6. A patient prescribed Lithium should be educated to maintain a consistent intake of which
substance to avoid toxicity?
A. Potassium
