NR 546 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
FINAL EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘reward pathway’ of the brain,
particularly in the nucleus accumbens?
A. Serotonin
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the
reward system, specifically the mesolimbic pathway projecting to the nucleus accumbens.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which lab value is
most critical to monitor due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Liver function tests (LFTs)
B. Serum Creatinine
,C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis,
requiring strict monitoring of the ANC to ensure it remains above 1500/mm3.
3. The mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines involves the modulation of which receptor?
A. GABA-B receptor
B. GABA-A receptor
C. NMDA receptor
D. 5-HT1A receptor
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening.
4. What is the therapeutic range for Lithium in the maintenance phase of Bipolar Disorder
treatment?
A. 0.1 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
, D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium maintenance is 0.6
to 1.2 mEq/L; levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
5. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Sertraline
B. Bupropion
C. Fluoxetine
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is contraindicated
in patients with seizure disorders or bulimia/anorexia due to electrolyte imbalance risks.
6. A patient taking an MAOI must avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent which life-threatening
condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Hypertensive Crisis
D. Metabolic Syndrome
FINAL EXAM COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘reward pathway’ of the brain,
particularly in the nucleus accumbens?
A. Serotonin
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the
reward system, specifically the mesolimbic pathway projecting to the nucleus accumbens.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which lab value is
most critical to monitor due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Liver function tests (LFTs)
B. Serum Creatinine
,C. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis,
requiring strict monitoring of the ANC to ensure it remains above 1500/mm3.
3. The mechanism of action for Benzodiazepines involves the modulation of which receptor?
A. GABA-B receptor
B. GABA-A receptor
C. NMDA receptor
D. 5-HT1A receptor
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening.
4. What is the therapeutic range for Lithium in the maintenance phase of Bipolar Disorder
treatment?
A. 0.1 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
, D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The standard therapeutic range for Lithium maintenance is 0.6
to 1.2 mEq/L; levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
5. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Sertraline
B. Bupropion
C. Fluoxetine
D. Venlafaxine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is contraindicated
in patients with seizure disorders or bulimia/anorexia due to electrolyte imbalance risks.
6. A patient taking an MAOI must avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent which life-threatening
condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Hypertensive Crisis
D. Metabolic Syndrome
