NRNP 6635 – FINAL EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with symptoms of schizophrenia. Which dopaminergic
pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms such as hallucinations and
delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure, and its overactivity is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the regulation of sleep, appetite, and
mood, and is a major target for treating MDD?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
,D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Serotonin (5-HT) regulates a wide range of functions including
mood, sleep, and appetite; SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression.
3. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood draws to monitor for which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Qc prolongation
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis,
necessitating strict ANC monitoring via the REMS program.
4. Which brain structure is considered the ‘relay station’ for sensory information, except for
olfaction, before it reaches the cortex?
A. Thalamus
B. Amygdala
C. Hypothalamus
D. Hippocampus
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The thalamus serves as the primary relay station for almost all
sensory information going to the cerebral cortex.
5. In the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 6 months
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 1 year
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months.
6. A patient presents with a ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability
after starting Haloperidol. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Answer: D
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with symptoms of schizophrenia. Which dopaminergic
pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms such as hallucinations and
delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure, and its overactivity is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the regulation of sleep, appetite, and
mood, and is a major target for treating MDD?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
,D. Glutamate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Serotonin (5-HT) regulates a wide range of functions including
mood, sleep, and appetite; SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression.
3. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood draws to monitor for which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Qc prolongation
B. Hepatotoxicity
C. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis,
necessitating strict ANC monitoring via the REMS program.
4. Which brain structure is considered the ‘relay station’ for sensory information, except for
olfaction, before it reaches the cortex?
A. Thalamus
B. Amygdala
C. Hypothalamus
D. Hippocampus
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The thalamus serves as the primary relay station for almost all
sensory information going to the cerebral cortex.
5. In the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 6 months
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 1 year
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months.
6. A patient presents with a ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity, high fever, and autonomic instability
after starting Haloperidol. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Answer: D
