NSG552 FINAL EXAM 2: ADVANCED
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
1. Which antipsychotic medication requires mandatory monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil
Count (ANC) due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Clozapine
B. Olanzapine
C. Risperidone
D. Quetiapine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a 1% risk of life-threatening
agranulocytosis, necessitating strict ANC monitoring per the REMS program.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to produce their
anxiolytic and sedative effects?
A. Glutamate
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
,D. GABA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
3. A patient taking Lithium for Bipolar I Disorder presents with polyuria and polydipsia. Which
condition is most likely developing?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium can interfere with the action of ADH on the renal
tubules, leading to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive urination
and thirst.
4. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
, D. Venlafaxine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly at higher
doses and in patients with electrolyte imbalances common in eating disorders.
5. Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in which pathway is responsible for the development
of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The nigrostriatal pathway controls motor movement; D2
blockade here leads to EPS like dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.
6. A patient prescribed an MAOI must avoid foods high in tyramine to prevent which life-
threatening complication?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Hypertensive Crisis
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
D. Agranulocytosis
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
1. Which antipsychotic medication requires mandatory monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil
Count (ANC) due to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Clozapine
B. Olanzapine
C. Risperidone
D. Quetiapine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine is associated with a 1% risk of life-threatening
agranulocytosis, necessitating strict ANC monitoring per the REMS program.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to produce their
anxiolytic and sedative effects?
A. Glutamate
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
,D. GABA
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines act as positive allosteric modulators at the
GABA-A receptor, enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
3. A patient taking Lithium for Bipolar I Disorder presents with polyuria and polydipsia. Which
condition is most likely developing?
A. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
B. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium can interfere with the action of ADH on the renal
tubules, leading to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive urination
and thirst.
4. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Sertraline
C. Fluoxetine
, D. Venlafaxine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, particularly at higher
doses and in patients with electrolyte imbalances common in eating disorders.
5. Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in which pathway is responsible for the development
of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The nigrostriatal pathway controls motor movement; D2
blockade here leads to EPS like dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.
6. A patient prescribed an MAOI must avoid foods high in tyramine to prevent which life-
threatening complication?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Hypertensive Crisis
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
D. Agranulocytosis
