NR546 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
FINAL EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which dopamine pathway is associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such
as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
D. Nigrostriatal pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure; hyperactivity of dopamine in this pathway is linked to the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. A patient taking an antipsychotic develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic
instability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
,B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
C. Akathisia
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs
characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.
3. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Venlafaxine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, particularly in
patients with anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
4. Blockade of dopamine in the tuberoinfundibular pathway leads to which side effect?
A. Extrapyramidal symptoms
B. Hyperprolactinemia
, C. Negative symptoms
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine normally inhibits prolactin release; blocking D2
receptors in this pathway leads to increased prolactin, which can cause galactorrhea and
gynecomastia.
5. What is the mechanism of action for the mood stabilizer Lithium?
A. GABA-A receptor agonism
B. Voltage-gated sodium channel blockade
C. Inhibition of the second messenger system involving inositol and GSK-3
D. NMDA receptor antagonism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium works by altering sodium transport and inhibiting the
inositol monophosphatase enzyme and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3).
6. Which medication requires strict monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) due
to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Risperidone
B. Quetiapine
C. Clozapine
FINAL EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which dopamine pathway is associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such
as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Mesocortical pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
D. Nigrostriatal pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is associated with reward and
pleasure; hyperactivity of dopamine in this pathway is linked to the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. A patient taking an antipsychotic develops high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic
instability. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
,B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
C. Akathisia
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs
characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.
3. Which antidepressant is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorders or
eating disorders?
A. Bupropion
B. Venlafaxine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Sertraline
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, particularly in
patients with anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
4. Blockade of dopamine in the tuberoinfundibular pathway leads to which side effect?
A. Extrapyramidal symptoms
B. Hyperprolactinemia
, C. Negative symptoms
D. Weight gain
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dopamine normally inhibits prolactin release; blocking D2
receptors in this pathway leads to increased prolactin, which can cause galactorrhea and
gynecomastia.
5. What is the mechanism of action for the mood stabilizer Lithium?
A. GABA-A receptor agonism
B. Voltage-gated sodium channel blockade
C. Inhibition of the second messenger system involving inositol and GSK-3
D. NMDA receptor antagonism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium works by altering sodium transport and inhibiting the
inositol monophosphatase enzyme and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3).
6. Which medication requires strict monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) due
to the risk of agranulocytosis?
A. Risperidone
B. Quetiapine
C. Clozapine
