NR 546 ADVANCED
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(CHAMBERLAIN) 100% GUARANTEE
PASS
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Overactivity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway is associated
with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotics work by blocking D2 receptors in
this pathway.
2. A patient taking Clozapine presents with a fever, sore throat, and lethargy. What is the
most critical laboratory parameter to check immediately?
A. Serum glucose
,B. Liver function tests
C. Serum Potassium
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
fever and sore throat are signs of infection that require immediate checking of the ANC.
3. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating Bipolar Disorder but
requires close monitoring of renal function and thyroid levels?
A. Lithium
B. Lamotrigine
C. Valproic Acid
D. Quetiapine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is the gold standard for Bipolar Disorder but is excreted
renally and can cause hypothyroidism or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
4. A patient experiencing hypertensive crisis after consuming aged cheese while on an
antidepressant is likely taking which class of medication?
A. SSRI
B. SNRI
, C. MAOI
D. TCA
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the breakdown
of tyramine. Consumption of high-tyramine foods (like aged cheese) can lead to a
hypertensive crisis.
5. What is the mechanism of action of Bupropion that distinguishes it from SSRIs?
A. Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
B. Norepinephrine and Dopamine reuptake inhibition
C. Alpha-2 antagonism
D. GABA modulation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion is an NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake
Inhibitor). It lacks serotonergic activity, which is why it does not cause sexual dysfunction.
6. Which side effect of Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) is characterized by
involuntary, rhythmic movements of the tongue, face, or jaw?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Dystonia
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(CHAMBERLAIN) 100% GUARANTEE
PASS
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily responsible for the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Mesolimbic pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Overactivity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway is associated
with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Antipsychotics work by blocking D2 receptors in
this pathway.
2. A patient taking Clozapine presents with a fever, sore throat, and lethargy. What is the
most critical laboratory parameter to check immediately?
A. Serum glucose
,B. Liver function tests
C. Serum Potassium
D. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
fever and sore throat are signs of infection that require immediate checking of the ANC.
3. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating Bipolar Disorder but
requires close monitoring of renal function and thyroid levels?
A. Lithium
B. Lamotrigine
C. Valproic Acid
D. Quetiapine
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is the gold standard for Bipolar Disorder but is excreted
renally and can cause hypothyroidism or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
4. A patient experiencing hypertensive crisis after consuming aged cheese while on an
antidepressant is likely taking which class of medication?
A. SSRI
B. SNRI
, C. MAOI
D. TCA
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the breakdown
of tyramine. Consumption of high-tyramine foods (like aged cheese) can lead to a
hypertensive crisis.
5. What is the mechanism of action of Bupropion that distinguishes it from SSRIs?
A. Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
B. Norepinephrine and Dopamine reuptake inhibition
C. Alpha-2 antagonism
D. GABA modulation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bupropion is an NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake
Inhibitor). It lacks serotonergic activity, which is why it does not cause sexual dysfunction.
6. Which side effect of Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) is characterized by
involuntary, rhythmic movements of the tongue, face, or jaw?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Dystonia
