NRNP 6635 COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which dopaminergic pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is responsible for emotional behaviors
and is hyperactive in schizophrenia, leading to positive symptoms. The mesocortical
pathway is associated with negative symptoms, while nigrostriatal involves motor control.
,2. A patient presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major
depressive episode. There has never been a manic episode. What is the most likely DSM-5-TR
diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Mixed Features
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires a history of at least one major depressive
episode and at least one hypomanic episode, without ever having a full manic episode.
3. Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Decreased White Blood Cell count
B. Elevated Creatine Kinase (CK)
C. Decreased blood glucose levels
D. Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity and hyperthermia,
which leads to muscle breakdown and significantly elevated Creatine Kinase levels.
, 4. What is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities.
5. A PMHNP is treating a patient with Clozapine. Which laboratory value requires immediate
discontinuation of the medication and consultation with hematology?
A. WBC count of 4,000/mm3
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) less than 500/mm3
C. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
D. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) is a medical emergency
for patients on Clozapine due to the risk of agranulocytosis and requires immediate
cessation.
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which dopaminergic pathway is primarily associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?
A. Nigrostriatal pathway
B. Mesolimbic pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The mesolimbic pathway is responsible for emotional behaviors
and is hyperactive in schizophrenia, leading to positive symptoms. The mesocortical
pathway is associated with negative symptoms, while nigrostriatal involves motor control.
,2. A patient presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major
depressive episode. There has never been a manic episode. What is the most likely DSM-5-TR
diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Mixed Features
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires a history of at least one major depressive
episode and at least one hypomanic episode, without ever having a full manic episode.
3. Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Decreased White Blood Cell count
B. Elevated Creatine Kinase (CK)
C. Decreased blood glucose levels
D. Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity and hyperthermia,
which leads to muscle breakdown and significantly elevated Creatine Kinase levels.
, 4. What is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5-TR?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days
than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities.
5. A PMHNP is treating a patient with Clozapine. Which laboratory value requires immediate
discontinuation of the medication and consultation with hematology?
A. WBC count of 4,000/mm3
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) less than 500/mm3
C. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
D. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) is a medical emergency
for patients on Clozapine due to the risk of agranulocytosis and requires immediate
cessation.
