NR547 ADVANCED
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS (LATEST ), (A+
GUARANTEE).
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily associated with the development of extrapyramidal
symptoms (EPS) when D2 receptors are blocked?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
D. Nigrostriatal pathway
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The nigrostriatal pathway controls motor function. Blockade of
D2 receptors in this pathway leads to EPS, such as dystonia and parkinsonism.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood monitoring to detect which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Steven-Johnson Syndrome
,B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a
severe reduction in white blood cell count (ANC), necessitating strict monitoring.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘excitotoxicity’ hypothesis of
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. GABA
B. Norepinephrine
C. Serotonin
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive glutamate activity can lead to overstimulation of
NMDA receptors, resulting in calcium influx and neuronal death, known as excitotoxicity.
4. Which medication is a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist used for ADHD?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Atomoxetine
, C. Lisdexamfetamine
D. Guanfacine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Guanfacine is a selective alpha-2A agonist that modulates the
prefrontal cortex to improve focus and impulse control in ADHD.
5. In the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, which lab value is most critical to monitor for a
patient on Lithium?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. ALT/AST
C. Platelet count
D. Amylase
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is excreted almost entirely by the kidneys; therefore,
renal function (Creatinine/GFR) is essential to monitor to prevent toxicity.
6. The ‘Monoamine Hypothesis’ of depression suggests that symptoms are caused by a
deficiency in which area?
A. Synaptic levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
B. Intracellular signal transduction
C. Post-synaptic receptor density
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY &
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS (LATEST ), (A+
GUARANTEE).
1. Which dopamine pathway is primarily associated with the development of extrapyramidal
symptoms (EPS) when D2 receptors are blocked?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Mesocortical pathway
C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
D. Nigrostriatal pathway
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The nigrostriatal pathway controls motor function. Blockade of
D2 receptors in this pathway leads to EPS, such as dystonia and parkinsonism.
2. A patient taking Clozapine must have regular blood monitoring to detect which life-
threatening side effect?
A. Steven-Johnson Syndrome
,B. Hyperprolactinemia
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis, a
severe reduction in white blood cell count (ANC), necessitating strict monitoring.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘excitotoxicity’ hypothesis of
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. GABA
B. Norepinephrine
C. Serotonin
D. Glutamate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive glutamate activity can lead to overstimulation of
NMDA receptors, resulting in calcium influx and neuronal death, known as excitotoxicity.
4. Which medication is a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist used for ADHD?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Atomoxetine
, C. Lisdexamfetamine
D. Guanfacine
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Guanfacine is a selective alpha-2A agonist that modulates the
prefrontal cortex to improve focus and impulse control in ADHD.
5. In the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, which lab value is most critical to monitor for a
patient on Lithium?
A. Serum Creatinine
B. ALT/AST
C. Platelet count
D. Amylase
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is excreted almost entirely by the kidneys; therefore,
renal function (Creatinine/GFR) is essential to monitor to prevent toxicity.
6. The ‘Monoamine Hypothesis’ of depression suggests that symptoms are caused by a
deficiency in which area?
A. Synaptic levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
B. Intracellular signal transduction
C. Post-synaptic receptor density
