ANCC PMHNP Exam Prep Questions and
Answers Already Passed
mesocortical pathway ✔✔executive function: attention, focus, depression
nigrostriatal pathway ✔✔from substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum (muscles): Parkinson's
mesolimbic pathway ✔✔projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system). Pleasure, reward,
positive symptoms of schizophrenia: Addiction, gambling
Tuberoinfundibular pathway ✔✔regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary). Hypersexuality in
mania
Dopamine ✔✔produced in substania nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors most important. Elevated
in the mesolimbic pathway associated with pleasure and psychosis. Antispychotics block
dopamine. travels through mesocoritcal, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberinfundibular
pathways
Serotonin ✔✔5-HT. produced in raphe nucleus. emotion, impulses, dreams. 5HT2A receptors =
atypical antipsychotics.
Norepinephrine ✔✔produced in locus coeruleus. arousal and vigilance
GABA ✔✔inhibitory. produces calm in conjunction with benzodiazepines.
ACTH ✔✔motor control, learning, memory, sleep, and dreams. Helps with balance. Decrease in
Alzheimer's disease
Answers Already Passed
mesocortical pathway ✔✔executive function: attention, focus, depression
nigrostriatal pathway ✔✔from substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum (muscles): Parkinson's
mesolimbic pathway ✔✔projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system). Pleasure, reward,
positive symptoms of schizophrenia: Addiction, gambling
Tuberoinfundibular pathway ✔✔regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary). Hypersexuality in
mania
Dopamine ✔✔produced in substania nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors most important. Elevated
in the mesolimbic pathway associated with pleasure and psychosis. Antispychotics block
dopamine. travels through mesocoritcal, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberinfundibular
pathways
Serotonin ✔✔5-HT. produced in raphe nucleus. emotion, impulses, dreams. 5HT2A receptors =
atypical antipsychotics.
Norepinephrine ✔✔produced in locus coeruleus. arousal and vigilance
GABA ✔✔inhibitory. produces calm in conjunction with benzodiazepines.
ACTH ✔✔motor control, learning, memory, sleep, and dreams. Helps with balance. Decrease in
Alzheimer's disease
