ABPN ABPN Basic 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Dopamine (Correct answer)
- GABA
- Acetylcholine
- Histamine
Correct answer: Dopamine
Excess dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway drives positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
Question 2: A patient on lithium presents with tremor, ataxia, and confusion. What is the priority action?
- Increase the lithium dose
- Check a serum lithium level (Correct answer)
- Add an SSRI
- Order a chest X-ray
Correct answer: Check a serum lithium level
These signs suggest lithium toxicity, so an immediate serum level guides management.
Question 3: Which cranial nerve is assessed by testing the corneal reflex's afferent limb?
- CN II
- CN V (Correct answer)
- CN VII
- CN IX
Correct answer: CN V
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) carries the sensory afferent limb of the corneal reflex.
Question 4: What is the most specific first-line treatment for status epilepticus in the acute setting?
- Oral phenytoin
- IV benzodiazepine (Correct answer)
- IV mannitol
- Oral levetiracetam
Correct answer: IV benzodiazepine
IV benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are first-line to abort ongoing seizures.
Question 5: Which finding best distinguishes delirium from dementia?
- Gradual onset over years
- Fluctuating level of consciousness (Correct answer)
- Preserved attention
- Stable course
Correct answer: Fluctuating level of consciousness
Delirium features acute onset with a fluctuating, impaired level of consciousness and attention.
Question 6: Serotonin syndrome is most likely when an SSRI is combined with which agent?
- Acetaminophen
- An MAO inhibitor (Correct answer)
- A calcium channel blocker
- A proton pump inhibitor
Correct answer: An MAO inhibitor
Combining an SSRI with an MAOI markedly raises serotonin and can cause serotonin syndrome.
Question 7: Which brain structure is primarily responsible for consolidating new declarative memories?
- Amygdala
- Hippocampus (Correct answer)
- Cerebellum
- Basal ganglia
Correct answer: Hippocampus
The hippocampus is essential for forming and consolidating new declarative memories.
ABPN ABPN Basic 2
Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?