ABPN ABPN Basic 3

Question 1

A patient develops muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and elevated CK after starting an antipsychotic. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Rigidity, fever, autonomic instability, and elevated CK after antipsychotic use indicate NMS.

Question 2

Which EEG pattern is classically associated with absence seizures?

Accepted Answer

3-Hz spike-and-wave

Answer

Generalized 3-Hz spike-and-wave discharges are characteristic of absence seizures.

Question 3

Wernicke encephalopathy is caused by deficiency of which vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Answer

Thiamine (B1) deficiency causes Wernicke encephalopathy, often in chronic alcohol use.

Question 4

Which antidepressant class carries the greatest risk in overdose due to cardiac and seizure effects?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

TCAs cause QRS widening, arrhythmias, and seizures, making overdose especially dangerous.

Question 5

A resting tremor, bradykinesia, and cogwheel rigidity most suggest dysfunction of which system?

Accepted Answer

Nigrostriatal dopaminergic

Answer

Loss of nigrostriatal dopamine produces the classic parkinsonian triad.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Practice Test