ANCC PMHNP Exam Prep 2023 Complete Solutions

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ANCC PMHNP Exam Prep 2023 Complete Solutions Verified 1.mesocortical pathway: executive function: attention, focus, depression

2.nigrostriatal pathway: from substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum

(muscles): Parkinson's

3.mesolimbic pathway: projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic

system). Pleasure, reward, positive symptoms of schizophrenia:

Addiction, gambling

4.Tuberoinfundibular pathway: regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary).

Hyper- sexuality in mania

5.Dopamine: produced in substania nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors

most important. Elevated in the mesolimbic pathway associated with pleasure and psy- chosis. Antispychotics block dopamine. travels through mesocoritcal, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberinfundibular pathways 1 / 2

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6.Serotonin: 5-HT. produced in raphe nucleus. emotion, impulses,

dreams. 5HT2A receptors = atypical antipsychotics.

7.Norepinephrine: produced in locus coeruleus. arousal and vigilance

8.GABA: inhibitory. produces calm in conjunction with benzodiazepines.

9.ACTH: motor control, learning, memory, sleep, and dreams. Helps

with balance. Decrease in Alzheimer's disease

10.hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA): CRH, ACTH, then

cortisol. Worsens with stress and depression

11.hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT): TRH, TSH, T4. Hypothyroid

causes depression, weight gain, slow metabolism. Hyperthyroid is opposite.

12.hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG): GnRH, FSH, LH.

Malfunctions cause infertility problems.

13.gray matter: neurons are found

14.frontal lobe: executive function, voluntary movement, speech

(Broca's area)

15.Temporal lobe: memory, cognition, speech, emotions (aka limbic

area)

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