Chapter 4: Biological Basis for Understanding Psychopharmacology

Chapter 4: Biological Basis for Understanding Psychopharmacology

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient asks a nurse, “What are neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance.” The best reply would be:

a.	“You must feel relieved to know that your problem has a physical basis.”
b.	“Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells.”
c.	“It is a high-level concept to explain. You should ask the doctor to tell you more.”
d.	“Neurotransmitters are substances we eat daily that influence memory and mood.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Stating that neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells gives the most accurate information. Neurotransmitters are messengers in the central nervous system. They are released from the axon terminal, diffuse across the synapse, and attach to specialized receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. The incorrect responses do not answer the patient’s question, are demeaning, and provide untrue and misleading information.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Pages: 51-52

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

2. The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia asks a nurse, “My child’s doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that?” Select the nurse’s best reply.

a.	“PET uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problems areas in the brain. Does your teenager have any metal implants?”
b.	“It’s a special type of x-ray image that shows structures of the brain and whether a brain injury has ever occurred.”
c.	“PET is a scan that passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain wave activity. PET can help diagnose seizures.”
d.	“PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain.”

 

 

ANS:  D

The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can understand. The correct option is the only reply that provides factual information relevant to PET scans. The incorrect responses describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic (CT) scans, and electroencephalography (EEG).

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Pages: 50-52

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

3. A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?

a.	Computed tomography (CT) scan
b.	Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
c.	Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
d.	Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan

 

 

ANS:  A

A CT scan shows the presence or absence of structural changes, including cortical atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and areas of infarction—information that will be helpful to the health care provider. The other tests focus on brain activity and are more expensive; they may be ordered later.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Pages: 50-52   TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

4. A patient has delusions and hallucinations. Before beginning treatment with a psychotropic medication, the health care provider wants to rule out the presence of a brain tumor. For which test will a nurse need to prepare the patient?

a.	Cerebral arteriogram
b.	Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
c.	Positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
d.	Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

 

 

ANS:  B

A CT scan and an MRI visualize neoplasms and other structural abnormalities. A PET scan, SPECT scan, and fMRI, which give information about brain function, are not indicated. An arteriogram would not be appropriate.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page: 52         TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity