Chapter 5: Biological Context of Psychiatric Nursing Care

Chapter 5: Biological Context of Psychiatric Nursing Care

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. When a patient asks the nurse, “What are neurotransmitters?” The nurse replies that neurotransmitters are:

a.	“the chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off.”
b.	“small clumps of cells that alert the other brain cells to receive messages.”
c.	“tiny areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling our emotions.”
d.	“weblike structures that provide connections among various parts of the brain.”

 

 

ANS:  A

Neurotransmitters are chemicals manufactured in the brain responsible for exciting or inhibiting brain cells in the production of an action.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Text Page: 73

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. A patient tells a nurse, “My doctor says my problem may be with the neurotransmitters in my brain but I don’t understand what that means.” The nurse responds:

a.	“Let’s begin with exploring what your doctor has told you about your problem.”
b.	“We should start with a discussion about any concerns you have about having a neurotransmitter disorder.”
c.	“First let me say that neurotransmitter problems can usually be treated or cured with medication therapy.”
d.	“What you need to understand is that neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain responsible for brain communication.”

 

 

ANS:  A

The correct option assesses the patient’s understanding of his condition, the initial step in any educationally focused discussion. None of the remaining options—defining the role of a neurotransmitter, exploring the patient’s concerns, or providing an explanation of a typical treatment plan—address the patient’s question concerning a lack of understanding.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Text Page: 73

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for fine motor coordination?

a.	Medulla
b.	Thalamus
c.	Cerebellum
d.	Temporal lobe

 

 

ANS:  C

The cerebellum is responsible for fine motor coordination, posture, balance, and integration of emotional processes.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Text Pages: 73-74

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

4. Which neurotransmitter is located only in the brain, particularly in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem, and is implicated in depression?

a.	Norepinephrine
b.	Acetylcholine
c.	Dopamine
d.	Serotonin

 

 

ANS:  D

Serotonin, also called 5-HT, is derived from tryptophan, a dietary amino acid. It is located only in the brain, particularly in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem. It plays a role in regulation of mood through its mood-elevating capacity.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Text Page: 76

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

5. What part of the brain is responsible for regulating pituitary hormones and is known to regulate the body’s temperature?

a.	Thalamus
b.	Cerebellum
c.	Limbic system
d.	Hypothalamus

 

 

ANS:  D

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulation of metabolism, temperature, and emotions.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Text Page: 73

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation