Chapter 06: Neurobiology in Mental Health and Mental Disorder

Chapter 06: Neurobiology in Mental Health and Mental Disorder

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, “My mother says depression is a chemical disorder. What does she mean?” The nurse’s response is based on the theory that depression primarily involves which of the following neurotransmitters?

ANS: D

One possible cause of depression is thought to involve one or more neurotransmitters. Serotonin and norepinephrine have been found to be important in the regulation of depression. There is no research to support that the other options play a significant role in the development of depression.

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Comprehension  REF:  Page 104

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

2. A patient has experienced a stroke (cerebral vascular accident) that has resulted in damage to the Broca area. Which evaluation does the nurse conduct to reinforce this diagnosis?

ANS: B

Accidents or strokes that damage Broca’s area may result in the inability to speak (i.e., motor aphasia). Fine motor skills, blood pressure control, and muscle strength are not controlled by the Broca area of the left frontal lobe.

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Page 100

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

3. The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are always prescribed by the doctor. The nurse’s answer will be based on information that the therapeutic action of psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:

ANS: C

Medications used to treat psychiatric disorders operate in and around the synaptic cleft and have action at the neurotransmitter level, especially in the case of schizophrenia, on dopamine. The Wernicke’s area, dendrite function, or the sensitivity of the peripheral nervous system are not relevant to either schizophrenia or psychotropic medications.

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Comprehension  REF:  Page 104

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

4. A student nurse mutters that it seems entirely unnecessary to have to struggle with understanding the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic system. The mentor would base a response on the understanding that it is:

ANS: D

Nurses must understand that many symptoms of psychiatric disorders have a neurologic basis, although the symptoms are manifested behaviorally. This understanding facilitates effective care planning. The foundation of knowledge is not used exclusively by advanced practice psychiatric nurses nor is it relevant for only behavior therapies or brain trauma since dealing with the results of normal and abnormal brain function is a responsibility of all nurses providing all types of care to the psychiatric patient.

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Comprehension  REF:  Page 98          TOP:  Nursing Process: Planning

MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity