Questions and Answers
What are neurotransmitters?
What does PET stand for?
Which diagnostic procedure should the nurse expect to prepare the patient for differential diagnosis between Alzheimer’s disease and multiple infarcts?
Which part of the central nervous system is most likely dysfunctional for a patient drinking 4 to 6 L of fluid and eating more than 6,000 calories per day?
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Which question should the nurse ask a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder to assess for disturbances in circadian rhythms?
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What effect would be expected from a medication that potentiates the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)?
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Treatment for a patient with memory difficulties might include medications designed to:
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The nurse should assess a patient taking a drug with anticholinergic properties for inhibited function of which system?
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What is the result of neurotransmitter inhibitors that block reuptake?
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What action causes symptoms of restlessness in a patient taking medication for mental illness?
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In a fearful patient with increased heart rate, which neurotransmitter is likely active?
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For a patient with acute anxiety, which medication group should the patient be taught about?
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Which medication should the nurse expect to teach a patient hospitalized for severe major depressive disorder?
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What medication group should the nurse expect for a patient with bipolar disorder displaying aggressiveness?
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A drug causes muscarinic receptor blockade. What should the nurse assess for?
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What should the nurse teach a patient beginning therapy with a phenothiazine medication?
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What type of medication is paroxetine?
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Anticholinergic side effects are likely when a patient takes which medication?
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Which instruction has priority when teaching a patient about clozapine?
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Which patient should the nurse monitor closely for fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
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Which receptors, when blocked by medications, contribute to further weight gain?
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What change in vital signs is likely when encountering a poisonous snake?
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Which medication belongs to the same group as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and gabapentin?
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What strategy should the nurse use to ensure a football player remembers a CT appointment?
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Which co-morbid health problems require additional monitoring when administering second-generation antipsychotic medication? (Select all that apply)
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What nonjudgmental questions could the nurse ask about a patient's use of complementary and herbal remedies? (Select all that apply)
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Which structures are most likely involved in memory problems? (Select all that apply)
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What is the best response to the sibling worried about the cost of a functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI) test?
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Study Notes
Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
- Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells.
- Imbalances in neurotransmitters can impact mental health and mood.
Diagnostic Procedures
- PET (positron-emission tomography) scans measure blood flow and activity in the brain, assisting in identifying issues like schizophrenia.
- CT (computed tomography) scans are used to differentiate conditions such as Alzheimer's disease from multiple infarcts.
Neuroanatomy and Disorders
- The hypothalamus regulates functions like fluid intake and hunger; dysfunction can lead to excessive fluid intake and calorie consumption.
- Disorganized thinking in schizophrenia is often associated with frontal lobe dysfunction.
Circadian Rhythms in Depression
- Assessment of circadian rhythm disturbances in patients with major depressive disorder includes understanding their patterns of daily activity.
Effects of Medications
- Medications enhancing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) typically result in reduced anxiety.
- Drugs inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine are expected in patients experiencing memory difficulties.
Side Effects of Mental Health Medications
- Anticholinergic drugs may lead to inhibited functions of the parasympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms like dry mouth.
- Dopamine-blocking medication can lead to restlessness and an urge for constant movement.
Treatment for Anxiety and Depression
- Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for acute anxiety, while SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like sertraline are common for treating major depressive disorder.
Weight Gain and Mental Health Medications
- Certain medications that block H1 receptors may contribute to weight gain in patients with schizophrenia.
Vital Signs and Stress Responses
- Exposure to stressors, such as encountering a poisonous snake, can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate as part of the body's fight-or-flight response.
Medication Groupings and Indications
- Valproate is categorized with carbamazepine and lamotrigine, which are used for seizure disorders and bipolar disorder.
Patient Education and Compliance
- Important to inform patients taking clozapine about the need to report signs of infection, like sore throat and fever, due to potential agranulocytosis.
Nonjudgmental Patient Communication
- Asking open-ended questions about herbal remedies allows for better understanding without being judgmental.
Memory and Brain Structures
- The hippocampus, amygdala, and temporal lobe are crucial structures involved in memory function.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- fMRI tests can reveal physical causes for psychiatric symptoms and provide insights for appropriate treatment planning.
Monitoring for Adverse Effects
- Special care is necessary for patients on second-generation antipsychotics, especially those with co-morbid conditions like diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which could exacerbate side effects.
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Description
Test your knowledge on neurotransmitters and their functions with this set of flashcards based on Varcarolis Chapter 3. Understand the role of neurotransmitters in mental health and how they affect mood and memory through various scenarios.
