NURS3481 Study Helps Exam 1;
Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing of Individuals, Families
and Groups - NURS 3481
The University of Texas at Arlington
... [Show More] College of Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing of Individuals, Families and Groups - NURS 3481
N3481 Study Helps Exam 1
1. Discuss each of the following major neurotransmitters (GABA, Acetylcholine, Dopamine, and
Serotonin) and the role they play in common psychiatric diagnosis.
1. Dopamine-involved with fine muscle movements, integration of emotions, thoughts, &
decision making. INCREASED DOPA= schizophrenia & mania; DECREASED DOPA =
Parkinson’s & depression. When you think Dopa think schizophrenia pts.
2. Acetylcholine- involved with learning and memory; regulated mood, mania, sexual
aggression. Stimulates the PNS. INCREASED ACH= depression; DECREASED ACH=
Alzheimer’s dz, Huntington’s & Parkinson dz. When you think of ACH think of memory.
3. GABA- involved with inhibitions, reduces aggression, excitation and anxiety. Also deals
with pain perception, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxing properties; can impair cognition and
psychomotor.DECREASED GABA= anxiety disorders, mania, Huntington’s INCREASED
GABA = reduction of anxiety. When you think GABA think stress & anxiety.
a. Glutamate: helps synthesis GABA: the “feel good” elevates mood
4. Serotonin- Plays a role in sleep regulation, hunger, mood states, aggression, pain perception
& sexual activity.INCREASED SE = Anxiety; DECREASED SE = depression When you think
serotonin think depression.
2. Compare and contrast the impact/effect of psychiatric medications on neurotransmitters in the
parasympathetic nervous system and identify resulting side/adverse effects that you may see in your
patient (review chapter 4 for specific receptor site impact and related effects).
Ach block- blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention.
NE reuptake inhibition- reduce depression, anxiety, GI disturbances, sexual dysfunction
Dopamine reuptake inhibition- decrease depression, psychomotor activation, anti parkinson’s
effects.
Serotonin block- reduces depression, reduce suicidal behavior, hypotension and ejaculatory
dysfunction.
Antidepressants block ACh while increasing NE and SE this can cause blurred vision, dry
mouth, constipation, sinus tachycardia, & urinary retention.
Second-generation & third-generation antipsychotic meds can also cause a muscarinic
cholinergic block while increasing dopa and serotonin leading to dry mouth, blurred vision,
tachycardia, urinary retention, constipation. [Show Less]