MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, My mother says depression is a chemical
disorder. What does she mean? The nurses
... [Show More] response is based on the theory that depression primarily
involves which of the following neurotransmitters?
a. Cortisol and GABA
b. COMT and glutamate
c. Monamine and glycine
d. Serotonin and norepinephrine
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.
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?
a. Observing the patient pick up a spoon
b. Asking the patient to recite the alphabet
c. Monitoring the patients blood pressure
d. Comparing the patients grip strength in both hands
ANS: B
Accidents orstrokes that damage Brocas 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.
3. The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are always
prescribed by the doctor. The nurses answer will be based on information that the therapeutic action of
psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:
a. The temporal lobe; especially Wernickes area
b. Dendrites and their ability to transmit electrical impulses
c. The regulation of neurotransmitters especially dopamine
d. The peripheral nervous system sensitivity to the psychotropic medications
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 ofschizophrenia, on dopamine. The Wernickes area,
dendrite function, or the sensitivity of the peripheral nervous system are not relevant to either
schizophrenia or psychotropic medications. [Show Less]