Nokea
On the basis of current knowledge of neurotransmitter effects, a nurse anticipates that the treatment plan for a patient with memory difficulties may include medications designed to do what?
- A. Inhibit GABA production.
- B. Increase dopamine sensitivity.
- C. Decrease dopamine at receptor sites.
- D. Prevent destruction of acetylcholine.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Increased acetylcholine plays a role in learning and memory. Preventing the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase results in higher levels of acetylcholine, with the potential for improved memory. GABA is known to affect anxiety level rather than memory. Increased dopamine causes symptoms associated with schizophrenia or mania rather than improves memory. Decreasing dopamine at receptor sites is associated with Parkinson disease rather than improving memory.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient begins therapy with a first-generation antipsychotic medication. What teaching should a nurse provide related to the drug's strong dopaminergic effect?
- A. Chew sugarless gum.
- B. Increase dietary fiber.
- C. Arise slowly from bed.
- D. Report muscle stiffness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: First generation antipsychotic medications block dopamine receptors in both the limbic system and basal ganglia. Dystonia is likely to occur early in the course of treatment and is often heralded by sensations of muscle stiffness. Early intervention with an antiparkinsonian medication can increase the patient's comfort and prevent dystonic reactions. The incorrect responses apply to potential anticholinergic effects of first-generation antipsychotic medications.
The nurse will order a special diet for the patient taking what medication?
- A. Buspirone
- B. Haloperidol
- C. Trazodone
- D. Phenelzine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients taking phenelzine, an MAOI, must be on a tyramine-free diet to prevent hypertensive crisis. None of the other medication require dietary restrictions.
The spouse of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks, 'Which neurotransmitters are more active when a person has schizophrenia?' The nurse's response will focus on which neurotransmitters? (Select all that apply.)
- A. GABA
- B. Substance P
- C. Histamine
- D. Dopamine
- E. Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: Dopamine plays a role in the integration of thoughts and emotions, and excess dopamine is implicated in the thought disturbances of schizophrenia. Increased activity of norepinephrine also occurs. Substance P is most related to the pain experience. Histamine decrease is associated with depression. Increased GABA is associated with anxiety reduction.
A patient hospitalized with a mood disorder has demonstrated aggression, agitation, talkativeness, and irritability. A nurse begins the care plan based on the expectation that the health care provider is most likely to prescribe a medication from what classification?
- A. Anticholinergic
- B. Mood stabilizer
- C. Psychostimulant
- D. Tricyclic antidepressant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms describe a manic episode. Mania is effectively treated by the mood stabilizing medication, lithium and selected anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine. No drugs from the other classifications listed are effective in the treatment of mania.
The parent of an adolescent diagnosed with schizophrenia asks a nurse, 'My child's doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that?' What is the nurse's best response?
- A. PET uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problems areas in the brain. Does your teenager have any metal implants?
- B. It's a special type of x-ray image that shows structures of the brain and whether a brain injury has ever occurred.
- C. PET is a scan that passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain wave activity. PET can help diagnose seizures.
- D. PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can understand. The correct option is the only reply that provides factual information relevant to PET scans. The incorrect responses describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic (CT) scans, and electroencephalography (EEG).