Nokea
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).
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A nurse administers a hypnotic medication that potentiates the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Which finding would be expected?
- A. Reduced anxiety
- B. Improved memory
- C. More organized thinking
- D. Fewer sensory perceptual alterations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased levels of GABA reduce anxiety; thus, any potentiation of GABA action should result in anxiety reduction. Memory enhancement is associated with acetylcholine and substance P. Thought disorganization is associated with dopamine. GABA is not associated with sensory perceptual alterations.
A patient presents with anxiety, increased heart rate, and fear. The nurse would suspect the presence of a high concentration of which neurotransmitter?
- A. GABA
- B. Histamine
- C. Acetylcholine
- D. Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter associated with sympathetic nervous system stimulation, preparing the individual for the 'fight-or-flight' response. GABA is a mediator of anxiety level. A high concentration of histamine is associated with an inflammatory response. A high concentration of acetylcholine is associated with parasympathetic nervous system stimulation.
A nurse should assess a patient taking a medication with anticholinergic properties for inhibition of what function?
- A. Parasympathetic nervous system
- B. Sympathetic nervous system
- C. Reticular activating system
- D. Medulla oblongata
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter found in high concentration in the parasympathetic nervous system. When acetylcholine action is inhibited by anticholinergic drugs, parasympathetic symptoms such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention appear. The functions of the sympathetic nervous system, the reticular activating system, and the medulla oblongata are not affected by anticholinergic 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.
A patient is hospitalized for major depressive disorder. A nurse can expect to likely provide the patient with teaching about which medication?
- A. Chlordiazepoxide
- B. Fluoxetine
- C. Clozapine
- D. Tacrine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), an antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of serotonin with few anticholinergic and sedating side effects; clozapine (Clozaril) is an antipsychotic medication; chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is an anxiolytic drug; and tacrine (Cognex) is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.