Nokea
What are neurotransmitters?
- A. Chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off.
- B. Areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling emotions.
- C. Clumps of cells that alert the other brain cells to receive messages.
- D. Web-like structures that provide connections among parts of the brain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that act as messengers between neurons, influencing various psychological functions. Choice A correctly defines neurotransmitters by stating that they are chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off. This is the function of neurotransmitters in transmitting signals between neurons. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe neurotransmitters and their role in the brain.
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The LPN/LVN is assessing a client who is taking an antipsychotic medication. Which of the following symptoms is uniquely indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and requires immediate attention?
- A. Very high temperature
- B. Muscular rigidity
- C. Tremors
- D. Altered consciousness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A very high temperature is a hallmark symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications. This symptom is uniquely indicative of NMS and requires immediate medical attention. Muscular rigidity, tremors, and altered consciousness can be seen in other conditions but are not as specifically linked to NMS as a very high temperature.
A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia and exhibits apathy, lack of energy, and lack of interest in daily activities. The nurse should recognize that these symptoms are most likely due to which of the following?
- A. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
- B. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
- C. Side effects of antipsychotic medication.
- D. Symptoms of depression.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Apathy, lack of energy, and lack of interest in daily activities are negative symptoms of schizophrenia (A). Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions (B). While antipsychotic medication side effects can sometimes cause lethargy or sedation (C), the scenario specifically describes negative symptoms. Depression can also cause similar symptoms (D), but in the context of schizophrenia, these are recognized as negative symptoms.
A client with depression is started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The client asks, 'How long will it take for this medication to work?' What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you start feeling better.
- B. You should start feeling better within a few days.
- C. The medication works immediately to improve your mood.
- D. It may take up to 8 weeks for the medication to take full effect.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Explaining that it may take up to 8 weeks for the medication to take full effect provides the client with a realistic expectation. SSRI medications typically require time to build up in the body and exert their therapeutic effects. Choice A is incorrect as it underestimates the time frame required for the medication to work. Choice B is incorrect as SSRIs do not produce immediate effects. Choice C is incorrect as it falsely states that the medication works immediately, which is not true for SSRIs.
A female client with obsessive compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
- B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care.
- C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive compulsive behavior.
- D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming procedure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging the client to express her feelings can help address underlying anxieties and may reduce the need for obsessive behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could escalate the situation. Choice B is not the best initial action as it focuses on the behavior rather than the client's emotions. Choice C is premature without first addressing the client's emotional needs.
The nurse is leading a 'current events group' with chronic psychiatric clients. One group member states, 'Clara Barton was my nurse during my last hospitalization. She was a very mean nurse and wasn't nice to me.' Which response would be best for the nurse to make?
- A. 'Clara Barton was not your nurse.'
- B. 'What did she do to you that was so mean?'
- C. 'I didn't know that Clara Barton was a nurse.'
- D. 'Clara Barton started the American Red Cross.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: (D) presents the reality of the situation in relation to American culture. The fact that Clara Barton was a nurse during the Civil War should be addressed on an individual basis. Since this is group therapy, the nurse would be illustrating the concept of universality. (A) is likely to promote defensiveness. (B and C) would support the delusion. Therefore, the most appropriate response is (D) as it provides factual information that can redirect the conversation in a constructive manner.