A drug causes muscarinic receptor blockade. The nurse will assess the patient for

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Muscarinic receptor blockade inhibits parasympathetic nerve activity. 2. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common anticholinergic side effect due to reduced salivary gland secretion. 3. Other choices are incorrect because: - Gynecomastia is associated with dopamine receptor blockade. - Pseudoparkinsonism is a side effect of dopamine receptor blockade. - Orthostatic hypotension is more commonly seen with alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. Summary: Dry mouth is the correct assessment due to muscarinic receptor blockade, whereas gynecomastia, pseudoparkinsonism, and orthostatic hypotension are associated with different receptor blockade mechanisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. SSRI medications improve depression by making more serotonin available at the synaptic gap. This is achieved by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to remain in the synaptic gap longer to exert its effects on mood regulation. This mechanism helps to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is associated with alleviating depressive symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because SSRI medications do not destroy serotonin; they actually increase its availability. Choice C is incorrect because SSRI medications do not influence the production of acetylcholine and dopamine, but rather target serotonin reuptake. Choice D is incorrect because SSRI medications do not block muscarinic and alpha-1 norepinephrine receptors; they specifically target serotonin reuptake to improve depression.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: H1 receptors. Blockade of histamine H1 receptors by antipsychotic medications can lead to increased appetite and weight gain in obese patients. Histamine plays a role in regulating appetite and energy balance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blocking 5 HT2 receptors (B) can actually lead to weight loss, acetylcholine (C) blockade is not associated with weight gain, and GABA (D) is not directly involved in weight regulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the corporate accountant who travels frequently. This patient is at the highest risk for sleep problems due to disruptions in circadian rhythms caused by frequent travel across time zones, leading to jet lag. Travel can also result in irregular sleep patterns, poor sleep quality, and difficulty falling asleep. The other choices are less likely to have significant impacts on sleep physiology. A (retiree volunteering) and C (parent with teenagers) may have some sleep disturbances but not as severe as frequent travelers. D (lawn care worker) may have physical exhaustion but is less likely to experience significant disruptions in sleep physiology compared to frequent travelers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG is used to monitor brain activity during sleep, helping to diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy. It measures electrical activity in the brain, providing valuable information on sleep patterns and any abnormalities. Skull x-rays (A) are not useful for evaluating sleep problems. PET (C) and SPECT (D) scans are imaging techniques that show brain activity but are not specifically designed for sleep evaluation. EEG is the most appropriate choice for assessing sleep-related issues due to its ability to directly measure brain activity during sleep.