A nurse should recognize that a decrease in norepinephrine levels would play a significant role in which mental illness?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. Decreased levels of norepinephrine have been linked to depression. Norepinephrine is involved in the body's stress response, affecting mood, emotion, and cognition. In depression, low levels of norepinephrine can contribute to symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness. Therefore, a decrease in norepinephrine levels would play a significant role in depression rather than mania, schizophrenia, or anxiety, as these conditions may involve alterations in other neurotransmitters.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The response "This job will pay the bills, and the workload is light enough for me." indicates that the nursing applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework. Ethical egoism is a normative theory that suggests individuals act in their self-interest, seeking to maximize their own well-being. In this response, the applicant's primary concern is their own financial stability and the manageable workload, reflecting a self-interested approach to decision-making. This contrasts with other responses that focus on care for others (A and C) or a sense of duty (D).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A client threatening to commit suicide should be identified as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment. Suicidal ideation or threats pose an immediate risk to the client's life, and if they are deemed to be at imminent risk of harm to themselves, involuntary commitment may be necessary to ensure their safety and provide necessary mental health interventions. It is important for healthcare professionals to take such threats seriously and act promptly to prevent harm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Informed consent is a crucial component of the healthcare process, ensuring that clients are fully aware of the treatment or procedure they will undergo and have the capacity to make decisions regarding their care. In this scenario, the client being paranoid raises significant concerns about their ability to provide valid informed consent. Paranoia may impact the individual's ability to understand the information presented to them, assess the risks and benefits of ECT, and make a decision based on their own free will. Clients must be able to comprehend the information provided to them, weigh the potential consequences, and communicate their decision without any significant impairments that could affect their judgment. Therefore, a nurse should question the validity of informed consent when a client is paranoid, as it may indicate a lack of capacity to make an informed decision.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: State law determines how long a psychiatric facility can hold a client and under what conditions a client may be involuntarily committed for treatment. In this scenario, the inpatient client who is determined to be a danger to self is likely under an involuntary commitment status. If the client gives notice of intention to leave the hospital, the treatment team must abide by state laws regarding the duration of involuntary holds and the process for involuntary commitment. Understanding the legal framework and requirements set by state law is crucial for determining the treatment team's next actions in response to the client's desire to leave the hospital.