A patient™s history shows drinking 4 to 6 L of fluid and eating more than 6,000 calories per day. Which part of the central nervous system is most likely dysfunctional for this patient?

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Psychobiological Disorders Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient™s history shows drinking 4 to 6 L of fluid and eating more than 6,000 calories per day. Which part of the central nervous system is most likely dysfunctional for this patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, and satiety. In this case, the patient's excessive fluid intake and caloric consumption suggest dysfunction in the hypothalamus, leading to disrupted signals related to hunger and thirst regulation. The amygdala (A) is involved in emotional processing, the parietal lobe (B) in sensory information processing, and the hippocampus (C) in memory consolidation, making them less likely to be the main cause of the symptoms described.

Question 2 of 5

A fearful patient has an increased heart rate and blood pressure. The nurse suspects increased activity of which neurotransmitter?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Norepinephrine. Increased heart rate and blood pressure are characteristic of the fight-or-flight response, where the sympathetic nervous system is activated. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter released in response to stress and fear, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. GABA (A) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that would not cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Acetylcholine (C) is involved in parasympathetic activity, which typically decreases heart rate and blood pressure. Histamine (D) is not directly involved in the sympathetic response related to fear and stress.

Question 3 of 5

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.

Question 4 of 5

Which instruction has priority when teaching a patient about clozapine?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, leading to infection risk. 2. Sore throat and fever can indicate agranulocytosis. 3. Immediate reporting allows for prompt monitoring and intervention. 4. Prioritizing this instruction ensures patient safety. Summary: A is unrelated, C is not a priority, and D can worsen side effects. Option B is crucial for early detection and management of potential life-threatening adverse effects.

Question 5 of 5

By which mechanism do SSRI medications improve depression?

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.

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