A student nurse is studying the effect of the drug isocarboxazid (Marplan) on neurobiology. The student should recognize that the neurotransmitter serotonin is catabolized by which enzyme?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The neurotransmitter serotonin is catabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). This enzyme plays a key role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAO breaks down these neurotransmitters by oxidizing the monoamine molecules. In the case of serotonin, MAO helps convert it into its primary metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Inhibitors of MAO, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), can affect the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking its breakdown, which can have therapeutic effects in certain conditions like depression and anxiety.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients have the legal right to refuse any treatment, including pharmacological, psychological, or procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This right is essential as it upholds the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare. While healthcare providers may strongly recommend certain treatments based on their professional judgment, they cannot force a client to undergo any treatment against their will, except in cases where the client poses an imminent threat to themselves or others (such as being actively suicidal or homicidal). In those instances, there are specific protocols and legal procedures that must be followed to ensure the safety of all involved.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The violation of an ethical principle in this scenario is justice. Justice in healthcare refers to the fair and equal treatment of individuals. When the inpatient psychiatric physician refuses to treat clients without insurance and prematurely discharges those whose insurance benefits have expired, they are not upholding the principles of justice. This behavior results in unequal treatment based on insurance status, which goes against the ethical principle of justice. All individuals should have access to healthcare services regardless of their insurance status to ensure fairness and equity in healthcare delivery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse in this scenario has potentially violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by disclosing protected health information (the sister's admission to the psychiatric unit and the phone call) to someone not authorized to receive it, which in this case is the brother who was not on the client's approved call list. HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of individuals' medical information, and healthcare providers are required to maintain the confidentiality of patient information unless authorized by the patient or required by law to disclose it. The nurse should have verified the brother's authorization to receive such information before connecting the call to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Common law refers to laws that have been established through court decisions rather than through statutory laws passed by legislatures. The scenario described in choice C involving a hospital employee stealing drugs or hospital equipment falls under the category of criminal law. Common law principles can be applied to address such actions, as court decisions and precedents would guide how such cases are handled legally. Choices A, B, and D involve situations that may relate more to issues of negligence, assault, or breach of professional duty which may be handled under other legal frameworks rather than common law.