ATI RN
Psychobiologic Disorders Med Surg 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
In most anxiety disorders, the person's distress is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In most anxiety disorders, the person's distress is greatly out of proportion to the situation (Option C). This is because anxiety disorders involve excessive and irrational fear or worry that is difficult to control. The person's response is disproportionate to the actual threat or stressor, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Option A, focusing on a specific situation, is more characteristic of phobias rather than most anxiety disorders. In phobias, the fear is typically linked to a specific object or situation, unlike the general and excessive nature of anxiety disorders. Option B, related to ordinary life stresses, does not capture the excessive and disproportionate nature of distress seen in anxiety disorders. While everyday stressors can contribute to anxiety, the level of distress in anxiety disorders goes beyond what is considered ordinary. Option D, based on a physical cause, is more consistent with somatic symptom disorders rather than anxiety disorders. Somatic symptom disorders involve physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition, whereas anxiety disorders primarily involve psychological symptoms of excessive fear and worry. Educationally, understanding the nature of distress in anxiety disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately identify and provide effective interventions for individuals experiencing these conditions. Recognizing the disproportionate nature of distress helps in distinguishing anxiety disorders from normal stress reactions, phobias, or physical symptom-based disorders, leading to appropriate treatment and support for those affected.
Question 2 of 5
Behaviorists would say that self-defeating behaviors are maintained by immediate reinforcement in the form of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders, behaviorists focus on how behaviors are learned and maintained through reinforcement. In this question, the correct answer is A) relief from anxiety. Self-defeating behaviors, such as self-sabotage or self-harm, can often provide individuals with immediate relief from feelings of anxiety or distress. This relief acts as a form of negative reinforcement, making it more likely that the behavior will be repeated in the future to alleviate similar feelings of unease. Option B) defending the ego and Option C) protecting one's self-image are more aligned with psychodynamic theories rather than behaviorism. While these concepts may play a role in some self-defeating behaviors, behaviorists would not typically attribute behavior maintenance to these factors. Option D) avoiding existential anxiety does not directly align with the principles of behaviorism in explaining the maintenance of self-defeating behaviors. Existential anxiety is more rooted in existential psychology and philosophy, focusing on broader questions of meaning and purpose in life rather than the immediate reinforcement mechanisms that behaviorists emphasize. In an educational context, understanding the principles of behaviorism can help healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in identifying and addressing maladaptive behaviors in patients with psychobiologic disorders. By recognizing how reinforcement, both positive and negative, influences behavior, healthcare providers can develop more effective interventions to help patients modify their behaviors and improve their overall well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A researcher seeking an organic basis for schizophrenia would be well-advised to investigate the role of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) dopamine and dopamine receptors. In schizophrenia, there is evidence of dopamine dysregulation in the brain, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway. Excess dopamine activity is believed to contribute to positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Investigating the role of dopamine and its receptors can provide valuable insights into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of schizophrenia. Option A) amphetamines and amphetamine receptors are known to increase dopamine levels in the brain, but they are not a primary focus in understanding the organic basis of schizophrenia. Option B) adrenaline and noradrenaline are not as directly linked to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia as dopamine is. While noradrenaline dysregulation may play a role in mood disorders, it is not the primary neurotransmitter implicated in schizophrenia. Option C) histamine and antihistamines do not have a significant association with the organic basis of schizophrenia. Their role in the central nervous system is more related to processes such as sleep regulation and allergic responses. Educationally, understanding the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide effective treatment and support to individuals with these conditions. By grasping the intricate interplay of neurotransmitters like dopamine in schizophrenia, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding pharmacological interventions and therapeutic approaches.
Question 4 of 5
The extreme reaction known as fugue refers to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) physical flight to escape conflict. Fugue is a dissociative disorder where individuals may unexpectedly travel away from their home or work, unable to recall their past. This option is correct because fugue involves physical flight as a response to severe psychological stress or conflict, leading to temporary amnesia regarding one's identity and past. Option B) severe depression is incorrect as fugue is not characterized by depression but rather by a dissociative state involving amnesia and wandering away from one's usual environment. Option C) hallucinations is incorrect as fugue does not typically involve hallucinations but rather a disruption in memory and identity. Option D) obsessive behavior is incorrect as fugue is not characterized by obsessive behavior but rather by a sudden and unplanned departure from one's usual surroundings. In an educational context, understanding psychobiologic disorders such as fugue is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and support to individuals experiencing these conditions. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of fugue can aid in early identification and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes and well-being.
Question 5 of 5
The distinction between obsessions and compulsions is the distinction between
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) having repetitious thoughts or engaging in repetitious actions. In the context of psychobiologic disorders, obsessions are defined as intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. This option captures the essence of these definitions by emphasizing the repetitive nature of both obsessions and compulsions in disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Option A) is incorrect because it oversimplifies the distinction by focusing on the level of disruption caused, rather than the nature of the thoughts or actions themselves. Option B) is incorrect as it does not address the core feature of repetitiousness present in both obsessions and compulsions. Option C) is incorrect as it confuses obsessions with neurosis and psychosis, which are not necessarily linked to the distinction between obsessions and compulsions. In an educational context, understanding the difference between obsessions and compulsions is crucial for the accurate assessment and management of psychobiologic disorders like OCD. By recognizing that obsessions involve repetitive and intrusive thoughts, while compulsions involve repetitive behaviors, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to address both components effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.