The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Orders from the physician include 100 mg chlorpromazine IM STAT and then 50 mg PO bid; 2 mg benztropine PO bid prn. Why is chlorpromazine ordered?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - To decrease psychotic symptoms Rationale: 1. Chlorpromazine is a typical antipsychotic used to manage psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. 2. It acts by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate hallucinations and delusions. 3. The IM STAT dose provides rapid relief, followed by the oral dose for maintenance. 4. Benztropine is an anticholinergic used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms, not chlorpromazine. 5. Chlorpromazine does not prevent neuroleptic malignant syndrome or induce sleep. Summary: A: Incorrect - Chlorpromazine does not primarily reduce extrapyramidal symptoms. B: Incorrect - Chlorpromazine does not prevent neuroleptic malignant syndrome. D: Incorrect - Chlorpromazine is not primarily used to induce sleep.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the harmful dysfunction definition of psychological disorders, dysfunction involves the inability of a psychological mechanism to perform its function. This means that there is a failure in the normal operation of a mental process or system, leading to disturbances in cognition, emotion, behavior, or interpersonal relationships. Option A is correct because it directly aligns with the concept of dysfunction in this context. Option B, the breakdown of social order in one's community, is incorrect as it does not relate to the individual psychological mechanism's dysfunction, which is the focus when defining psychological disorders. Option C, communication problems in one's immediate family, is also incorrect as it pertains to interpersonal issues rather than dysfunction at the psychological mechanism level. Understanding the harmful dysfunction definition is crucial in the study of psychobiologic disorders as it provides a framework for identifying and categorizing mental health conditions based on the failure of psychological mechanisms to operate effectively. This definition helps differentiate between normal variations in behavior and clinically significant disturbances, guiding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in the field of psychology.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model is a widely accepted theory in psychology that suggests psychopathology results from an interaction between a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and stressful environmental factors. Option A, "vulnerability and adverse experiences," aligns with this model as it acknowledges that individuals with a genetic predisposition may develop a disorder when exposed to significant stressors. This option captures the essence of the diathesis-stress model by emphasizing the interplay between genetic vulnerability and environmental stress. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they oversimplify the etiology of psychopathology. While biochemical factors and chemical imbalances may play a role in some psychobiologic disorders, the diathesis-stress model emphasizes the multifaceted nature of mental health conditions. Likewise, adverse childhood experiences, although significant in the development of certain disorders, do not fully capture the complexity of psychopathology as proposed by the diathesis-stress model. In an educational context, understanding the diathesis-stress model is crucial for students studying psychobiologic disorders as it provides a comprehensive framework for explaining the development of mental health conditions. By grasping the interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors, students can appreciate the nuanced factors contributing to psychopathology and tailor interventions accordingly. This knowledge equips future mental health professionals with a more holistic understanding of the complexities involved in the onset of psychobiologic disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, option A, mentally counting backward from 1,000, best illustrates a compulsion. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. In this case, the individual feels compelled to engage in the specific mental act of counting backward, which is a classic example of a compulsive behavior commonly seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Option B, a persistent fear of germs, describes a common obsession in OCD rather than a compulsion. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress. While individuals with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors like excessive hand washing in response to this fear, the fear itself is the obsession, not the compulsion. Option C, thoughts of harming a neighbor, describes an intrusive thought or obsession, often seen in OCD or other anxiety disorders. Compulsions in response to these thoughts might involve rituals to prevent harm, such as checking locks repeatedly. Option D, falsely believing that a spouse has been cheating, describes a delusion, a fixed false belief that is not shared by others in the individual's culture or subculture. Delusions are commonly seen in psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, rather than in OCD where compulsions are the key feature. In an educational context, understanding the distinction between obsessions, compulsions, and other mental health symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. By recognizing the specific characteristics of each symptom, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address the core features of the individual's disorder. This knowledge also helps reduce stigma by promoting accurate understanding and empathy towards individuals experiencing these complex mental health challenges.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this question on common symptoms of major depressive disorder, the correct answer is A) periods of extreme elation and euphoria. This is because major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, which is the opposite of elation and euphoria typically seen in disorders like bipolar disorder. Option B) difficulty concentrating and making decisions, Option C) loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, and Option D) psychomotor agitation and retardation are all common symptoms of major depressive disorder. Difficulty concentrating and making decisions are often experienced due to the cognitive effects of depression. Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities is a hallmark symptom of depression, known as anhedonia. Psychomotor agitation and retardation refer to observable changes in a person's physical movements, which can be seen in depressive states. In an educational context, understanding the symptoms of major depressive disorder is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those in the mental health field. Being able to differentiate between symptoms of depression and other mood disorders is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. This question helps reinforce the distinctive features of major depressive disorder and enhances critical thinking skills in clinical scenarios.