ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement describes achievement of Eriksons generativity versus stagnation developmental stage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This statement reflects the achievement of Erikson's generativity versus stagnation developmental stage where individuals in middle adulthood (generativity stage) feel a sense of productivity and contribution to the next generation. Feeling fulfilled and satisfied with one's accomplishments and relationships can lead to a sense of generativity, which is characterized by a positive outlook on life and a readiness to face the end of life without fear or regret. The statement implies a sense of fulfillment and readiness to accept mortality, indicating successful completion of this developmental stage.
Question 2 of 5
Which part of the nervous system should a nurse identify as playing a major role during stressful situations?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response in the body, which is activated in stressful situations. This response prepares the body to react quickly to perceived threats, such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and increased adrenaline production. Therefore, during stressful situations, the sympathetic nervous system plays a major role in mobilizing the body's resources to respond effectively.
Question 3 of 5
An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which term best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reuptake is the term that best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron. After neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit signals between neurons, they need to be removed from the cleft to allow for new signals to be transmitted. Reuptake is the process by which the presynaptic neuron reabsorbs the neurotransmitters that were released into the synaptic cleft, recycling them for later use. This process helps in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, ensuring proper signaling between neurons. Regeneration, on the other hand, refers to the process of growing new neurons or nerve fibers. Recycling is a general term that may not specifically apply to the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, while retransmission is not a recognized term in this context.
Question 4 of 5
Which cerebral structure should a nursing instructor describe to students as the emotional brain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The limbic system is often referred to as the "emotional brain" because it plays a major role in processing emotions and emotional responses. It is a complex system of brain structures that includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, among others. These structures are involved in regulating emotions, memory, and certain instinctive behaviors such as fight-or-flight responses. Therefore, a nursing instructor should describe the limbic system as the emotional brain to students as it is essential in understanding emotional functioning and behavior.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. One of the leading theories about schizophrenia is the dopamine hypothesis, which suggests that excessive dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms associated with the disorder. Medications that block dopamine receptors are often used to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia, further supporting the idea of dopamine dysregulation in this mental illness. Therefore, a nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia.