A withdrawn client diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses little emotion and refuses to attend group therapy. What altered component of the nervous system should a nurse recognize as being implicated in this behavior?
Axons
Neurotransmitters
Dendrites
Synapses
The Correct Answer is B
A. Axons: Axons are nerve cell processes that transmit signals away from the cell body. While axons are essential for communication between nerve cells, their structure or function is not directly implicated in the altered behavior associated with schizophrenia.
B. Neurotransmitters: This is the correct answer. In schizophrenia, there is evidence of dysregulation in neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine. Dopamine dysregulation is associated with both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In the case of negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal and reduced emotional expression, hypoactivity in dopamine pathways may play a role.
C. Dendrites: Dendrites are nerve cell processes that receive signals from other neurons. Similar to axons, dendrites are crucial for communication between nerve cells, but their structure or function is not specifically implicated in the altered behavior associated with schizophrenia.
D. Synapses: Synapses are the junctions between nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals. While synapses play a critical role in neurotransmission, the altered behavior in schizophrenia is more closely linked to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, than to structural changes in synapses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Concrete thinking: Concrete thinking refers to a style of thinking that is focused on immediate and literal aspects of information. The patient's statement involves more than concrete thinking; it includes an irrational belief about the consequences of contagious bacteria, indicating a distorted perception of reality.
B. Agitation: Agitation refers to a state of restlessness or increased activity. The patient's statement does not necessarily reflect agitation but rather a specific paranoid belief about the consequences of bacteria exposure.
C. Paranoia: This is the correct answer. Paranoia involves irrational thoughts and fears of being harmed or persecuted by others. The patient's belief that contagious bacteria are everywhere and will lead to being locked up with other infected people is indicative of paranoid ideation.
D. Poverty of thought: Poverty of thought is characterized by a lack of meaningful or detailed thought content. The patient's statement is not an example of poverty of thought; rather, it involves specific and elaborate content related to a paranoid belief.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. WBC count 3,300/mm³.
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis, which is a severe reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count. A WBC count of 3,300/mm³ is significantly below the normal range, and it indicates a contraindication to the use of clozapine.
B. Asthma:
Asthma is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor respiratory function as antipsychotic medications can have side effects related to respiratory function.
C. Hypertension:
Hypertension alone is not a contraindication to clozapine. Clozapine can, however, be associated with some cardiovascular side effects, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
D. Fasting blood glucose 120 mg/dL:
An elevated fasting blood glucose level is not a contraindication to clozapine. However, it is important to monitor metabolic parameters as antipsychotic medications, including clozapine, can be associated with metabolic side effects.
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