A withdrawn client diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses little emotion and refuses to attend group therapy.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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, treated by discontinuing antipsychotic medications: The symptoms described (uncontrollable tongue movements, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing) are more indicative of tardive dyskinesia than neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysregulation, altered mental status, and generalized muscle rigidity. Treatment involves discontinuing antipsychotic medications and supportive care.
B. Agranulocytosis treated by administration of clozapine (Clozaril): Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of clozapine, not a treatment for the symptoms described. The symptoms presented are more consistent with tardive dyskinesia.
C. Tardive dyskinesia treated by discontinuing antipsychotic medication: This is the correct answer. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and abnormal movements, including tongue protrusion and facial grimacing. It can result from long-term use of antipsychotic medications, and discontinuing or reducing the dose of the antipsychotic is a primary intervention.
D. Headache treated by administration of Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and edema, not headache or the symptoms described, which are more indicative of tardive dyskinesia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Maintain consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation: This is the correct answer. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) clients may engage in splitting behaviors, which involve polarized views of staff as either all good or all bad. Maintaining consistency of care and open communication can help prevent manipulation and ensure fair and transparent interactions.
B. Maintain unit order by the application of autocratic leadership: Autocratic leadership, characterized by a top-down approach with limited input from others, may not be the most effective strategy in this situation. It may lead to resistance from clients and potentially escalate the conflict.
C. Allow the clients to apply the democratic process when developing unit rules: While democratic processes are generally beneficial, allowing clients to unreasonably demand modifications of unit rules without considering the overall impact on the therapeutic environment may not be appropriate. It's important to balance client involvement with maintaining a structured and therapeutic milieu.
D. Allow the client spokesperson to verbalize concerns during a unit staff meeting: While it's important to provide a platform for clients to express concerns, allowing a spokesperson to verbalize concerns during a staff meeting should be done in a manner that maintains order and follows the therapeutic goals of the unit. It should not involve unreasonably demanding modifications without a careful consideration of the impact on the overall treatment milieu.
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