A withdrawn client diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses little emotion and refuses to attend group therapy.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. Teaching clients about their illness: This function is within the scope of practice for both registered nurses and advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Registered nurses often provide education to clients about their illnesses, medications, and overall care.
B. Maintaining safety on the milieu: Both registered nurses and advanced practice psychiatric nurses are responsible for maintaining safety on the milieu. This includes monitoring the environment, assessing potential risks, and intervening to ensure the safety of clients and staff.
C. Prescribing medications: This function is exclusive to advanced practice psychiatric nurses, such as psychiatric nurse practitioners. Registered nurses do not have the authority to prescribe medications. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses receive additional education and training that allows them to prescribe medications as part of their role.
D. Administering medications: Registered nurses, including those specializing in psychiatric nursing, are authorized to administer medications. This is a common nursing function and does not require advanced practice authorization.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight loss: This is the correct priority nursing diagnosis. The client's significant weight loss is indicative of altered nutrition and poses a more immediate threat to their well-being. Addressing the nutritional deficit takes precedence to ensure the client's physical health and stability.
B. Altered sleep patterns R/T mania AEB insomnia for the past 3 nights: While altered sleep patterns are a concern, the priority in this scenario is the significant weight loss, which is indicative of altered nutrition. Nutritional deficits can have more immediate health consequences.
C. Knowledge deficit R/T bipolar disorder AEB concern about symptoms: While addressing knowledge deficits is important for the client's understanding of their condition, the immediate concern is the client's significant weight loss. Nutritional deficits can lead to serious health issues and should be addressed as a priority.
D. Risk for suicide R/T powerlessness AEB insomnia and anorexia: While the client's symptoms may contribute to a risk for suicide, the immediate focus should be on addressing the altered nutrition, which is a more direct threat to the client's physical health.
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