Nursing Elites

1. Charles has suffered from schizophrenia for many years and now resides in a group treatment facility. One day a nurse approaches him and quietly tells him that his sister, who has been fighting cancer for many months, died that morning. Charles has no appreciable facial reaction and in a very monotone voice says, 'okay.' The nurse is not surprised by Charles's lack of response to the awful news because she knows that _________ is one symptom often seen in those suffering from schizophrenia?

• A. Clang associations
• B. Echolalia
• C. Blunted affect
• D. Perseveration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In individuals with schizophrenia, blunted affect, or reduced emotional expression, is a common symptom. In this scenario, Charles's lack of emotional response upon hearing about his sister's death aligns with the characteristic of blunted affect. This symptom can manifest as a limited range of facial expressions, monotone voice, and reduced display of emotions. Choice A, 'Clang associations,' refers to a thought disorder characterized by the use of words that sound alike but are not logically connected. Choice B, 'Echolalia,' is the repetition of words spoken by others. Choice D, 'Perseveration,' is the persistent repetition of a response or behavior even when it is no longer appropriate.

2. Where is the site of chemical communication in the brain?

• A. Neuron
• B. Synapse
• C. Axon
• D. Dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Synapse. The synapse is the site where chemical communication occurs between neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal of one neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the dendrites of the next neuron. Choice A, Neuron, is incorrect as it refers to the entire nerve cell. Choices C and D, Axon and Dendrite, are also incorrect as they are specific parts of a neuron and not the primary site of chemical communication.

3. Dr. Haldol has several patients with schizophrenia who appear to exhibit excessive or distorted characteristics in relation to what one might consider normal functioning. Specific symptoms include varied hallucinations and multiple delusions. According to the DSM-5, these are referred to as?

• A. Flat affect
• B. Positive symptoms
• C. Negative symptoms
• D. Catatonia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive symptoms. Positive symptoms in schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to normal functioning, such as hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms are considered 'positive' because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Flat affect refers to a reduction in emotional expression, negative symptoms involve deficits in normal functioning such as reduced emotional expression or motivation, and catatonia is a state of unresponsiveness.

4. Which of the following explanations for the relationship between SES and abnormal behavior is not supported by the existing data?

• A. Low SES may cause abnormal behavior.
• B. Abnormal behavior is more likely to go untreated in those of low SES.
• C. Recovery from loss of a job may be more difficult for those exhibiting signs of mental illness.
• D. High SES may cause abnormal behavior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because high SES as a cause for abnormal behavior is not supported by existing data. Abnormal behavior is often associated with factors like stress, trauma, genetics, or environmental influences. High SES is not a known cause of abnormal behavior. Choices A, B, and C are more plausible explanations: Low SES may lead to limited access to mental health care, untreated abnormal behavior due to financial constraints, and difficulties in coping with mental health issues after job loss, respectively.

5. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

• A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
• B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
• C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
• D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

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