Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The site of chemical communication in the brain is the ________.

• A. neuron
• B. synapse
• C. axon
• D. dendrite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The synapse is the correct answer. It is the site where communication between neurons occurs through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Choice A, neuron, is incorrect as it is the cell itself rather than a specific site of communication. Choice C, axon, is also incorrect as it is a part of the neuron that transmits signals away from the cell body. Choice D, dendrite, is not the correct answer either, as dendrites receive signals from other neurons but do not release neurotransmitters for communication.

3. Michael, age 16, has recently gained a considerable amount of weight but has not grown any taller. His father experienced a similar pattern of growth when he was a teenager. Theorists who suggest that Michael’s growth pattern was inherited from his father emphasize the ________ side of the nature-nurture debate?

• A. Nature
• B. Nurture
• C. Environmental
• D. Experiential

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Nature.' In this scenario, the emphasis is on the genetic inheritance of the growth pattern from father to son, highlighting the role of nature in determining physical characteristics. Choice B, 'Nurture,' focuses on environmental influences, which are not the primary factor in this case. Choice C, 'Environmental,' is similar to 'Nurture' and does not address the genetic aspect mentioned. Choice D, 'Experiential,' pertains more to the learning and experiential aspects rather than genetic inheritance, making it an incorrect choice.

4. Latresha is not hungry, is extremely tired, and doesn't feel like doing much of anything. She often feels that life is just hopeless. These symptoms have been going on for 2 months now. She probably is suffering from which mood disorder?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Major depressive disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Major Depressive Disorder. Latresha's symptoms of prolonged sadness, fatigue, and lack of interest in activities lasting for 2 months indicate a major depressive episode. Generalized anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety, not necessarily prolonged sadness. Bipolar disorder (B) involves episodes of both mania and depression, not solely prolonged sadness. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (D) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions, not the symptoms described in the scenario.

5. What is the diathesis-stress model of psychopathology?

• A. The idea that stress is the primary cause of psychopathology.
• B. A model that focuses solely on genetic predispositions.
• C. A theory that involves only environmental factors in the development of disorders.
• D. A person must have both a vulnerability for a disorder and exposure to stressors to develop the disorder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model of psychopathology posits that individuals must have a vulnerability or predisposition to a disorder (diathesis) and be exposed to stressful environmental factors for the disorder to manifest. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic or biological vulnerabilities (diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because the model does not suggest that stress is the sole cause of psychopathology. Choice B is incorrect as the model considers both genetic predispositions and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect because the diathesis-stress model acknowledges the role of both genetic and environmental factors in the development of disorders.

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