Nursing Elites

1. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

• A. Psychodynamic
• B. Behavioral
• C. Biological
• D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

2. While out for a walk, you come across a ferocious dog. You feel your heart beating faster and your palms begin to sweat. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is activated in this situation?

• A. Autonomic
• B. Sympathetic
• C. Parasympathetic
• D. Somatic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sympathetic. When encountering a stressful situation like a ferocious dog, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the 'fight or flight' response. This response triggers physiological changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat. The autonomic nervous system (Choice A) encompasses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, so it's a broader category. The parasympathetic nervous system (Choice C) is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions, which are opposite to the physiological changes seen in a stress response. The somatic nervous system (Choice D) controls voluntary movements and sensory information, not the physiological responses seen in a stress reaction.

3. A model of understanding mental illnesses that attempts to integrate the contributions of many different types of actors is called the ________ viewpoint.

• A. biopsychosocial
• B. sociocultural
• C. Gestalt
• D. neuroscience

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: biopsychosocial. The biopsychosocial viewpoint considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental illnesses. This model recognizes that mental health and illness are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Choice B, sociocultural, focuses more on societal and cultural influences on mental health, while Choice C, Gestalt, relates to holistic psychology. Choice D, neuroscience, emphasizes the role of the nervous system and brain in mental processes, but it does not encompass the broader integration of biological, psychological, and social aspects seen in the biopsychosocial viewpoint.

4. Colleen found herself attracted to her psychology instructor. She would frequently go by his office just to be near him. When he didn't respond to her advances, Colleen eventually told him that she had thoughts of killing herself so that he would spend time trying to counsel her. What personality disorder best describes Colleen's thinking and behavior?

• A. Borderline personality disorder
• B. Schizoid personality disorder
• C. Schizotypal personality disorder
• D. Antisocial personality disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colleen's behavior of seeking attention and manipulating others by threatening self-harm to elicit a response from her psychology instructor aligns with the characteristics of borderline personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, impulsive actions, and efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match Colleen's behavior as described in the scenario. Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, Schizotypal personality disorder involves social anxiety and odd behavior, and Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' feelings and violating their rights.

5. In order for one to have a recessive trait (e.g., having red hair), the person must receive?

• A. At least one copy of a recessive gene from a parent
• B. Two copies of a recessive gene, one from each parent
• C. At least one copy of a recessive gene and at least one copy of a dominant gene
• D. At least two copies of a recessive gene from one parent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Recessive traits are expressed when an individual inherits two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect as one copy of a recessive gene is not sufficient to display a recessive trait. Choice C is incorrect because having at least one copy of a dominant gene is unrelated to expressing a recessive trait. Choice D is incorrect because two copies of a recessive gene must come from both parents, not just one.

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