Nursing Elites

1. Neural plasticity is ________.

• A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
• B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
• C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
• D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

2. When examining heredity, mental disorders are almost always ________

• A. influenced by one particular gene.
• B. influenced by multiple genes.
• C. influenced by recessive genes.
• D. not influenced by genes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When examining heredity, mental disorders are influenced by multiple genes. Mental disorders are complex conditions that typically result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors. While genetics play a significant role in predisposing individuals to mental disorders, it is rare for a single gene to be solely responsible for a mental disorder. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because mental disorders are not usually influenced by one particular gene, recessive genes specifically, or not influenced by genes at all.

3. While the term psychology has existed since at least the early 1700s, psychology did not come to be considered a science until?

• A. The 1750s.
• B. The early 1800s.
• C. The late 1800s.
• D. The 1940s.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Psychology became recognized as a science in the late 1800s, aligning with broader trends in scientific inquiry during that period. This marked the establishment of psychology as a distinct field of study based on empirical research and experimentation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because psychology's formal recognition as a science occurred later, specifically in the late 1800s.

4. What neurotransmitter was first believed to be the cause of schizophrenia?

• A. GABA
• B. Serotonin
• C. Epinephrine
• D. Dopamine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Dopamine. Dopamine was initially thought to be the primary cause of schizophrenia. This neurotransmitter hypothesis was based on the observation that drugs that increase dopamine activity can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, while drugs that decrease dopamine activity can improve symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because GABA, serotonin, and epinephrine were not the neurotransmitters initially believed to be the cause of schizophrenia.

5. How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of mental disorders?

• A. Stress alone is sufficient to cause mental disorders.
• B. Both genetic vulnerability and environmental stress are needed to trigger a disorder.
• C. Only genetic factors cause mental disorders.
• D. Environmental stressors alone can cause mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model explains that the onset of mental disorders results from the interaction of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stress. Choice A is incorrect because stress alone is not sufficient, according to the model. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies by attributing mental disorders solely to genetic factors. Choice D is incorrect because the model emphasizes the joint contribution of genetic predisposition and environmental stress.

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