Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What are psychology's intellectual parents?

• A. Physics and physiology.
• B. Philosophy and physiology.
• C. Chemistry and physics.
• D. Philosophy and chemistry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Psychology's intellectual parents are philosophy and physiology. Philosophy contributed to the early development of psychology by exploring questions about the mind and behavior, while physiology provided a scientific foundation for understanding the biological aspects of human psychology. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the disciplines that significantly influenced the emergence of psychology as a distinct field of study.

3. 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.

4. What term refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge?

• A. Cognition.
• B. Pedagogy.
• C. Empiricism.
• D. Introspection.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, cognition. Cognition encompasses mental processes like thinking, remembering, and problem-solving, all crucial in acquiring knowledge. Pedagogy (choice B) refers to the method and practice of teaching. Empiricism (choice C) is a theory that states knowledge comes from sensory experience. Introspection (choice D) involves examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings, not specifically focused on acquiring knowledge.

5. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

• A. Functionalism.
• B. Behaviorism.
• C. Neodynamism.
• D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

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