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. 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.

3. 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.

4. Unlike other types of anxiety disorders, this one is not triggered by anything specific, hence the name free-floating anxiety.

• A. Social anxiety disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. Panic disorder
• D. Specific phobia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry or anxiety that is not triggered by specific situations or objects, hence the term 'free-floating anxiety.' Social anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by fear and anxiety about social situations, panic disorder (C) involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, and specific phobia (D) is an intense fear of a specific object or situation. Therefore, B is the most appropriate choice in the context of anxiety not being triggered by specific stimuli.

5. 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.

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