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. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

• A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
• B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
• C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
• D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

3. What did Freud believe about castration anxiety among boys?

• A. Results in penis envy.
• B. Dissolves the Oedipus complex.
• C. Cognitive; learning.
• D. Biological; ecological.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Freud believed that castration anxiety among boys leads to the resolution of the Oedipus complex, not penis envy or cognitive learning. The Oedipus complex is a central psychodynamic concept in Freudian theory, where boys develop unconscious desires for their mothers and view their fathers as rivals, fearing castration by their fathers as a consequence.

4. Gabriel is depressed as he has been looking for a job for the past year without success. Today, his best friend tried to give him two books on job interviews, but he turned down the offer. What concept best explains his reaction?

• A. Observational learning
• B. Insight learning
• C. Learned helplessness
• D. Modeling

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gabriel's reaction of turning down the offer of job interview books from his friend despite being depressed and unsuccessful in job hunting best fits the concept of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs when individuals believe they have no control over their situation, leading to passivity and feelings of helplessness. In this case, Gabriel's refusal of the books indicates a sense of resignation and belief that his efforts in finding a job will not be successful, reflecting learned helplessness. Observational learning, insight learning, and modeling do not directly align with Gabriel's reaction in this context.

5. How does the environment interact with genetic predispositions to influence mental health?

• A. The environment has no influence on mental health.
• B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks.
• C. The environment can only influence physical health, not mental health.
• D. The environment has a minimal effect on mental health outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The environment interacts with genetic predispositions to either enhance or mitigate mental health risks. This highlights the intricate relationship between one's genetic makeup and the environmental factors they are exposed to, both contributing significantly to mental health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as numerous studies show that the environment plays a crucial role in mental health. Choice C is incorrect as the environment can influence both physical and mental health. Choice D is incorrect as research indicates that the environment can have a substantial impact on mental health outcomes.

Similar Questions