NURS 431 - EXAM #2 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Schizophreniform disorder - Answer-disorder might be considered the provisional
version of schizophrenia, though indeed some never go on to experience another
psychotic episode or develop schizophrenia. Except for the time and the lack of a
prodromal period they would be virtually indistinguishable on clinical examination
Treat Akathisia with? - Answer-decrease antipsychotic dosage if possible
beta-blocker (propranolol)
Tardive dyskinesia tx - Answer-prevention w/ lowest possible dose of antipsychotics
possibly give more antipsychotics to mask symptoms
Schizoaffective disorder SAD - Answer-might be said to represent a combination of the
thought disorders and the mood disorders, so both aspects require treatment (atypical
antipsychotics can do that because they have mood stabilizing properties, but you knew
that). People with SAD may be designated with a depressed or manic type. There is a
high risk of suicide (especially if depressed) and the risk increases with previous history
of attempts, use of substances or alcohol, and cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is
associated with depression (elevates mood) and more smoking may be increasingly
necessary to maintain a normal mood. It is a specific risk factor in SAD and
Schizoprheniform disorder (smoking cessation suggestions anyone?).
Brief psychotic disorder - Answer-last for a very short period of time and comes on
suddenly but the person can be severely impaired. There is an increased risk of suicide
during the acute period of illness, but the symptoms reside and the person returns to
his/her premorbid level of function. The diagnosis of BPD is difficult as it can easily be
confused with an episode of SAD. Careful history and physical, and substance use must
be ruled out.
Delusional Disorder - Answer-marked by one of the many different types of non-bizarre
delusions (you should know them) and people with these disorders are not impaired
intellectually, cognitively, sensory or occupationally and don't have any of the motor or
learning deficits seen in schizophrenia. They tend to have social and marital problems
associated with their delusions, and may be seen in counseling for those issues.
However, they tend to lack insight into their delusional thinking and may think others are
stupid or naïve for not believing what they do. Somatic delusions might lead them to
seek medical help. When they are seen in psychiatric settings they are often brought in
by the police for evaluation because they broke the law (acting on a delusion).
EPS - Answer-Imbalance dopamine & acetylcholine
- Parkinsonism: appearance of Parkinson's & tends to occur in OA, muscle rigidity
ANSWERS
Schizophreniform disorder - Answer-disorder might be considered the provisional
version of schizophrenia, though indeed some never go on to experience another
psychotic episode or develop schizophrenia. Except for the time and the lack of a
prodromal period they would be virtually indistinguishable on clinical examination
Treat Akathisia with? - Answer-decrease antipsychotic dosage if possible
beta-blocker (propranolol)
Tardive dyskinesia tx - Answer-prevention w/ lowest possible dose of antipsychotics
possibly give more antipsychotics to mask symptoms
Schizoaffective disorder SAD - Answer-might be said to represent a combination of the
thought disorders and the mood disorders, so both aspects require treatment (atypical
antipsychotics can do that because they have mood stabilizing properties, but you knew
that). People with SAD may be designated with a depressed or manic type. There is a
high risk of suicide (especially if depressed) and the risk increases with previous history
of attempts, use of substances or alcohol, and cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is
associated with depression (elevates mood) and more smoking may be increasingly
necessary to maintain a normal mood. It is a specific risk factor in SAD and
Schizoprheniform disorder (smoking cessation suggestions anyone?).
Brief psychotic disorder - Answer-last for a very short period of time and comes on
suddenly but the person can be severely impaired. There is an increased risk of suicide
during the acute period of illness, but the symptoms reside and the person returns to
his/her premorbid level of function. The diagnosis of BPD is difficult as it can easily be
confused with an episode of SAD. Careful history and physical, and substance use must
be ruled out.
Delusional Disorder - Answer-marked by one of the many different types of non-bizarre
delusions (you should know them) and people with these disorders are not impaired
intellectually, cognitively, sensory or occupationally and don't have any of the motor or
learning deficits seen in schizophrenia. They tend to have social and marital problems
associated with their delusions, and may be seen in counseling for those issues.
However, they tend to lack insight into their delusional thinking and may think others are
stupid or naïve for not believing what they do. Somatic delusions might lead them to
seek medical help. When they are seen in psychiatric settings they are often brought in
by the police for evaluation because they broke the law (acting on a delusion).
EPS - Answer-Imbalance dopamine & acetylcholine
- Parkinsonism: appearance of Parkinson's & tends to occur in OA, muscle rigidity
