STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 ANS: C
Medications used to treat psychiatric disorders operate in and around the synaptic cleft
and have action at the neurotransmitter level, especially in the case of schizophrenia,
Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology on dopamine. The Wernickes area, dendrite function, or the sensitivity of the
peripheral nervous system are not relevant to either schizophrenia or psychotropic
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications 5th Edition Testbank/Study Guide medications.
4. A student nurse mutters that it seems entirely unnecessary to have to struggle with
Chapter 1 Chemical neurotransmission
understanding the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic system. The mentor
MULTIPLE CHOICE
would base a response on the understanding that it is:
1. A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, My mother says depression is a
chemical disorder. What does she mean? The nurses response is based on the theory Necessary but generally for psychiatric nurses who focus primarily on
that depression primarily involves which of the following neurotransmitters? a. behavioral interventions
a. Cortisol and GABA A complex undertaking that advance practice psychiatric nurses frequently use
b. in their practice
b. COMT and glutamate
Important primarily for the nursing assessment of patients with brain
c. Monamine and glycine
c. traumacaused cognitive symptoms
d. Serotonin and norepinephrine
Necessary for planning psychiatric care for all patients especially those
ANS: D d. experiencing psychiatric disorders
One possible cause of depression is thought to involve one or more neurotransmitters.
ANS: D
Serotonin and norepinephrine have been found to be important in the regulation of
Nurses must understand that many symptoms of psychiatric disorders have a
depression. There is no research to support that the other options play a significant
neurologic basis, although the symptoms are manifested behaviorally. This
role in the development of depression.
understanding facilitates effective care planning. The foundation of knowledge is not
2. A patient has experienced a stroke (cerebral vascular accident) that has resulted in
used exclusively by advanced practice psychiatric nurses nor is it relevant for only
damage to the Broca area. Which evaluation does the nurse conduct to reinforce this
behavior therapies or brain trauma since dealing with the results of normal and
diagnosis?
abnormal brain function is a responsibility of all nurses providing all types of care to
a. Observing the patient pick up a spoon the psychiatric patient.
b. Asking the patient to recite the alphabet 5. A patient asks the nurse, My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by her
chronic depression? Which response is supported by research data?
c. Monitoring the patients blood pressure
a. Too much stress has been proven to cause all kinds of cancer.
d. Comparing the patients grip strength in both hands
ANS: B b. There have been no research studies done on stress and disease yet.
Accidents or strokes that damage Brocas area may result in the inability to speak (i.e., c. Stress does cause the release of factors that suppress the immune system.
motor aphasia). Fine motor skills, blood pressure control, and muscle strength are not d. There appears to be little connection between stress and diseases of the body
controlled by the Broca area of the left frontal lobe.
ANS: C
3. The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are
Research indicates that stress causes a release of corticotropin-releasing factors that
always prescribed by the doctor. The nurses answer will be based on information that
suppress the immune system. Studies indicate that psychiatric disorders such as mood
the therapeutic action of psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:
disorders are sometimes associated with decreased functioning of the immune system.
a. The temporal lobe; especially Wernickes area Research does not support a connection between many cancers and stress. There is a
b. Dendrites and their ability to transmit electrical impulses significant amount of research about stress and the body. Research has shown that
there are some connections between stress and physical disease.
c. The regulation of neurotransmitters especially dopamine
d. The peripheral nervous system sensitivity to the psychotropic medications
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
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6. A patient who has a parietal lobe injury is being evaluated for psychiatric The hippocampus plays a major role in short-term memory and, hence, in learning.
rehabilitation needs. Of the aspects of functioning listed, which will the nurse identify Taking the medication as prescribed and providing the education at a time when the
as a focus of nursing intervention? patient is calm and relaxed is information or considerations that all patients should be
a. Expression of emotion given. The medication does not necessarily need to be crushed or dissolved since the
stroke would not have caused difficulty with swallowing.
b. Detecting auditory stimuli
9. The physician tells the nurse, The medication Im prescribing for the patient
c. Receiving visual images enhances the g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Which patient behavior will
d. Processing associations provide evidence that the medication therapy is successful?
ANS: D a. The patient is actively involved in playing cards with other patients.
The parietal lobe is responsible for associating and processing sensory information b. The patient reports that, I dont feel as anxious as I did a couple of days ago.
that allows for functions such as following directions on a map, reading a clock,
c. The patient reports that both auditory and visual hallucinations have decreased.
dressing self, keeping appointments, and distinguishing right from left. Emotional
expression is associated with frontal lobe function. Detecting auditory stimuli is a d. The patient says that, I am much happier than before I came to the hospital.
temporal lobe function. Receiving visual images is related to occipital lobe function. ANS: B
7. At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the patient had an infarct in the GABA is the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter. The medication should provide an
right cerebral cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that the antianxiety effect. Alertness, psychotic behaviors, and mood elevation are not
patient: generally affected by g-aminobutyric acid.
a. Demonstrates major deficiencies in speech 10. The patients family asks whether a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease creates an
increased risk for any mental health issues. What question would the nurse ask to
b. Is unable to effectively hold a spoon in the left hand
assess for such a comorbid condition?
c. Has difficulty explaining how to go about using the telephone a. Has your father exhibited any signs of depression?
d. Cannot use his right hand to shave himself or comb his own hair b. Does your father seem to experience mood swings?
ANS: B
c. Have you noticed your father talking about seeing things you cant see?
The cerebral hemispheres are responsible for functions such as control of muscles.
The right hemisphere mainly controls the motor and sensory functions on the left side d. Is your dad preoccupied with behaviors that he needs to repeat over and over?
of the body. Damage to the right side would result in impaired function on the left ANS: A
side of the body. The motor cortex controls voluntary motor activity. Brocas area Serotonin and its close chemical relatives, dopamine and norepinephrine, are the
controls motor speech. Cognitive functions are attributed to the association cortex. neurotransmitters that are most widely involved in various forms of depression. Most
The right side of the bodys motor activity is controlled by the left cerebral cortex. researchers agree that the immediate cause of parkinsonism is a deficiency of
8. A patient with chronic schizophrenia had a stroke involving the hippocampus. The dopamine and so a patient with Parkinsons disease should be monitored for
patient will be discharged on low doses of haloperidol. The nurse will need to depression, The other mental health disorders (bipolar disorder, hallucinations, and
individualize the patients medication teaching by: obsessive compulsive disorder) have not been connected to Parkinsons disease.
a. Including the patients caregiver in the education 11. Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse
provide for a patient in the early stage of Alzheimers disease?
b. Being careful to stress the importance of taking the medication as prescribed
a. It will increase the metabolism of excess GABA.
Providing the education at a time when the patient is emotionally calm and
c. relaxed b. Excess dopamine will be prevented from attaching to receptor sites.
Encouraging the patient to crush or dissolve the medication to help with c. Serotonin deficiency will be managed through a prolonged reuptake period.
d. swallowing d. The acetylcholine deficiency will be managed by inhibiting cholinesterase.
ANS: A ANS: D
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
Decreased levels of acetylcholine are thought to produce many of the behavioral The change in sleep routine can be managed with a healthy sleep hygiene
symptoms of Alzheimers disease. The inhibiting action the drug has on cholinesterase d. routine.
will slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine and so delay the onset of symptoms. ANS: C
The other neurotransmitters (GABA, dopamine, and serotonin) are not currently Many psychiatric and medical disorders occur more frequently or are exacerbated
believed to play a role in Alzheimers disease. when sleep patterns and biologic rhythms are disrupted. While the remaining options
12. There remains a stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses. The psychiatric nurse contain true information regarding the management of depression that is a result of
makes the greatest impact on this sociological problem when: sleep disruption, they do not effectively address the patients concern.
a. Providing educational programming for patients and the public 15. The nurse is discouraged because the patient exhibiting negative symptoms of
schizophrenia has shown no improvement with the planned interventions to reduce the
b. Arranging for adequate and appropriate social support for the patient
symptoms. The mentors remark that helps place the problem in perspective is:
c. Assisting the patient to achieve the maximum level of independent functioning a. You arent responsible for the behavior of any other person.
Regularly praising the patient for seeking and complying with appropriate b. Patients can be perverse and cling to symptoms despite our efforts.
d. treatment
c. Negative symptoms have been associated with genetic pathology.
ANS: A
Much of the stigma attached to psychiatric illness is due to a lack of understanding of d. It will take several trail and error attempts to get the right combination care.
the biologic basis of these disorders. Therefore, effective patient, family, and public ANS: C
teaching is an important function of the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse. A complex disorder, such as schizophrenia, most likely has multiple contributing
While the remaining options are appropriate, they are not directed towards eliminating factors, including genetic predisposition, prenatal development, and the environment.
social stigma but rather empowering the patient. Nurse frustration can be alleviated by helping the nurse realize that negative
13. The wife of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, Ive learned that symptoms may be the result of actual brain dysfunction, rather than psychologically
my husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run determined behaviors; thus the remaining options are not appropriate since they do not
in families? The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would address the complexity of the problem.
be: MULTIPLE RESPONSE
a. Your children should be monitored closely for the disorder. 1. What assessment data would reinforce the diagnosis of temporal lobe injury in
patient who experienced head trauma? Select all that apply.
b. Research tends to support a familiar tendency to schizophrenia.
a. Inability to balance a checkbook
c. There is no concrete evidence; it is just as likely a coincidence.
b. Uncharacteristically aggressive
d. Only bipolar disorder has been identified to have a genetic component.
ANS: B c. Affect fluctuates dramatically
Familial tendencies appear with several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. d. Increased interest in sexual behaviors
To insinuate that the children are at such risk would not be supported by research. e. Difficulty remembering the names of family members
14. A patient whose symptoms of mild depression have been managed with
ANS: C, D, E
antidepressants is concerned about the affect of accepting a promotion that will
The temporal lobe is involved with memory as well as increased sexual focus and
require working the night shift. What will be the basis of the response the nurse gives
altered emotional responses. Personality and intellectual function is not centered in the
to address the patients concern?
temporal lobe.
a. The connection between a new job and possible depression does exist. 2. A patient has begun experiencing dysfunction of the hypothalamus. What nursing
b. The medication can be adjusted to manage any increase in depression. interventions will the nurse include in the patients plan of care? Select all that apply.
c. The interruption in normal wake-sleep patterns can influence mood disorders. a. Reinforcing clear physical boundaries
b. Assisting the patient with completing daily menus
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
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c. Learning about healthy sleep hygiene habits executive function and risk for harm to self and others is not generally a diagnosis
d. Monitoring and recording temperature every 4 hours appropriate for such a patient.
5. The unit physicians have ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests for the
e. Monitoring and recording blood pressure every 4 hours following patients. For which patients would the nurse decline to make test
ANS: B, C, D arrangements without further discussion with the physician? Select all that apply.
The hypothalamus is responsible for regulation of sleep-rest patterns, body a. A patient who is claustrophobic
temperature, and physical drives of hunger. Social appropriateness and blood pressure
is not controlled by the hypothalamus. b. A patient who is breastfeeding
3. The nurse is preparing a patient for a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. c. A patient who has an allergy to iodine
Which instructions will the nurse include? Select all that apply.
d. A patient who had a total knee replacement
There will likely be a 30 to 45 minute wait between the injection and the
a. beginning of the scan. e. A patient who is taking a neuroleptic medication
ANS: A, D
A blindfold and earplugs may be used to help decrease reaction to the Patients with claustrophobia are often unable to complete this type of study, because
b. environment during the scan. the MRI machine is enclosed, and patients are required to remain motionless. Metal
Make every attempt to lie still during the scan because movement will affect implants are contraindications for MRIs since metal affects the scan. Breastfeeding,
c. the imaging produced. iodine sensitivity, and neuroleptic medication therapy are not contraindications for an
No food or fluids are to be ingested for at least 8 full hours before the scan and MRI.
d. none during the scan.
Staying awake during the scan is important since the results are altered when
e. the patient is in any phase of the sleep state.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Appropriate patient preparation for a PET scan would include information regarding
the time interval between injection of the isotope and the actual scan, the fact that
steps will be taken to minimize the effects of sights and sounds during the scan, lying
still is critical to achieving a quality image, and that being asleep during the scan will
alter the results. It is not necessary to fast before or during the scan.
4. A patient with schizophrenia is described as having difficulty with executive
functions. What patient dysfunction can the nurse expect to assess behaviorally?
Select all that apply.
a. Invades the personal space of others frequently
b. Consistently fails to bring money when going to buy snacks
c. Cannot remember the names of staff who often provide care
d. Requires repeated reinforcement on how to make a sandwich
e. Frequently speaks of hurting himself or of hurting other patients
ANS: A, B, D
Executive functions include reasoning, planning, prioritizing, sequencing behavior,
insight, flexibility, judgment, focusing on tasks, responding to social cues, and
attending in appropriate ways to incoming stimuli. Memory is not considered an
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BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 ANS: C
Medications used to treat psychiatric disorders operate in and around the synaptic cleft
and have action at the neurotransmitter level, especially in the case of schizophrenia,
Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology on dopamine. The Wernickes area, dendrite function, or the sensitivity of the
peripheral nervous system are not relevant to either schizophrenia or psychotropic
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications 5th Edition Testbank/Study Guide medications.
4. A student nurse mutters that it seems entirely unnecessary to have to struggle with
Chapter 1 Chemical neurotransmission
understanding the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic system. The mentor
MULTIPLE CHOICE
would base a response on the understanding that it is:
1. A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, My mother says depression is a
chemical disorder. What does she mean? The nurses response is based on the theory Necessary but generally for psychiatric nurses who focus primarily on
that depression primarily involves which of the following neurotransmitters? a. behavioral interventions
a. Cortisol and GABA A complex undertaking that advance practice psychiatric nurses frequently use
b. in their practice
b. COMT and glutamate
Important primarily for the nursing assessment of patients with brain
c. Monamine and glycine
c. traumacaused cognitive symptoms
d. Serotonin and norepinephrine
Necessary for planning psychiatric care for all patients especially those
ANS: D d. experiencing psychiatric disorders
One possible cause of depression is thought to involve one or more neurotransmitters.
ANS: D
Serotonin and norepinephrine have been found to be important in the regulation of
Nurses must understand that many symptoms of psychiatric disorders have a
depression. There is no research to support that the other options play a significant
neurologic basis, although the symptoms are manifested behaviorally. This
role in the development of depression.
understanding facilitates effective care planning. The foundation of knowledge is not
2. A patient has experienced a stroke (cerebral vascular accident) that has resulted in
used exclusively by advanced practice psychiatric nurses nor is it relevant for only
damage to the Broca area. Which evaluation does the nurse conduct to reinforce this
behavior therapies or brain trauma since dealing with the results of normal and
diagnosis?
abnormal brain function is a responsibility of all nurses providing all types of care to
a. Observing the patient pick up a spoon the psychiatric patient.
b. Asking the patient to recite the alphabet 5. A patient asks the nurse, My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by her
chronic depression? Which response is supported by research data?
c. Monitoring the patients blood pressure
a. Too much stress has been proven to cause all kinds of cancer.
d. Comparing the patients grip strength in both hands
ANS: B b. There have been no research studies done on stress and disease yet.
Accidents or strokes that damage Brocas area may result in the inability to speak (i.e., c. Stress does cause the release of factors that suppress the immune system.
motor aphasia). Fine motor skills, blood pressure control, and muscle strength are not d. There appears to be little connection between stress and diseases of the body
controlled by the Broca area of the left frontal lobe.
ANS: C
3. The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are
Research indicates that stress causes a release of corticotropin-releasing factors that
always prescribed by the doctor. The nurses answer will be based on information that
suppress the immune system. Studies indicate that psychiatric disorders such as mood
the therapeutic action of psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:
disorders are sometimes associated with decreased functioning of the immune system.
a. The temporal lobe; especially Wernickes area Research does not support a connection between many cancers and stress. There is a
b. Dendrites and their ability to transmit electrical impulses significant amount of research about stress and the body. Research has shown that
there are some connections between stress and physical disease.
c. The regulation of neurotransmitters especially dopamine
d. The peripheral nervous system sensitivity to the psychotropic medications
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
6. A patient who has a parietal lobe injury is being evaluated for psychiatric The hippocampus plays a major role in short-term memory and, hence, in learning.
rehabilitation needs. Of the aspects of functioning listed, which will the nurse identify Taking the medication as prescribed and providing the education at a time when the
as a focus of nursing intervention? patient is calm and relaxed is information or considerations that all patients should be
a. Expression of emotion given. The medication does not necessarily need to be crushed or dissolved since the
stroke would not have caused difficulty with swallowing.
b. Detecting auditory stimuli
9. The physician tells the nurse, The medication Im prescribing for the patient
c. Receiving visual images enhances the g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Which patient behavior will
d. Processing associations provide evidence that the medication therapy is successful?
ANS: D a. The patient is actively involved in playing cards with other patients.
The parietal lobe is responsible for associating and processing sensory information b. The patient reports that, I dont feel as anxious as I did a couple of days ago.
that allows for functions such as following directions on a map, reading a clock,
c. The patient reports that both auditory and visual hallucinations have decreased.
dressing self, keeping appointments, and distinguishing right from left. Emotional
expression is associated with frontal lobe function. Detecting auditory stimuli is a d. The patient says that, I am much happier than before I came to the hospital.
temporal lobe function. Receiving visual images is related to occipital lobe function. ANS: B
7. At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the patient had an infarct in the GABA is the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter. The medication should provide an
right cerebral cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that the antianxiety effect. Alertness, psychotic behaviors, and mood elevation are not
patient: generally affected by g-aminobutyric acid.
a. Demonstrates major deficiencies in speech 10. The patients family asks whether a diagnosis of Parkinsons disease creates an
increased risk for any mental health issues. What question would the nurse ask to
b. Is unable to effectively hold a spoon in the left hand
assess for such a comorbid condition?
c. Has difficulty explaining how to go about using the telephone a. Has your father exhibited any signs of depression?
d. Cannot use his right hand to shave himself or comb his own hair b. Does your father seem to experience mood swings?
ANS: B
c. Have you noticed your father talking about seeing things you cant see?
The cerebral hemispheres are responsible for functions such as control of muscles.
The right hemisphere mainly controls the motor and sensory functions on the left side d. Is your dad preoccupied with behaviors that he needs to repeat over and over?
of the body. Damage to the right side would result in impaired function on the left ANS: A
side of the body. The motor cortex controls voluntary motor activity. Brocas area Serotonin and its close chemical relatives, dopamine and norepinephrine, are the
controls motor speech. Cognitive functions are attributed to the association cortex. neurotransmitters that are most widely involved in various forms of depression. Most
The right side of the bodys motor activity is controlled by the left cerebral cortex. researchers agree that the immediate cause of parkinsonism is a deficiency of
8. A patient with chronic schizophrenia had a stroke involving the hippocampus. The dopamine and so a patient with Parkinsons disease should be monitored for
patient will be discharged on low doses of haloperidol. The nurse will need to depression, The other mental health disorders (bipolar disorder, hallucinations, and
individualize the patients medication teaching by: obsessive compulsive disorder) have not been connected to Parkinsons disease.
a. Including the patients caregiver in the education 11. Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse
provide for a patient in the early stage of Alzheimers disease?
b. Being careful to stress the importance of taking the medication as prescribed
a. It will increase the metabolism of excess GABA.
Providing the education at a time when the patient is emotionally calm and
c. relaxed b. Excess dopamine will be prevented from attaching to receptor sites.
Encouraging the patient to crush or dissolve the medication to help with c. Serotonin deficiency will be managed through a prolonged reuptake period.
d. swallowing d. The acetylcholine deficiency will be managed by inhibiting cholinesterase.
ANS: A ANS: D
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
Decreased levels of acetylcholine are thought to produce many of the behavioral The change in sleep routine can be managed with a healthy sleep hygiene
symptoms of Alzheimers disease. The inhibiting action the drug has on cholinesterase d. routine.
will slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine and so delay the onset of symptoms. ANS: C
The other neurotransmitters (GABA, dopamine, and serotonin) are not currently Many psychiatric and medical disorders occur more frequently or are exacerbated
believed to play a role in Alzheimers disease. when sleep patterns and biologic rhythms are disrupted. While the remaining options
12. There remains a stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses. The psychiatric nurse contain true information regarding the management of depression that is a result of
makes the greatest impact on this sociological problem when: sleep disruption, they do not effectively address the patients concern.
a. Providing educational programming for patients and the public 15. The nurse is discouraged because the patient exhibiting negative symptoms of
schizophrenia has shown no improvement with the planned interventions to reduce the
b. Arranging for adequate and appropriate social support for the patient
symptoms. The mentors remark that helps place the problem in perspective is:
c. Assisting the patient to achieve the maximum level of independent functioning a. You arent responsible for the behavior of any other person.
Regularly praising the patient for seeking and complying with appropriate b. Patients can be perverse and cling to symptoms despite our efforts.
d. treatment
c. Negative symptoms have been associated with genetic pathology.
ANS: A
Much of the stigma attached to psychiatric illness is due to a lack of understanding of d. It will take several trail and error attempts to get the right combination care.
the biologic basis of these disorders. Therefore, effective patient, family, and public ANS: C
teaching is an important function of the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse. A complex disorder, such as schizophrenia, most likely has multiple contributing
While the remaining options are appropriate, they are not directed towards eliminating factors, including genetic predisposition, prenatal development, and the environment.
social stigma but rather empowering the patient. Nurse frustration can be alleviated by helping the nurse realize that negative
13. The wife of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, Ive learned that symptoms may be the result of actual brain dysfunction, rather than psychologically
my husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run determined behaviors; thus the remaining options are not appropriate since they do not
in families? The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would address the complexity of the problem.
be: MULTIPLE RESPONSE
a. Your children should be monitored closely for the disorder. 1. What assessment data would reinforce the diagnosis of temporal lobe injury in
patient who experienced head trauma? Select all that apply.
b. Research tends to support a familiar tendency to schizophrenia.
a. Inability to balance a checkbook
c. There is no concrete evidence; it is just as likely a coincidence.
b. Uncharacteristically aggressive
d. Only bipolar disorder has been identified to have a genetic component.
ANS: B c. Affect fluctuates dramatically
Familial tendencies appear with several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. d. Increased interest in sexual behaviors
To insinuate that the children are at such risk would not be supported by research. e. Difficulty remembering the names of family members
14. A patient whose symptoms of mild depression have been managed with
ANS: C, D, E
antidepressants is concerned about the affect of accepting a promotion that will
The temporal lobe is involved with memory as well as increased sexual focus and
require working the night shift. What will be the basis of the response the nurse gives
altered emotional responses. Personality and intellectual function is not centered in the
to address the patients concern?
temporal lobe.
a. The connection between a new job and possible depression does exist. 2. A patient has begun experiencing dysfunction of the hypothalamus. What nursing
b. The medication can be adjusted to manage any increase in depression. interventions will the nurse include in the patients plan of care? Select all that apply.
c. The interruption in normal wake-sleep patterns can influence mood disorders. a. Reinforcing clear physical boundaries
b. Assisting the patient with completing daily menus
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, STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC STAHL'S ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY NEUROSCIENTIFIC
BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION BASIS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 5TH EDITION
TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025 TESTBANK/STUDY GUIDE UPDATED VERSION 2025
c. Learning about healthy sleep hygiene habits executive function and risk for harm to self and others is not generally a diagnosis
d. Monitoring and recording temperature every 4 hours appropriate for such a patient.
5. The unit physicians have ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests for the
e. Monitoring and recording blood pressure every 4 hours following patients. For which patients would the nurse decline to make test
ANS: B, C, D arrangements without further discussion with the physician? Select all that apply.
The hypothalamus is responsible for regulation of sleep-rest patterns, body a. A patient who is claustrophobic
temperature, and physical drives of hunger. Social appropriateness and blood pressure
is not controlled by the hypothalamus. b. A patient who is breastfeeding
3. The nurse is preparing a patient for a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. c. A patient who has an allergy to iodine
Which instructions will the nurse include? Select all that apply.
d. A patient who had a total knee replacement
There will likely be a 30 to 45 minute wait between the injection and the
a. beginning of the scan. e. A patient who is taking a neuroleptic medication
ANS: A, D
A blindfold and earplugs may be used to help decrease reaction to the Patients with claustrophobia are often unable to complete this type of study, because
b. environment during the scan. the MRI machine is enclosed, and patients are required to remain motionless. Metal
Make every attempt to lie still during the scan because movement will affect implants are contraindications for MRIs since metal affects the scan. Breastfeeding,
c. the imaging produced. iodine sensitivity, and neuroleptic medication therapy are not contraindications for an
No food or fluids are to be ingested for at least 8 full hours before the scan and MRI.
d. none during the scan.
Staying awake during the scan is important since the results are altered when
e. the patient is in any phase of the sleep state.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Appropriate patient preparation for a PET scan would include information regarding
the time interval between injection of the isotope and the actual scan, the fact that
steps will be taken to minimize the effects of sights and sounds during the scan, lying
still is critical to achieving a quality image, and that being asleep during the scan will
alter the results. It is not necessary to fast before or during the scan.
4. A patient with schizophrenia is described as having difficulty with executive
functions. What patient dysfunction can the nurse expect to assess behaviorally?
Select all that apply.
a. Invades the personal space of others frequently
b. Consistently fails to bring money when going to buy snacks
c. Cannot remember the names of staff who often provide care
d. Requires repeated reinforcement on how to make a sandwich
e. Frequently speaks of hurting himself or of hurting other patients
ANS: A, B, D
Executive functions include reasoning, planning, prioritizing, sequencing behavior,
insight, flexibility, judgment, focusing on tasks, responding to social cues, and
attending in appropriate ways to incoming stimuli. Memory is not considered an
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