Chapter 4: Psychopharmacology NCLEX
questions with verified solutions
B ( "Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells.")
(Stating that neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells gives the most
accurate information. Neurotransmitters are messengers in the central nervous system. They are
released from the axon terminal, diffuse across the synapse, and attach to specialized receptors on the
postsynaptic neuron. The incorrect responses do not answer the patient's question, are demeaning, and
provide untrue and misleading information.) - correct answer A patient asks a nurse, "What are
neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance." The best reply would be:
a. "You must feel relieved to know that your problem has a physical basis."
b. "Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells."
c. "It is a high-level concept to explain. You should ask the doctor to tell you more."
d. "Neurotransmitters are substances we eat daily that influence memory and mood."
D ( "PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain.")
(The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can
understand. The correct option is the only reply that provides factual information relevant to PET scans.
The incorrect responses describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic (CT) scans,
and electroencephalography (EEG).) - correct answer The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia
asks a nurse, "My child's doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that?"
Select the nurse's best reply.
a. "PET uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problems areas in the brain. Does your
teenager have any metal implants?"
, b. "It's a special type of x-ray image that shows structures of the brain and whether a brain injury has
ever occurred."
c. "PET is a scan that passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain wave activity. PET
can help diagnose seizures."
d. "PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain."
A (Computed tomography (CT) scan)
(A CT scan shows the presence or absence of structural changes, including cortical atrophy, ventricular
enlargement, and areas of infarction—information that will be helpful to the health care provider. The
other tests focus on brain activity and are more expensive; they may be ordered later.) - correct answer
A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between
Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to
prepare the patient for first?
a. Computed tomography (CT) scan
b. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
c. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
d. Single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
B (Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI))
(A CT scan and an MRI visualize neoplasms and other structural abnormalities. A PET scan, SPECT scan,
and fMRI, which give information about brain function, are not indicated. An arteriogram would not be
appropriate.) - correct answer A patient has delusions and hallucinations. Before beginning treatment
with a psychotropic medication, the health care provider wants to rule out the presence of a brain
tumor. For which test will a nurse need to prepare the patient?
a. Cerebral arteriogram
b. Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
c. Positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
d. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
questions with verified solutions
B ( "Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells.")
(Stating that neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells gives the most
accurate information. Neurotransmitters are messengers in the central nervous system. They are
released from the axon terminal, diffuse across the synapse, and attach to specialized receptors on the
postsynaptic neuron. The incorrect responses do not answer the patient's question, are demeaning, and
provide untrue and misleading information.) - correct answer A patient asks a nurse, "What are
neurotransmitters? My doctor says mine are out of balance." The best reply would be:
a. "You must feel relieved to know that your problem has a physical basis."
b. "Neurotransmitters are chemicals that pass messages between brain cells."
c. "It is a high-level concept to explain. You should ask the doctor to tell you more."
d. "Neurotransmitters are substances we eat daily that influence memory and mood."
D ( "PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain.")
(The parent is seeking information about PET scans. It is important to use terms the parent can
understand. The correct option is the only reply that provides factual information relevant to PET scans.
The incorrect responses describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic (CT) scans,
and electroencephalography (EEG).) - correct answer The parent of an adolescent with schizophrenia
asks a nurse, "My child's doctor ordered a positron-emission tomography (PET) scan. What is that?"
Select the nurse's best reply.
a. "PET uses a magnetic field and gamma waves to identify problems areas in the brain. Does your
teenager have any metal implants?"
, b. "It's a special type of x-ray image that shows structures of the brain and whether a brain injury has
ever occurred."
c. "PET is a scan that passes an electrical current through the brain and shows brain wave activity. PET
can help diagnose seizures."
d. "PET is a special scan that shows blood flow and activity in the brain."
A (Computed tomography (CT) scan)
(A CT scan shows the presence or absence of structural changes, including cortical atrophy, ventricular
enlargement, and areas of infarction—information that will be helpful to the health care provider. The
other tests focus on brain activity and are more expensive; they may be ordered later.) - correct answer
A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between
Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to
prepare the patient for first?
a. Computed tomography (CT) scan
b. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
c. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
d. Single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
B (Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI))
(A CT scan and an MRI visualize neoplasms and other structural abnormalities. A PET scan, SPECT scan,
and fMRI, which give information about brain function, are not indicated. An arteriogram would not be
appropriate.) - correct answer A patient has delusions and hallucinations. Before beginning treatment
with a psychotropic medication, the health care provider wants to rule out the presence of a brain
tumor. For which test will a nurse need to prepare the patient?
a. Cerebral arteriogram
b. Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
c. Positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
d. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
