In common psychiatric disorders, which neurotransmitter is implicated in the complex pathophysiology of certain disease processes involving normal functions such as decision-making and integrated cognition?
Correct Answer: A
The general function of dopamine involves normal functioning of thinking, decision-making, reward-seeking behavior, fine muscle action, and integrated cognition. Dopamine irregularities are closely linked to disease processes such as schizophrenia. The general function of norepinephrine involves alertness, orientation, fight-or-flight, learning, memory, and focus and attention. Norepinephrine irregularities are closely linked to disease processes such as panic disorders and anxiety. The general function of serotonin involves the regulation of sleep, pain perception, mood states, temperature, aggression, and libido. Serotonin irregularities are closely linked to depressive disorders. The general function of glutamate involves memory and sustained autonomic functions. Glutamate irregularities are closely linked to bipolar disorders.
PMHNP Exam Question 362
What is the difference between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics?
Correct Answer: A
* Pharmacology is the study of what drugs do and how they do it. * Pharmacokinetics is the study of what the body does to drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. * Pharmacodynamics is the study of what drugs do to the body, including target sites for drug actions such as receptors, ion channels, enzymes, and carrier proteins.
PMHNP Exam Question 363
Decreased levels of sodium (Na) are caused by which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) leads to hyponatremia due to excessive fluid retention. Increased levels of sodium are caused by dehydration, diabetes insipidus, and gastroenteritis.
PMHNP Exam Question 364
Which of the following would be an unexpected physical exam finding of Rett syndrome?
Correct Answer: A
Irregular heart rate is not a key finding in Rett syndrome. Physical exam findings and associated features of Rett syndrome are as follows: * Seizures * Irregular respirations * Scoliosis * Loss of purposeful hand skills * Stereotypic hand movements
PMHNP Exam Question 365
Assessing speech is part of the mental status exam. What speech problem is a PMHNP assessing for when they ask a patient to say "Methodist Episcopalian"?
Correct Answer: D
Slurred speech or difficulty with articulation is sometimes associated with cognitive disorders. Asking the patient to state this difficult phrase can illustrate the presence of dysarthria. Pressured speech has more to do with rhythm and pace as opposed to misarticulation. Speech paucity is less speech than normal or required. Stuttering is a fluency disorder and is not an articulation issue.
