Brain Structure and Functioning
What area of the brain in the responsible for emotional arousal and responses?
The limbic system.
Is serotonin an inhibitory or excitatory neurotransmitter?
inhibitory
What type of drug is Neurontin and what are the main concerns with this drug?
anxiolytic
dependence, addiction
patient should only be on it for 3-6 months max
During which stage should a nurse examine their own biases and attitudes?
What is primary prevention?
preventing something before it can even happen
What is the function of the thalamus?
activity, sensation and emotion
Where in the body is serotonin found?
95% in the intestine
rest in the brain
What type of drug is used to treat EPS in patients taking antipsychotics and what is the name of one?
Anticholinergics (cogentin & artane)
What are things that occur in the working phase of a therapeutic relationship?
problem identification, exploitation, possible/countertransferance
what is secondary prevention?
reversal / further prevention after initial detection of a mental illness - quick intervention before progression
What is the function o the hippocampus?
memory
Which neurotransmitter is "puts on the breaks" in the brain?
GABA
decreases neuronal excitability through the CNS
What type of drug is lithim? What is its serum level? And what sort of disorder does it treat?
Mood stabilizer
0.5-1.5
bipolar disorder / mood disorders - increases levels of GABA and decreases the kindling effect
What is the distance to maintain during therapeutic communication?
3-6 feet
What is tertiary prevention?
monitoring / continuous treatment of a mental illness that may not have been detected early enough
What area of the brain does serotonin work for depression?
Which neurotransmitter is associated with schizophrenia?
dopamine
What type of drug is Concerta? and what important patient teachings should a nurse include?
psychostimulant
dose after meals, avoid other stimulants, take drug holidays, keep out of reach from children
broad openings & open ended questions
patients who may be depressed / have good concentration
What is an example of secondary prevention?
screenings
List the functions of the:
Frontal lobe
Parietal lobe
Temporal lobe
Occipital lobe
frontal - executive functioning, judgements, impulse control
parietal - sensory info, taste, touch, spatial
temporal - verbal / hearing
occipital - visual / hallucinations
what neurotransmitter(s) is associated with anxiety disorders?
A patient is coming in with symptoms of increased anxiety, agitation, weight gain and insomnia after just starting to take an SSRI for anxiety. Should the patient be taken off of the medication? Why or why not?
No, those are all normal symptoms for the patient who just started taking an SSRI - these symptoms will eventually go away.
Additionally, patients should never abruptly stop taking a medication.
What is involved in directive role and what types of patients might a nurse use this role with?
direct yes/no questions
patients with suicidal thoughts, in crisis or who are out of touch with reality
What is an example of tertiary prevention?
monitoring, coordinating, psychiatric rehab services