RNSG 2213 (M.H.) - Exam 1, Modlule 2: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders,
Psychotic and Mood Disorders, Limbic System Functions, Prefrontal Cortex &
Executive Dysfunction, Basal Ganglia Motor Control, Amygdala & Hippocampal
Emotional Processing, Hypothalamic Homeostasis, HPA Axis Stress Response,
Neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, GABA, Acetylcholine,
Histamine), Neuroimaging (CT, MRI, PET, fMRI, SPECT), Delusions,
Hallucinations, Illusions, Thought Processes (Flight of Ideas, Neologisms,
Circumstantiality, Concrete vs Abstract Thinking),
Positive/Negative/Cognitive/Mood Symptoms, Tardive Dyskinesia, Mental
Status Assessment (Appearance, Speech, Behavior, Sensorium, Orientation,
Memory, Attention, Affect, Judgment, Insight), Risk Assessment (Suicide, Self-
Harm, Violence), Therapeutic Milieu, Countertransference, Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACE Score), Postpartum Maternal Adaptation, En Face Bonding,
Fundal Involution, REEDA Wound Evaluation, Kegel Exercises, Puerperium Care,
Breastfeeding Support, and Psychosocial Nursing Interventions Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Brain areas to consider
¢Prefrontal cortex: executive functions such as judgment, decision making, problem solving
**if damaged person is ruled by impulse & desire,( i.e. a pt. stripping naked randomly if front of others)
¢Basal ganglia: voluntary motor movement
¢Amygdala: fear reactions, emotions and memory **
¢Hippocampus: memory, mood regulation **
alcohol overuse can damage it.
** Part of the limbic system: emotional system of brain
,The Hypothalamus : control of hormone release
The hypothalamus is also part of the limbic system
Hypothalamus activated stress response system known as the HPA axis (3 endocrine glands)
** regulates homeostasis
Early life stressors can lead to increase in HPA activity
Adverse childhood experiences - what is the ACE score?
ACEs typically include 10 types of adverse experiences, categorized into three main groups:
1. Abuse:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
2. Neglect:
Physical neglect (basic needs not met)
, Emotional neglect (lack of emotional support, love, or care)
3. Household Dysfunction:
Substance abuse in the household (e.g., a parent or guardian misusing alcohol or drugs)
Mental illness in a household member (e.g., depression, anxiety, or other conditions)
Parental separation or divorce
Domestic violence (exposure to violence between parents or caretakers)
Incarcerated family member (a parent or close family member in prison)
Scoring System:
For each of the 10 categories, if the individual experienced the adverse event, they score 1 point. The
total ACE score ranges from 0 to 10, with a higher score indicating more exposure to childhood
adversity.
Impact of ACEs:
Research has shown that individuals with higher ACE scores are at increased risk for a variety of physical,
emotional, and social problems, including:
Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
Chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
Substance abuse
Psychotic and Mood Disorders, Limbic System Functions, Prefrontal Cortex &
Executive Dysfunction, Basal Ganglia Motor Control, Amygdala & Hippocampal
Emotional Processing, Hypothalamic Homeostasis, HPA Axis Stress Response,
Neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, GABA, Acetylcholine,
Histamine), Neuroimaging (CT, MRI, PET, fMRI, SPECT), Delusions,
Hallucinations, Illusions, Thought Processes (Flight of Ideas, Neologisms,
Circumstantiality, Concrete vs Abstract Thinking),
Positive/Negative/Cognitive/Mood Symptoms, Tardive Dyskinesia, Mental
Status Assessment (Appearance, Speech, Behavior, Sensorium, Orientation,
Memory, Attention, Affect, Judgment, Insight), Risk Assessment (Suicide, Self-
Harm, Violence), Therapeutic Milieu, Countertransference, Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACE Score), Postpartum Maternal Adaptation, En Face Bonding,
Fundal Involution, REEDA Wound Evaluation, Kegel Exercises, Puerperium Care,
Breastfeeding Support, and Psychosocial Nursing Interventions Exam Questions
Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
Brain areas to consider
¢Prefrontal cortex: executive functions such as judgment, decision making, problem solving
**if damaged person is ruled by impulse & desire,( i.e. a pt. stripping naked randomly if front of others)
¢Basal ganglia: voluntary motor movement
¢Amygdala: fear reactions, emotions and memory **
¢Hippocampus: memory, mood regulation **
alcohol overuse can damage it.
** Part of the limbic system: emotional system of brain
,The Hypothalamus : control of hormone release
The hypothalamus is also part of the limbic system
Hypothalamus activated stress response system known as the HPA axis (3 endocrine glands)
** regulates homeostasis
Early life stressors can lead to increase in HPA activity
Adverse childhood experiences - what is the ACE score?
ACEs typically include 10 types of adverse experiences, categorized into three main groups:
1. Abuse:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
2. Neglect:
Physical neglect (basic needs not met)
, Emotional neglect (lack of emotional support, love, or care)
3. Household Dysfunction:
Substance abuse in the household (e.g., a parent or guardian misusing alcohol or drugs)
Mental illness in a household member (e.g., depression, anxiety, or other conditions)
Parental separation or divorce
Domestic violence (exposure to violence between parents or caretakers)
Incarcerated family member (a parent or close family member in prison)
Scoring System:
For each of the 10 categories, if the individual experienced the adverse event, they score 1 point. The
total ACE score ranges from 0 to 10, with a higher score indicating more exposure to childhood
adversity.
Impact of ACEs:
Research has shown that individuals with higher ACE scores are at increased risk for a variety of physical,
emotional, and social problems, including:
Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
Chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
Substance abuse
