NURS 661 EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 2026
GRADED A+
⩥Cortisol.
Answer: This potent stress hormone mobilizes energy stores, stimulates
the release of glucose, potentiates the release of adrenaline, increases
cardiovascular tone, and inhibits growth, immune, and inflammatory
responses.
⩥Dopamine.
Answer: This substance is produced in the substantia nigra and other
areas in the brainstem; it is a key neurotransmitter for motor action,
integration of emotions and thoughts, and decision-making.
⩥Endocrine messenger molecules.
Answer: All are hormones composed of amino acids (in peptides,
proteins, or glycoproteins) and are produced by one tissue and conveyed
through the bloodstream to effect a change in growth or metabolism on
another tissue.
⩥Endorphin.
Answer: This endogenous opioid is found in a number of brain areas. It
produces analgesia, reduces anxiety, and promotes calmness.
, ⩥Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Answer: This inhibitory neurotransmitter is found in most neurons in the
central nervous system.
⩥Glutamate.
Answer: It is found in all cells, and its major receptor, N-methyl-d-
aspartate (NMDA), helps to regulate brain development.
⩥Immune messenger molecules.
Answer: These substances are produced by the immune system and by
nerve cells.
⩥Norepinephrine (NE).
Answer: Produced mainly in the locus coeruleus, NE is a key
neurotransmitter in the flight, fight, or freeze stress response and affects
mood, attention, and arousal.
⩥Oxytocin.
Answer: This hormone is released from the pituitary to contract the
uterus in childbirth and during orgasm.
⩥Serotonin (5HT).
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 2026
GRADED A+
⩥Cortisol.
Answer: This potent stress hormone mobilizes energy stores, stimulates
the release of glucose, potentiates the release of adrenaline, increases
cardiovascular tone, and inhibits growth, immune, and inflammatory
responses.
⩥Dopamine.
Answer: This substance is produced in the substantia nigra and other
areas in the brainstem; it is a key neurotransmitter for motor action,
integration of emotions and thoughts, and decision-making.
⩥Endocrine messenger molecules.
Answer: All are hormones composed of amino acids (in peptides,
proteins, or glycoproteins) and are produced by one tissue and conveyed
through the bloodstream to effect a change in growth or metabolism on
another tissue.
⩥Endorphin.
Answer: This endogenous opioid is found in a number of brain areas. It
produces analgesia, reduces anxiety, and promotes calmness.
, ⩥Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Answer: This inhibitory neurotransmitter is found in most neurons in the
central nervous system.
⩥Glutamate.
Answer: It is found in all cells, and its major receptor, N-methyl-d-
aspartate (NMDA), helps to regulate brain development.
⩥Immune messenger molecules.
Answer: These substances are produced by the immune system and by
nerve cells.
⩥Norepinephrine (NE).
Answer: Produced mainly in the locus coeruleus, NE is a key
neurotransmitter in the flight, fight, or freeze stress response and affects
mood, attention, and arousal.
⩥Oxytocin.
Answer: This hormone is released from the pituitary to contract the
uterus in childbirth and during orgasm.
⩥Serotonin (5HT).
