NSG 552 Exam 1: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Neurobiology,
Psychopharmacology & Psychiatric Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 552 – Neurobiology, Psychopharmacology, Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders,
Neurotransmitters, Brain Anatomy, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers
Source: Neurobiological Theory, Psychiatric Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical & Neurobiological Rationale | 100% Verified for NSG 552 Exam 1
Preparation
A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, "My mother says depression is a
chemical disorder. What does she mean?" The nurse's response is based on the theory that
depression primarily involves which of the following neurotransmitters?
Correct Answer: d. Serotonin and norepinephrine
1. Monoamine hypothesis: depression involves deficiency of serotonin and norepinephrine.
2. SSRIs and SNRIs increase availability of these neurotransmitters.
3. Dopamine is more involved in psychosis and reward pathways.
A patient has experienced a stroke (cerebral vascular accident) that has resulted in damage
to the Broca area. Which evaluation does the nurse conduct to reinforce this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: b. Asking the patient to recite the alphabet
1. Broca area controls motor aspects of speech (expressive language).
2. Damage causes expressive aphasia (non-fluent speech, difficulty speaking).
3. Reciting alphabet tests speech production ability.
The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are always
prescribed by the doctor. The nurse's answer will be based on information that the
therapeutic action of psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:
Correct Answer: c. The regulation of neurotransmitters especially dopamine
1. Dopamine dysregulation (excess in mesolimbic pathway) underlies positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. Antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors.
3. Other neurotransmitters also involved (serotonin, glutamate).
,A student nurse mutters that it seems entirely unnecessary to have to struggle with
understanding the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic system. The mentor would
base a response on the understanding that it is:
Correct Answer: d. Necessary for planning psychiatric care for all patients especially those experiencing
psychiatric disorders
1. Neurobiology underlies all psychiatric disorders.
2. Understanding A&P informs medication actions, side effects, and patient education.
3. Brain-behavior relationships are fundamental to psychiatric nursing.
A patient asks the nurse, "My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by her chronic
depression?" Which response is supported by research data?
Correct Answer: c. Stress does cause the release of factors that suppress the immune system.
1. Psychoneuroimmunology: stress activates HPA axis → cortisol release → immune suppression.
2. Chronic stress and depression are associated with altered immune function.
3. Direct causation of cancer is not established but immune compromise may play a role.
A patient who has a parietal lobe injury is being evaluated for psychiatric rehabilitation
needs. Of the aspects of functioning listed, which will the nurse identify as a focus of
nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: d. Processing associations
1. Parietal lobe processes sensory information and associations.
2. Functions include spatial orientation, tactile perception, and integrating sensory input.
3. Association areas link sensory information with memory and meaning.
At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the patient had an infarct in the right
cerebral cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that the patient:
Correct Answer: b. Is unable to effectively hold a spoon in the left hand
1. Right hemisphere controls motor function of left side of body.
2. Infarct in right cortex causes left-sided motor deficits.
3. Fine motor tasks (holding a spoon) impaired on contralateral side.
A patient with chronic schizophrenia had a stroke involving the hippocampus. The patient
will be discharged on low doses of haloperidol. The nurse will need to individualize the
patient's medication teaching by:
Correct Answer: a. Including the patient's caregiver in the education
1. Hippocampus damage affects memory and learning.
2. Caregiver involvement ensures medication adherence.
3. Patient may have difficulty remembering instructions.
,The physician tells the nurse, "The medication I'm prescribing for the patient enhances the
g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system." Which patient behavior will provide evidence that
the medication therapy is successful?
Correct Answer: b. The patient reports that, "I don't feel as anxious as I did a couple of days ago."
1. GABA is primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; enhancement reduces anxiety.
2. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates increase GABA activity.
3. Reduced anxiety indicates therapeutic effect of GABAergic medication.
The patient's family asks whether a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease creates an increased
risk for any mental health issues. What question would the nurse ask to assess for such a
comorbid condition?
Correct Answer: a. Has your father exhibited any signs of depression?
1. Parkinson's disease is associated with high rates of depression (40-50%).
2. Depression may precede motor symptoms.
3. Assessing depressive symptoms is priority in Parkinson's patients.
Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse provide for
a patient in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease?
Correct Answer: d. The acetylcholine deficiency will be managed by inhibiting cholinesterase.
1. Alzheimer's disease involves cholinergic deficit (low acetylcholine).
2. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine availability.
3. Provides modest symptomatic improvement in early to moderate stages.
There remains a stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses. The psychiatric nurse makes the
greatest impact on this sociological problem when:
Correct Answer: a. Providing educational programming for patients and the public
1. Education combats myths and misconceptions about mental illness.
2. Knowledge about biological basis reduces blame and stigma.
3. Public education has greatest societal impact on stigmatization.
The wife of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I've learned that my
husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run in
families?" The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would be:
Correct Answer: b. Research tends to support a familial tendency to schizophrenia.
1. Schizophrenia has heritability estimated at 80%.
2. Genetic vulnerability increases risk but is not deterministic.
3. Twin studies support strong genetic component.
, A patient whose symptoms of mild depression have been managed with antidepressants is
concerned about the effect of accepting a promotion that will require working the night
shift. What will be the basis of the response the nurse gives to address the patient's
concern?
Correct Answer: c. The interruption in normal wake-sleep patterns can influence mood disorders.
1. Circadian rhythm disruption is linked to mood disorders.
2. Shift work sleep disorder can exacerbate depression.
3. Sleep-wake cycle stability is important for mood regulation.
The nurse is discouraged because the patient exhibiting negative symptoms of
schizophrenia has shown no improvement with the planned interventions to reduce the
symptoms. The mentor's remark that helps place the problem in perspective is:
Correct Answer: c. Negative symptoms have been associated with genetic pathology.
1. Negative symptoms (avolition, anhedonia, blunted affect) are more resistant to treatment.
2. Negative symptoms are associated with structural brain abnormalities.
3. Antipsychotics are less effective for negative symptoms than positive symptoms.
The somatic nervous system provides sensory and motor innervation for:
Correct Answer: A) peripheral nerves.
1. Somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement and transmits sensory information.
2. Innervates skeletal muscles and skin receptors.
3. Peripheral nerves carry somatic signals to and from CNS.
The proteins and other materials used by the axon are synthesized and then flow down the
axon through its cytoplasm.
Correct Answer: A) in the cell body
1. Cell body (soma) contains nucleus and synthesizes proteins.
2. Axonal transport moves materials down the axon.
3. Nissl bodies in cell body are sites of protein synthesis.
Supporting cells of the nervous system, such as Schwann cells, satellite cells, and types of
glial cells, function to provide neurons with:
Correct Answer: A) local protection.
1. Glial cells provide structural support, insulation, and protection.
2. Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves; oligodendrocytes myelinate CNS.
3. Microglia are immune cells of CNS.
Psychopharmacology & Psychiatric Disorders | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Subject: NSG 552 – Neurobiology, Psychopharmacology, Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders,
Neurotransmitters, Brain Anatomy, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers
Source: Neurobiological Theory, Psychiatric Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical & Neurobiological Rationale | 100% Verified for NSG 552 Exam 1
Preparation
A patient with depression mentions to the nurse, "My mother says depression is a
chemical disorder. What does she mean?" The nurse's response is based on the theory that
depression primarily involves which of the following neurotransmitters?
Correct Answer: d. Serotonin and norepinephrine
1. Monoamine hypothesis: depression involves deficiency of serotonin and norepinephrine.
2. SSRIs and SNRIs increase availability of these neurotransmitters.
3. Dopamine is more involved in psychosis and reward pathways.
A patient has experienced a stroke (cerebral vascular accident) that has resulted in damage
to the Broca area. Which evaluation does the nurse conduct to reinforce this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: b. Asking the patient to recite the alphabet
1. Broca area controls motor aspects of speech (expressive language).
2. Damage causes expressive aphasia (non-fluent speech, difficulty speaking).
3. Reciting alphabet tests speech production ability.
The patient diagnosed with schizophrenia asks why psychotropic medications are always
prescribed by the doctor. The nurse's answer will be based on information that the
therapeutic action of psychotropic drugs is the result of their effect on:
Correct Answer: c. The regulation of neurotransmitters especially dopamine
1. Dopamine dysregulation (excess in mesolimbic pathway) underlies positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
2. Antipsychotics block dopamine D2 receptors.
3. Other neurotransmitters also involved (serotonin, glutamate).
,A student nurse mutters that it seems entirely unnecessary to have to struggle with
understanding the anatomy and physiology of the neurologic system. The mentor would
base a response on the understanding that it is:
Correct Answer: d. Necessary for planning psychiatric care for all patients especially those experiencing
psychiatric disorders
1. Neurobiology underlies all psychiatric disorders.
2. Understanding A&P informs medication actions, side effects, and patient education.
3. Brain-behavior relationships are fundamental to psychiatric nursing.
A patient asks the nurse, "My wife has breast cancer. Could it be caused by her chronic
depression?" Which response is supported by research data?
Correct Answer: c. Stress does cause the release of factors that suppress the immune system.
1. Psychoneuroimmunology: stress activates HPA axis → cortisol release → immune suppression.
2. Chronic stress and depression are associated with altered immune function.
3. Direct causation of cancer is not established but immune compromise may play a role.
A patient who has a parietal lobe injury is being evaluated for psychiatric rehabilitation
needs. Of the aspects of functioning listed, which will the nurse identify as a focus of
nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: d. Processing associations
1. Parietal lobe processes sensory information and associations.
2. Functions include spatial orientation, tactile perception, and integrating sensory input.
3. Association areas link sensory information with memory and meaning.
At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the patient had an infarct in the right
cerebral cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that the patient:
Correct Answer: b. Is unable to effectively hold a spoon in the left hand
1. Right hemisphere controls motor function of left side of body.
2. Infarct in right cortex causes left-sided motor deficits.
3. Fine motor tasks (holding a spoon) impaired on contralateral side.
A patient with chronic schizophrenia had a stroke involving the hippocampus. The patient
will be discharged on low doses of haloperidol. The nurse will need to individualize the
patient's medication teaching by:
Correct Answer: a. Including the patient's caregiver in the education
1. Hippocampus damage affects memory and learning.
2. Caregiver involvement ensures medication adherence.
3. Patient may have difficulty remembering instructions.
,The physician tells the nurse, "The medication I'm prescribing for the patient enhances the
g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system." Which patient behavior will provide evidence that
the medication therapy is successful?
Correct Answer: b. The patient reports that, "I don't feel as anxious as I did a couple of days ago."
1. GABA is primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; enhancement reduces anxiety.
2. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates increase GABA activity.
3. Reduced anxiety indicates therapeutic effect of GABAergic medication.
The patient's family asks whether a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease creates an increased
risk for any mental health issues. What question would the nurse ask to assess for such a
comorbid condition?
Correct Answer: a. Has your father exhibited any signs of depression?
1. Parkinson's disease is associated with high rates of depression (40-50%).
2. Depression may precede motor symptoms.
3. Assessing depressive symptoms is priority in Parkinson's patients.
Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse provide for
a patient in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease?
Correct Answer: d. The acetylcholine deficiency will be managed by inhibiting cholinesterase.
1. Alzheimer's disease involves cholinergic deficit (low acetylcholine).
2. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine availability.
3. Provides modest symptomatic improvement in early to moderate stages.
There remains a stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses. The psychiatric nurse makes the
greatest impact on this sociological problem when:
Correct Answer: a. Providing educational programming for patients and the public
1. Education combats myths and misconceptions about mental illness.
2. Knowledge about biological basis reduces blame and stigma.
3. Public education has greatest societal impact on stigmatization.
The wife of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I've learned that my
husband has several close relatives with the same disorder. Does this problem run in
families?" The response based on recent discoveries in the field of genetics would be:
Correct Answer: b. Research tends to support a familial tendency to schizophrenia.
1. Schizophrenia has heritability estimated at 80%.
2. Genetic vulnerability increases risk but is not deterministic.
3. Twin studies support strong genetic component.
, A patient whose symptoms of mild depression have been managed with antidepressants is
concerned about the effect of accepting a promotion that will require working the night
shift. What will be the basis of the response the nurse gives to address the patient's
concern?
Correct Answer: c. The interruption in normal wake-sleep patterns can influence mood disorders.
1. Circadian rhythm disruption is linked to mood disorders.
2. Shift work sleep disorder can exacerbate depression.
3. Sleep-wake cycle stability is important for mood regulation.
The nurse is discouraged because the patient exhibiting negative symptoms of
schizophrenia has shown no improvement with the planned interventions to reduce the
symptoms. The mentor's remark that helps place the problem in perspective is:
Correct Answer: c. Negative symptoms have been associated with genetic pathology.
1. Negative symptoms (avolition, anhedonia, blunted affect) are more resistant to treatment.
2. Negative symptoms are associated with structural brain abnormalities.
3. Antipsychotics are less effective for negative symptoms than positive symptoms.
The somatic nervous system provides sensory and motor innervation for:
Correct Answer: A) peripheral nerves.
1. Somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement and transmits sensory information.
2. Innervates skeletal muscles and skin receptors.
3. Peripheral nerves carry somatic signals to and from CNS.
The proteins and other materials used by the axon are synthesized and then flow down the
axon through its cytoplasm.
Correct Answer: A) in the cell body
1. Cell body (soma) contains nucleus and synthesizes proteins.
2. Axonal transport moves materials down the axon.
3. Nissl bodies in cell body are sites of protein synthesis.
Supporting cells of the nervous system, such as Schwann cells, satellite cells, and types of
glial cells, function to provide neurons with:
Correct Answer: A) local protection.
1. Glial cells provide structural support, insulation, and protection.
2. Schwann cells myelinate peripheral nerves; oligodendrocytes myelinate CNS.
3. Microglia are immune cells of CNS.
