NURS 256 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2
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📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 99 Qs
This document, "NURS 256 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2," covers various mental health topics, including
disorders such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the effects of
medications on neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and glutamate. The document provides 99
questions with correct answers and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of mental
health concepts. Students can utilize this resource to study, review, and gain a deeper understanding of
mental health topics, ultimately enhancing their exam preparation and knowledge in the field.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Which of the following illnesses is associated with a decrease or increase in dopamine levels?
A) Parkinson's disease is associated with an increase in dopamine levels.
B) Schizophrenia is linked to an increase in dopamine levels.
C) A decrease in dopamine levels is characteristic of depression and Parkinson's disease.
D) Mania is associated with a decrease in dopamine levels.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) A decrease in dopamine levels is characteristic of depression and Parkinson's disease.
RATIONALE: Dopamine imbalances are associated with various mental health conditions. A decrease in dopamine is
characteristic of Parkinson's disease and depression, while an increase in dopamine is linked to schizophrenia and
mania.
QUESTION 2
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, A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with depression, who reports decreased motivation and
interest in activities. The nurse understands that the neurotransmitter responsible for these
symptoms is associated with a decrease in its levels. Which of the following conditions is typically
associated with decreased levels of this neurotransmitter?
A) Bipolar disorder with manic episodes
B) Anxiety disorder
C) Depression
D) Schizophrenia
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Depression
RATIONALE: The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is associated with decreased levels in depression, leading to
symptoms such as decreased motivation and interest in activities. The other options are incorrect because mania,
anxiety, and schizophrenia are associated with increased levels of norepinephrine.
QUESTION 3
A client arrives at the emergency department with a history of recurring depression and anxiety. The
nurse notes that this client has responded well to previous treatments that increase the levels of a
specific neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Which of the following conditions is most likely
associated with a decrease in this neurotransmitter?
A) Bipolar disorder
B) Schizophrenia
C) Major depressive disorder
D) Post-traumatic stress disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Major depressive disorder
RATIONALE: The client's history of recurring depression and response to treatments increasing a specific
neurotransmitter (serotonin) suggest a link with major depressive disorder. This condition is characterized by low levels
of serotonin, contributing to depressive symptoms. The other options are incorrect as they involve different etiologies or
symptoms.
QUESTION 4
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been prescribed a medication to manage symptoms of
anxiety that have been exacerbated by recent stressors. The patient reports a history of anxiety
disorders and the nurse suspects an imbalance of neurotransmitters may contribute to the condition.
Which of the following neurotransmitter imbalances is most likely associated with this patient's
symptoms?
A) Decreased dopamine levels
B) Increased serotonin levels
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, C) Decreased GABA levels
D) Increased acetylcholine levels
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Decreased GABA levels
RATIONALE: Decreased GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels are associated with anxiety disorders, including
symptoms exacerbated by stressors. GABA's inhibitory effects help regulate neurotransmitter activity, and decreased
levels can lead to increased activity in regions of the brain associated with anxiety. While other neurotransmitter
imbalances may also be present, decreased GABA levels are most likely related to this patient's symptoms.
QUESTION 5
A patient has a prescription for a medication that affects glutamate levels in the brain. The healthcare
provider explains that an imbalance of glutamate can lead to either psychosis or neurodegeneration in
individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Which outcome is associated with an increase in glutamate
levels?
A) Psychosis
B) Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
C) Bipolar disorder
D) Anxiety disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
RATIONALE: An increase in glutamate levels can lead to neurodegeneration in individuals with Alzheimer's disease,
whereas a decrease in glutamate levels is associated with psychosis. The other options are incorrect because bipolar
disorder and anxiety disorder are not directly related to glutamate levels in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
QUESTION 6
The nurse receives report on four clients admitted with neurodegenerative disorders. While reviewing
their charts, she notes that Mr. Johnson's acetylcholine levels are decreased, which is also true for
two other clients. However, Ms. Rodriguez's levels are increased. Which of the following conditions is
most likely associated with decreased acetylcholine levels in these clients?
A) Bipolar Disorder
B) Alzheimer's Disease
C) Schizophrenia
D) Major Depressive Disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Alzheimer's Disease
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, RATIONALE: Decreased acetylcholine levels are associated with Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and
Parkinson's Disease. This decrease disrupts neurotransmission, leading to cognitive decline and motor symptoms. The
nurse should be aware of this association to provide targeted care and support for these clients.
QUESTION 7
A client reports difficulty concentrating and learning new information, and mentions that she often
feels anxious around meal times. The nurse assesses the client's symptoms and considers the role of
neurotransmitters in regulating various bodily functions. Which neurotransmitter is most likely
involved in this client's symptoms?
A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) GABA
D) Acetylcholine
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Acetylcholine
RATIONALE: Acetylcholine plays a key role in learning, memory, and regulating the autonomic nervous system, which is
responsible for "resting and digesting" functions. The client's symptoms of difficulty concentrating and anxiety around
meal times suggest an imbalance of this neurotransmitter. Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA are also important
neurotransmitters, but they are not primarily involved in regulating autonomic functions or learning.
QUESTION 8
A nurse observes a patient with a history of seizure disorders and is reviewing the medication list.
Which neurotransmitter plays a significant role in learning and memory, and is also involved in
excitatory neurotransmission in the brain?
A) Dopamine
B) Glutamate
C) GABA
D) Serotonin
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Glutamate
RATIONALE: Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in learning and memory. It
mediates synaptic plasticity, a cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory. This makes it a crucial
neurotransmitter in the context of this patient's history of seizure disorders. The other options, while important
neurotransmitters, do not have the same role in excitatory neurotransmission and learning and memory.
QUESTION 9
After reviewing the client's chart, the nurse notes that the client has a history of anxiety, agitation,
and muscle spasms. The client's psychiatrist prescribes a medication that has a role in pain
perception, has anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxing properties, and may impair cognition and
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 40
95+ (Updated 2026) Complete Exam Pack | A+ Graded Questions &
Verified Answers
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 99 Qs
This document, "NURS 256 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2," covers various mental health topics, including
disorders such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the effects of
medications on neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and glutamate. The document provides 99
questions with correct answers and detailed explanations, offering a comprehensive review of mental
health concepts. Students can utilize this resource to study, review, and gain a deeper understanding of
mental health topics, ultimately enhancing their exam preparation and knowledge in the field.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Which of the following illnesses is associated with a decrease or increase in dopamine levels?
A) Parkinson's disease is associated with an increase in dopamine levels.
B) Schizophrenia is linked to an increase in dopamine levels.
C) A decrease in dopamine levels is characteristic of depression and Parkinson's disease.
D) Mania is associated with a decrease in dopamine levels.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) A decrease in dopamine levels is characteristic of depression and Parkinson's disease.
RATIONALE: Dopamine imbalances are associated with various mental health conditions. A decrease in dopamine is
characteristic of Parkinson's disease and depression, while an increase in dopamine is linked to schizophrenia and
mania.
QUESTION 2
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, A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with depression, who reports decreased motivation and
interest in activities. The nurse understands that the neurotransmitter responsible for these
symptoms is associated with a decrease in its levels. Which of the following conditions is typically
associated with decreased levels of this neurotransmitter?
A) Bipolar disorder with manic episodes
B) Anxiety disorder
C) Depression
D) Schizophrenia
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Depression
RATIONALE: The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is associated with decreased levels in depression, leading to
symptoms such as decreased motivation and interest in activities. The other options are incorrect because mania,
anxiety, and schizophrenia are associated with increased levels of norepinephrine.
QUESTION 3
A client arrives at the emergency department with a history of recurring depression and anxiety. The
nurse notes that this client has responded well to previous treatments that increase the levels of a
specific neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Which of the following conditions is most likely
associated with a decrease in this neurotransmitter?
A) Bipolar disorder
B) Schizophrenia
C) Major depressive disorder
D) Post-traumatic stress disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Major depressive disorder
RATIONALE: The client's history of recurring depression and response to treatments increasing a specific
neurotransmitter (serotonin) suggest a link with major depressive disorder. This condition is characterized by low levels
of serotonin, contributing to depressive symptoms. The other options are incorrect as they involve different etiologies or
symptoms.
QUESTION 4
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been prescribed a medication to manage symptoms of
anxiety that have been exacerbated by recent stressors. The patient reports a history of anxiety
disorders and the nurse suspects an imbalance of neurotransmitters may contribute to the condition.
Which of the following neurotransmitter imbalances is most likely associated with this patient's
symptoms?
A) Decreased dopamine levels
B) Increased serotonin levels
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, C) Decreased GABA levels
D) Increased acetylcholine levels
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Decreased GABA levels
RATIONALE: Decreased GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels are associated with anxiety disorders, including
symptoms exacerbated by stressors. GABA's inhibitory effects help regulate neurotransmitter activity, and decreased
levels can lead to increased activity in regions of the brain associated with anxiety. While other neurotransmitter
imbalances may also be present, decreased GABA levels are most likely related to this patient's symptoms.
QUESTION 5
A patient has a prescription for a medication that affects glutamate levels in the brain. The healthcare
provider explains that an imbalance of glutamate can lead to either psychosis or neurodegeneration in
individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Which outcome is associated with an increase in glutamate
levels?
A) Psychosis
B) Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
C) Bipolar disorder
D) Anxiety disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease
RATIONALE: An increase in glutamate levels can lead to neurodegeneration in individuals with Alzheimer's disease,
whereas a decrease in glutamate levels is associated with psychosis. The other options are incorrect because bipolar
disorder and anxiety disorder are not directly related to glutamate levels in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
QUESTION 6
The nurse receives report on four clients admitted with neurodegenerative disorders. While reviewing
their charts, she notes that Mr. Johnson's acetylcholine levels are decreased, which is also true for
two other clients. However, Ms. Rodriguez's levels are increased. Which of the following conditions is
most likely associated with decreased acetylcholine levels in these clients?
A) Bipolar Disorder
B) Alzheimer's Disease
C) Schizophrenia
D) Major Depressive Disorder
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Alzheimer's Disease
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, RATIONALE: Decreased acetylcholine levels are associated with Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and
Parkinson's Disease. This decrease disrupts neurotransmission, leading to cognitive decline and motor symptoms. The
nurse should be aware of this association to provide targeted care and support for these clients.
QUESTION 7
A client reports difficulty concentrating and learning new information, and mentions that she often
feels anxious around meal times. The nurse assesses the client's symptoms and considers the role of
neurotransmitters in regulating various bodily functions. Which neurotransmitter is most likely
involved in this client's symptoms?
A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) GABA
D) Acetylcholine
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Acetylcholine
RATIONALE: Acetylcholine plays a key role in learning, memory, and regulating the autonomic nervous system, which is
responsible for "resting and digesting" functions. The client's symptoms of difficulty concentrating and anxiety around
meal times suggest an imbalance of this neurotransmitter. Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA are also important
neurotransmitters, but they are not primarily involved in regulating autonomic functions or learning.
QUESTION 8
A nurse observes a patient with a history of seizure disorders and is reviewing the medication list.
Which neurotransmitter plays a significant role in learning and memory, and is also involved in
excitatory neurotransmission in the brain?
A) Dopamine
B) Glutamate
C) GABA
D) Serotonin
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Glutamate
RATIONALE: Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in learning and memory. It
mediates synaptic plasticity, a cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory. This makes it a crucial
neurotransmitter in the context of this patient's history of seizure disorders. The other options, while important
neurotransmitters, do not have the same role in excitatory neurotransmission and learning and memory.
QUESTION 9
After reviewing the client's chart, the nurse notes that the client has a history of anxiety, agitation,
and muscle spasms. The client's psychiatrist prescribes a medication that has a role in pain
perception, has anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxing properties, and may impair cognition and
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