NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Walden University NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS– Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
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How to Write the Body for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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Sample Answer for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Scenario 1: Peptic Ulcer
A 65-year-old female from the NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS assignment, comes to the clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the
epigastric area. The pain has been persistent for two weeks. The pain described as
burning, non-radiating and worse after meals. Denies N&V, weight loss or obvious
bleeding. She admits to frequent belching with bloating.
PMH: seasonal allergies with Chronic Sinusitis, positive for osteoarthritis,
Meds: Claritin 10 mg po daily, ibuprofen 400-600 mg po prn pain
Family Hx-non contributary
Social history: Separated recently pending divorce; stressful situation with trying to
manage two homes. Works as a Legal Assistant at a local law firm. She has 35 PPY of
smoking, drinks 1-2 glasses of wine a day, and 6-7 cups of coffee per day. She denies
illicit drug use, vaping or unprotected sexual encounters.
Breath test in the office revealed + urease.
The healthcare provider suspects the client has peptic ulcer disease.
Questions:
1. Explain what contributed to the development from this patient’s history of PUD?
Your Answer:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs following impairment of the mucosal defenses, which
leaves them incapable of protecting the epithelium from the effects of acid and pepsin.
The development of PUD is associated primarily with bacterial infection with H. pylori and
NSAIDs. NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen break down the stomach mucosal barrier
and disrupt the mucosal protection mediated systemically by cyclooxygenase (COX)
inhibition (Kuna et al., 2019). The patient’s PUD may have been contributed by H.pylori
infection, owing to the positive urease breath test, which reveals the presence of
Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Besides, the PUD may have been caused by taking a high
dose of ibuprofen 400-600 mg for pain relief. Ibuprofen causes reduced endogenous
prostaglandins, resulting in local gastric mucosal injury.
In addition, lifestyle factors like tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol and caffeine
consumption are associated with PUD. Caffeine stimulates the production of
hydrochloric acid. Smoking accelerates gastric emptying and decreases pancreatic
bicarbonate production (Kuna et al., 2019). Besides, ethanol irritates gastric mucosal and
nonspecific gastritis. The patient’s history of tobacco smoking, heavy caffeine intake, and
daily alcohol intake may have led to the development of PUD.
References
Kuna, L., Jakab, J., Smolic, R., Raguz-Lucic, N., Vcev, A., & Smolic, M. (2019). Peptic ulcer
disease: a brief review of conventional therapy and herbal treatment options. Journal of
clinical medicine, 8(2), 179. doi: 10.3390/jcm8020179
Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Scenario 2: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
A 44-year-old morbidly obese female comes to the clinic complaining of “burning in my
chest and a funny taste in my mouth”. The symptoms have been present for years but
patient states she had been treating the symptoms with antacid tablets which helped
until the last 4 or 5 weeks. She never saw a healthcare provider for that. She says the
symptoms get worse at night when she is lying down and has had to sleep with 2
pillows. She says she has started coughing at night which has been interfering with her
sleep. She denies palpitations, shortness of breath, or nausea.
PMH-HTN, venous stasis ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis of knees,
morbid obesity (BMI 48 kg/m 2 )
FH:non contributary
Medications: Lisinopril 10 mg po qd, Bentyl 10 mg po, ibuprofen 800 mg po q 6 hr prn
SH: 20 PPY of smoking, ETOH rarely, denies vaping
Diagnoses: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Question:
1. If the client asks what causes GERD how would you explain this as a provider?
Your Answer:
The patient in the case study has GERD. I would inform her that several factors cause
GERD. One of the aspects that I will educate her is that GERD is a condition that develops
following the ulceration of the mucosal lining that protects the esophagus. One of the
causes of the disorder is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which increases the release of gastric
acid. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple duodenal or
pancreatic tumors that increase gastric acid secretion (Maret-Ouda et al., 2020).
The other cause of GERD that the patient should be aware is the prolonged use of
NSAIDs. NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of protective prostaglandins. They also lower the
production of bicarbonates and mucus while increasing the secretion of hydrochloric acid.
The other factor is smoking. Smoking suppresses the production of prostaglandins, mucus
for protection, and weakens the esophageal sphincter. Increased use of irritants such as
coffee and alcohol also play a crucial role (Katz et al., 2022). The irritation acts as a source
of stress that degrade the protective mucosa and increase the production of destructive
gastric acid.
The other cause is any form of stress. Stressors such as hospitalization and life
experiences also act as a source of GERD. Any stressors increase the production of gastric
acid. The risk of GERD increases if the patient already has other risk factors for GERD and
or peptic ulcer disease. The additional risk factors that should be addressed to prevent
GERD include obesity, hiatal hernia, esophageal contractions, prolonged or reduced
stomach emptying, and abnormalities of esophageal sphincter (Maret-Ouda et al., 2020).
References
Katz, P. O., Dunbar, K. B., Schnoll-Sussman, F. H., Greer, K. B., Yadlapati, R., &Spechler, S. J.
(2022). ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 117(1), 27–56.
https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000001538
Maret-Ouda, J., Markar, S. R., & Lagergren, J. (2020). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A
Review. JAMA, 324(24), 2536–2547. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.21360Links to
an external site.
Also Read:
NEUROLOGICAL AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS MODULE 4
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS MODULE 5 ASSIGNMENT
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS MODULE 6
Women’s and Men’s Health, Infections, and Hematologic Disorders
Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS
Scenario 3: Upper GI Bleed
A 64-year-old male presents the clinic with complaints of passing dark, tarry, stools. He
stated the first episode occurred last week, but it was only a small amount after he had
eaten a dinner of beets and beef. The episode today was accompanied by nausea,
sweating, and weakness. He states he has had some mid epigastric pain for several
weeks and has been taking OTC antacids. The most likely diagnosis is upper GI bleed
which won’t be confirmed until further endoscopic procedures are performed.
Question:
1. What are the variables here that contribute to an upper GI bleed?
Your Answer:
The patient in the case study has a potential diagnosis of upper GI bleed. Several variables
contribute to the development of the upper GI bleed. One of the variables is peptic ulcer
bleeding. Patients with chronic ulcers are increasingly at a risk of developing upper GI
bleed. The bleed arises from severe destruction of the protecting mucosal layer by gastric
secretions. The other variable is gastritis. The irritation and inflammation of the gastric
mucosa increase the risk of its destruction by gastric acid(Graham & Carlberg, 2019).
Over time, gastritis causes upper GI bleed due to the destruction of the mucosal barrier in
esophagus and stomach.
The other variable associated with upper GI bleed is esophagitis. Esophagitis refers
to the inflammation of the esophagus. The inflammation occurs from the different
irritants to the esophageal mucosa. Chronic inflammation may cause altered mucosa
integrity and damage from gastric reflux, hence, the development of upper GI bleed. The
other variable is esophageal varices. Esophageal varices are inflamed veins within the
esophagus. The varices are highly prone to rupture when exposed to stressors such as
straining or irritants(Leebeek& Muslem, 2019). Rupture of the veins cause upper GI
bleeding, hence, a potential cause of the client’s problem in this case study.
The other variable contributing to upper GI bleed that should be considered in the
client is Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Mallory-Weiss syndrome causes tears and bleeding
from the stomach or esophageal lining. Cancer of the upper GI also may contribute to
upper GI bleed. For example, cancers of the stomach or esophagus may cause rupture of
the blood vessels, resulting in the upper GI bleed(Graham & Carlberg, 2019).
Consequently, these potential causes should be ruled out through comprehensive
diagnostics in the patient’s care.
References
Graham, A., & Carlberg, D. J. (2019). Gastrointestinal Emergencies: Evidence-Based Answers
to Key Clinical Questions. Springer.
Leebeek, F. W. G., & Muslem, R. (2019). Bleeding in critical care associated with left
ventricular assist devices: Pathophysiology, symptoms, and
management. Hematology, 2019(1), 88–96.
https://doi.org/10.1182/hematology.2019000067
Sample Answer 4 for NURS 6501 GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS MODULE 3
Scenario 4: Diverticulitis
A 54-year-old schoolteacher is seeing your today for complaints of passing bright red
blood when she had a bowel movement this morning. She stated the first episode
occurred last week. The episode today was accompanied by nausea, sweating, and
weakness. She states she has had some LLQ pain for several weeks but described it as
“coming and going”. She says she has had a fever and abdominal cramps that have
worsened this morning.
Diagnosis is lower GI bleed secondary to diverticulitis.
Question:
1. What can cause diverticulitis in the lower GI tract?
Your Answer:
The patient in the case study has diverticulitis. Diverticulitis develops when a part of the
colon weakens leading to pouches and protrusion in the wall of the colon. Several factors
can cause diverticulitis. One of them is aging. The risk of a patient developing diverticulitis
increase significantly as one ages. The other cause of obesity. The risks of diverticulitis
increase significantly with excessive weight gain. An imbalance between the bacterial
flora in the colon has also been attributed to diverticulitis (Peery et al., 2021). For
example, an imbalance between Clostridium coccoides and Escherichia have been
identified to cause diverticulitis in most of the patients.
Diet also plays a role in the development of diverticulitis. Patients with a history of
low fiber diet have an elevated risk of developing the disorder as compared to those who
take fiber rich diet. Low fiber diet results in too much volume within the colon, hence,
increasing the risk of diverticulitis. The other cause is physical inactivity. Physical
inactivity affects intestinal microbiome as well as increases the risk of diverticulitis-
associated risk factors such as obesity. Genetics also contributes to diverticulitis.
Accordingly, people born to families with a history of diverticulitis are increasingly at a
risk of developing the disorder. However, the direct link between the exposure and
development of diverticulitis is inconclusive. The use of certain medications has also been
shown to increase the risk of diverticulitis. For example, NSAIDs and steroids have been
shown to increase the risk of diverticulitis due to their effect on gastrointestinal
physiology. Lifestyles such as smoking also increases the risk(Peery et al., 2021). This can
be seen from the evidence that most of the smokers have a high rate of diverticulitis as
compared to non-smokers.
References
Peery, A. F., Shaukat, A., & Strate, L. L. (2021). AGA clinical practice update on medical
management of colonic diverticulitis: Expert review. Gastroenterology, 160(3), 906-911.e1.
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059
NURS 6501 MDOULE 6 PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
In this exercise, you will complete a 5-essay type question Knowledge Check to gauge your understanding of this module’s content.
Possible topics covered in this Knowledge Check include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Delirium and dementia
- Obsessive compulsive disease
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 9
Complete the Knowledge Check by Day 7 of Week 9.
Attempt History
| Attempt | Time | Score |
LATEST | 6 minutes | 20 out of 20 |
Score for this quiz: 20 out of 20
Submitted Jul 30 at 10:08am
This attempt took 6 minutes.
Question 1
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Questions
1. What are known characteristics of schizophrenia and relate those to this patient.
Your Answer:
The 22-year-old female student in this scenario presents with symptoms consistent with schizophrenia, a complex mental disorder. She experiences hallucinations, hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there, along with delusions of harm. There are also affective disturbances, disorganized thinking, and social and occupational impairment. A positive family history of mental problems and a history of substance use are relevant factors. Schizophrenia requires comprehensive assessment, and early intervention and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and improving the patient’s well-being.
Question 2
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Question:
1. Genetics are sometimes attached to schizophrenia explain this.
Your Answer:
Schizophrenia has a heritable component, and individuals with a family history of the disorder are at a higher risk of developing it. Family history of mental problems, like the first cousin in this scenario, increases the risk. While specific genes have not been fully identified, genetic markers are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. It is a complex disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of genetic risk may help with early intervention and prevention. However, the interplay of genetics and other factors in schizophrenia is still an active area of research.
Question 3
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Question:
What roles do neurotransmitters play in the development of schizophrenia?
Your Answer:
Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia. An overactivity of dopamine in certain brain regions is associated with positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Meanwhile, abnormalities in glutamate neurotransmission, particularly in NMDA receptors, may contribute to cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. Treatment for schizophrenia often targets these neurotransmitter systems to manage symptoms effectively. However, schizophrenia’s development is multifaceted, involving genetics, environment, and brain circuitry, necessitating comprehensive approaches to understanding and treating the disorder.
Question 4
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Questions:
Explain what structural abnormalities are seen in people with schizophrenia.
Your Answer:
In individuals with schizophrenia, structural abnormalities in the brain are commonly observed through neuroimaging studies. These include enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter volume, thinner cortex, abnormal hippocampus, disrupted white matter tracts, and dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These brain changes are associated with cognitive deficits and other symptoms seen in schizophrenia. The exact causes of these abnormalities are complex and involve genetic and environmental factors. Understanding these structural differences is crucial for advancing our knowledge of schizophrenia and developing more effective treatments.
Question 5
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 2: Bipolar Disorder
A 44-year-old female came to the clinic today brought in by her husband. He notes that she has been with various states of depression and irritability over the past 3 months with extreme fatigue, has lost 20 pounds and has insomnia. He has come home from work to find his wife sitting in front of the TV and not moving for hours. In the past few days, she suddenly has become very hyperactive, has been talking incessantly, has been easily distracted and seems to “flit from one thing to another.”. She hasn’t slept in 3 days. The wife went on an excessive shopping spree for new clothes that resulted in their credit card being denied for exceeding the line of credit. The wife is unable to sit in the exam room and is currently pacing the hallway muttering to herself and is reluctant to talk with or be examined the ARNP. Physical observation shows agitated movements, rapid fire speech, and hyperactivity.
DIAGNOSIS: bipolar type 2 disorder.
Question
1. How does genetics play in the development of bipolar 2 disorders?
Your Answer:
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of bipolar 2 disorder. Having a family history of the condition increases the risk. Bipolar disorders have a heritable component, and certain genetic markers may be associated with an increased risk. However, bipolar 2 disorder is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of genetic risk may aid in early intervention and personalized treatment approaches. Research on the exact genetic contributions to bipolar 2 disorder is ongoing.
Quiz Score: 20 out of 20
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
In this exercise, you will complete a 5-essay type question Knowledge Check to gauge your understanding of this module’s content.
Possible topics covered in this Knowledge Check include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Delirium and dementia
- Obsessive compulsive disease
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 9
Complete the Knowledge Check by Day 7 of Week 9.
NURS 6501 MODULE 6 PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Attempt History
| Attempt | Time | Score |
LATEST | 6 minutes | 20 out of 20 |
Score for this quiz: 20 out of 20
Submitted Jul 30 at 10:08am
This attempt took 6 minutes.
Question 1
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Questions
1. What are known characteristics of schizophrenia and relate those to this patient.
Your Answer:
The 22-year-old female student in this scenario presents with symptoms consistent with schizophrenia, a complex mental disorder. She experiences hallucinations, hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there, along with delusions of harm. There are also affective disturbances, disorganized thinking, and social and occupational impairment. A positive family history of mental problems and a history of substance use are relevant factors. Schizophrenia requires comprehensive assessment, and early intervention and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and improving the patient’s well-being.
Question 2
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Question:
1. Genetics are sometimes attached to schizophrenia explain this.
Your Answer:
Schizophrenia has a heritable component, and individuals with a family history of the disorder are at a higher risk of developing it. Family history of mental problems, like the first cousin in this scenario, increases the risk. While specific genes have not been fully identified, genetic markers are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. It is a complex disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of genetic risk may help with early intervention and prevention. However, the interplay of genetics and other factors in schizophrenia is still an active area of research.
Question 3
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Question:
What roles do neurotransmitters play in the development of schizophrenia?
Your Answer:
Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia. An overactivity of dopamine in certain brain regions is associated with positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Meanwhile, abnormalities in glutamate neurotransmission, particularly in NMDA receptors, may contribute to cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. Treatment for schizophrenia often targets these neurotransmitter systems to manage symptoms effectively. However, schizophrenia’s development is multifaceted, involving genetics, environment, and brain circuitry, necessitating comprehensive approaches to understanding and treating the disorder.
Question 4
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 1: Schizophrenia
A 22-year-old female student was brought to her college student health department by her boyfriend. He was concerned about the changes in her behavior. The boyfriend noted that she has been hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. She also thinks that there are people that want to harm her. She told her family that she cannot finish college as the voices told her to quit because she is “dumb”. The boyfriend relates episodes of unexpected rage and crying.
PMH: noncontributory
FH: positive for a first cousin who “had mental problems”.
SH: Denies current drug abuse but states he smoked marijuana every day during junior and senior years of high school. Admits to drinking heavily on weekends at various fraternity houses.
PE: thin, anxious disheveled female who, during conversations, stops talking, tilts her head and appears to be listening to something. There is poor eye contact and conversation is disjointed.
DIAGOSIS: schizophrenia.
Questions:
Explain what structural abnormalities are seen in people with schizophrenia.
Your Answer:
In individuals with schizophrenia, structural abnormalities in the brain are commonly observed through neuroimaging studies. These include enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter volume, thinner cortex, abnormal hippocampus, disrupted white matter tracts, and dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These brain changes are associated with cognitive deficits and other symptoms seen in schizophrenia. The exact causes of these abnormalities are complex and involve genetic and environmental factors. Understanding these structural differences is crucial for advancing our knowledge of schizophrenia and developing more effective treatments.
Question 5
4 / 4 pts
Scenario 2: Bipolar Disorder
A 44-year-old female came to the clinic today brought in by her husband. He notes that she has been with various states of depression and irritability over the past 3 months with extreme fatigue, has lost 20 pounds and has insomnia. He has come home from work to find his wife sitting in front of the TV and not moving for hours. In the past few days, she suddenly has become very hyperactive, has been talking incessantly, has been easily distracted and seems to “flit from one thing to another.”. She hasn’t slept in 3 days. The wife went on an excessive shopping spree for new clothes that resulted in their credit card being denied for exceeding the line of credit. The wife is unable to sit in the exam room and is currently pacing the hallway muttering to herself and is reluctant to talk with or be examined the ARNP. Physical observation shows agitated movements, rapid fire speech, and hyperactivity.
DIAGNOSIS: bipolar type 2 disorder.
Question
1. How does genetics play in the development of bipolar 2 disorders?
Your Answer:
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of bipolar 2 disorder. Having a family history of the condition increases the risk. Bipolar disorders have a heritable component, and certain genetic markers may be associated with an increased risk. However, bipolar 2 disorder is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of genetic risk may aid in early intervention and personalized treatment approaches. Research on the exact genetic contributions to bipolar 2 disorder is ongoing.
Quiz Score: 20 out of 20