The nurse is instructing a client on the effects of a medication on the neurons and synapses within the nervous system. What should the nurse teach about the characteristics of a synapse?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Synapses are junctions between two neurons.
2. Synapses are junctions between a neuron and a muscle.
3. The function of the synapse is to communicate messages through an action potential.
4. Synapses respond only to acetylcholine and norepinephrine.
5. Synapses stimulate an emotional response.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: Synapses are junctions between two neurons.
Rationale 2: Synapses are junctions between a neuron and a muscle.
Rationale 3: The function of a neuron is not to communicate messages through an action potential.
Rationale 4: Although acetylcholine and norepinephrine are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system, other neurotransmitters such as dopamine exist.
Rationale 5: Synapses do not stimulate an emotional response.
Global Rationale: Synapses are junctions between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle. The function of a neuron is not to communicate messages through an action potential. Although acetylcholine and norepinephrine are the most abundant neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system, other neurotransmitters such as dopamine exist. Synapses do not stimulate an emotional response.