The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is considered the stress axis. How is the HPA axis implicated in the etiology of mood disorders?
A) Increased activity of the HPA axis results in hypersecretion of adrenal glucocorticoids and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which contributes to mood disorders.
B) Decreased activity of the HPA axis results in hyposecretion of adrenal glucocorticoids and CRH, which contributes to mood disorders.
C) Increased activity of the HPA axis results in depletion of adrenal glucocorticoids and CRH, which contributes to mood disorders.
D) Decreased activity of the HPA axis results in excessive amounts of adrenal glucocorticoids and CRH, which contributes to mood disorders.
Ans: A
Feedback:
Uncontrollable stressors lead to sustained hyperactivity of the HPA axis. The result is hypersecretion of adrenal glucocorticoids and CRH. In major depression, protracted elevation of glucocorticoid levels desensitizes the central glucocorticoid receptors and probably also those receptors located on macrophages, an important component of the immune response.
You might also like to view...
When a patient suddenly experiences respiratory difficulty in the cafeteria, the nurse begins assessment for foreign body airway obstruction. The most appropriate question to the victim is:
a. "What did you swallow?" b. "Are you choking?" c. "Are you OK?" d. "Can I help you?"
The nurse is reviewing the medical records of several patients who are receiving fluoroquinolone therapy. Each of the patients is also receiving corticosteroid therapy. Which patient would the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for tendonitis?
A) 34-year-old female B) 22-year-old male C) 45-year-old female D) 72-year-old male
A patient requests that a nurse copy his chart for his daughter. The nurse replies:
1. "I'll get a copy made right away. How many copies do you need?" 2. "Only your lawyer can request a copy, so you need to contact her." 3. "The chart belongs to the hospital, but if you give written permission, a copy can be made for you." 4. "The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, prevents the hospital from copying your chart, but you could speak to your physician about it."
Provide examples of what information you would like to see in an interview guide for a nurse coming to a medical-surgical unit. Candidates may vary in their experience
What will be an ideal response?