Question

the nurse is teaching a patients spouse about the medications used to regulate neurotransmitters that have been linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia. which information should be included in the patient teaching on this topic?

positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain.
positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain.
positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain.
positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain.

Explanation:

Analyze the pathophysiology of positive symptoms in schizophrenia

The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia posits that positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech) are associated with hyperfunction of dopamine neurotransmission in specific subcortical regions of the brain.

Differentiate between dopamine pathways

• Mesolimbic pathway: An excess of dopamine in this pathway is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Mesocortical pathway: A deficit of dopamine in this pathway is linked to the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: Incorrect. A deficit of dopamine in the mesocortical area is associated with negative/cognitive symptoms, not positive symptoms.
• Option 2: Incorrect. Excess dopamine in the mesocortical area is not the primary mechanism for positive symptoms.
• Option 3: Incorrect. A deficit of dopamine in the mesolimbic area would not cause positive symptoms (antipsychotics block dopamine receptors here to reduce positive symptoms).
• Option 4: Correct. Positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain.

Answer:

• (A) Positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain.
• (B) Positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain.
• (C) Positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain.
• (D) Positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain. (Correct answer)