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 suggests that different pathways are responsible for different symptom clusters:

• Positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) are associated with hyperfunction or an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
• Negative symptoms (such as flat affect and avolition) and cognitive symptoms are associated with hypofunction or a deficit of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: "Positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain." (Incorrect: Mesocortical deficit is linked to negative/cognitive symptoms).
• Option 2: "Positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesocortical area of the brain." (Incorrect: Mesocortical pathway is associated with negative symptoms).
• Option 3: "Positive symptoms are related to a deficit of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain." (Incorrect: It is an excess, not a deficit, in the mesolimbic pathway).
• Option 4: "Positive symptoms are related to an excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic area of the brain." (Correct: This matches the established pathophysiological model).

Answer:

• 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. (Correct answer)