PART A
Foundational Neuroscience
Receptors and neurotransmitters are like a lock-and-key system. Just as it takes the right key to open a
specific lock, it takes the right neurotransmitter to bind to a specific receptor. Not surprisingly, as it concerns
psychopharmacology, the pharmacotherapeutics that are prescribed must trigger the release of certain
neurotransmitters that bind to the correct receptors in order to elicit a favorable response for the patient. The
mechanism of this binding and the response that follows reflects receptor theory and lies at the foundation of
pharmacology.
You will also explore the potential impacts of foundational neuroscience on the prescription of
pharmacotherapeutics.
Reflect on the concepts of foundational neuroscience as they might apply to your role as the psychiatric mental
health nurse in prescribing medications for patients.
• Analyze the agonist-to-antagonist spectrum of action of psychopharmacologic agents
• Compare the actions of g couple proteins to ion gated channels
• Analyze the role of epigenetics in pharmacologic action
• Analyze the impact of foundational neuroscience on the prescription of medications
Give a detail response to each of the following:
1. Explain the agonist-to-antagonist spectrum of action of psychopharmacologic agents, including how partial
and inverse agonist functionality may impact the efficacy of psychopharmacologic treatments.
2. Compare and contrast the actions of g couple proteins and ion gated channels.
3. Explain how the role of epigenetics may contribute to pharmacologic action.
4. Explain how this information may impact the way you prescribe medications to patients. Include a specific
example of a situation or case with a patient in which the psychiatric mental health nurse care giver must be
aware of the medication’s action.
Adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. Supported by at least Four current credible sources.
Please these are two separate orders.
PART B
Diversity and Health Assessments
Case study: TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian, is being seen for an annual physical exam and has been
having vaginal discharge. Her pregnancy has been without complication thus far. She has been receiving
prenatal care from an obstetrician. She received sperm from a local sperm bank. She is currently taking
prenatal vitamins and takes over the counter Tylenol for aches and pains on occasion. She has a strong family
history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.
• Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of the
patient assigned to you.
• Consider how you would build a health history for the patient. What questions would you ask, and how would
you frame them to be sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture? Develop five targeted
questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
• Think about the challenges associated with communicating with patients from a variety of specific
populations. What strategies can you as a nurse employ to be sensitive to different cultural factors while
gathering the pertinent information?
Consider the impact of functional assessments, diversity, and sensitivity in conducting health assessments.
You will also explore various assessment tools and diagnostic tests that are used to gather information about
patients’ conditions and examine the validity and reliability of these tests and tools. You will examine
assessment techniques, health risks and concerns, and recommendations for care related to patient growth,
weight, and nutrition.
Explain the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient
assigned. Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why.
Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to
assess his or her health risks.