Assignment: NURS 6630 Neurotransmitters and Receptor Theory

Assignment: NURS 6630 Neurotransmitters and Receptor Theory

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.
This week, you will continue your examination of neuroanatomy and neuroscience as you engage with
you colleagues in a Discussion. You will also explore the potential impacts of foundational neuroscience
on the prescription of pharmacotherapeutics. Assignment: NURS 6630 Neurotransmitters and Receptor Theory
Learning Objectives
Students will:
 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

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Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Camprodon, J. A., & Roffman, J. L. (2016). Psychiatric neuroscience: Incorporating pathophysiology into
clinical case formulation. In T. A. Stern, M. Favo, T. E. Wilens, & J. F. Rosenbaum. (Eds.), Massachusetts
General Hospital psychopharmacology and neurotherapeutics (pp. 1–19). Elsevier.

Required Media (click to expand/reduce)

The University of British Columbia. (n. d.). Neuroanatomy videos. http://neuroanatomy.ca/videos.html
Note: Please review all of the media under the neuroanatomy series.

Optional Resources (click to expand/reduce)

Pathopharmacology: Disorders of the Nervous System: Exploring the Human Brain
Dr. Norbert Myslinski reviews the structure and function of the human brain. Using human brains, he
examines and illustrates the development of the brain and areas impacted by disorders associated with
the brain. (15m) Assignment: NURS 6630 Neurotransmitters and Receptor Theory
Accessible player
Introduction to Advanced Pharmacology
In this media presentation, Dr. Terry Buttaro, associate professor of practice at Simmons School of
Nursing and Health Sciences, discusses the importance of pharmacology for the advanced practice
nurse. (6m)
Accessible player

Discussion: Foundational Neuroscience
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it is essential for you to have a strong background in foundational
neuroscience. In order to diagnose and treat patients, you must not only understand the
pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders but also how medications for these disorders impact the
central nervous system. These concepts of foundational neuroscience can be challenging to understand.
Therefore, this Discussion is designed to encourage you to think through these concepts, develop a
rationale for your thinking, and deepen your understanding by interacting with your colleagues.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Cultura RF
For this Discussion, review the Learning Resources and reflect on the concepts of foundational
neuroscience as they might apply to your role as the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in
prescribing medications for patients.
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post a 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.  Assignment: NURS 6630 Neurotransmitters and Receptor Theory

 

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 practitioner must be aware of the medication’s action.
Read a selection of your colleagues' responses.
By Day 6 of Week 2
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one of the following ways:
 If your colleagues’ posts influenced your understanding of these concepts, be sure to share how
and why. Include additional insights you gained.
 If you think your colleagues might have misunderstood these concepts, offer your alternative
perspective and be sure to provide an explanation for them. Include resources to support your
perspective.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view
and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the "Post to Discussion Question" link and
then select "Create Thread" to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you
cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully
before clicking on Submit!
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Week 2 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 of Week 2 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 2

To Participate in this Discussion:
Week 2 Discussion