NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

When building a house, contractors and architects rely on a blueprint to help determine what features and structures are needed to support the house and provide those features sought after by potential buyers. If a potential error occurs in the construction of a support beam, for example, it is likely that the house will sustain damage and, possibly, crumble.

In much the same way, the features and structures of your brain provide a blueprint that help to support your body and provide the mechanisms with which to sustain your well-being. Individuals who suffer from mental illness, according to the fundamental premise of psychiatric neuroscience, are a result of abnormal brain function. Yet, as advancements in neuroimaging and genetics emerge, a whole new understanding of how to address mental illness remains for the psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP). Neuroimaging and genetic techniques help provide insights, such as a blueprint of the brain, for detailing how the brain’s structure and wiring is functioning.

By determining what functions and structures of the brain or central nervous system are implicated in psychopathologies observed PNPs are able to synthesize biological explanations into treatment protocols for sustained, positive patient outcomes. A solid foundation and understanding of the functions and structures of the central nervous system is the first pillar of solidifying your understanding of psychopharmacology.

What’s Happening This Module?

This course is composed of three separate modules covering 11 weeks of content. Each module consists of an overarching topic in which each week within the module includes specific subtopics for learning. Module 1, Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence, is a 3-week module. During Week 1, you will review foundational aspects of neuroanatomy as they relate to psychopharmacology. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

You will examine your knowledge of these foundational aspects of neuroanatomy by completing a Short Answer Assessment. During Week 2, you will explore neurotransmitters and receptor theory as they apply to psychopharmacology. You will engage in a Discussion with your colleagues on foundational neuroscience. In Week 3, you will examine medication adherence and strategies to mitigate non-adherence as it applies to specific treatment plans for patients. You will then complete a Quiz to test your knowledge of the entire module. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

What do I have to do?	When do I have to do it?
Review your Learning Resources.	Days 1–7, Weeks 1, 2, and 3
Assignment: Short Answer Assessment	Submit your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 1.
Discussion: Foundational Neuroscience	Post by Day 3 of Week 2 and respond to your colleagues by Day 6 of Week 2.
Quiz: Neurobiology and Medication Adherence Concepts	Complete Quiz by Day 7 of Week 3.

Go to the Weekly Content

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 1: Introduction to Neuroanatomy

The human brain is organized into the cerebral cortex, brainstem, subcortical structures, and the cerebellum. These anatomical structures are made of inter-connected elements that create distributed and highly inter-connected circuits. It is in these circuits where cognition, behavior, and affect are processed. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

—Camprodon, J. A., & Roffman, J. L. (2016, NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence p. 6)

By using a combination of psychotherapy and medication therapy, psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNP) are positioned to provide a very unique type of care to patients with psychiatric disorders. To be successful in this role, you must have a strong theoretical foundation in pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience. This foundation will help you assess, diagnose, and treat patients as you relate presenting symptoms to theoretical neuronal functioning.

This week, as you begin to study psychopharmacology, you will explore the basic functional unit of the nervous system, the neuron. You will review the structure of the neuron and you will examine the anatomy of the central nervous system and consider the functionality of the different structure and outward (phenotypic) expression of their activities. You will analyze these concepts as you complete your short answer assessment for this week. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

Week 2: 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. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

Week 3: Concepts in Assessing Medication Adherence and Strategies to Mitigate Non-Adherence

Poor adherence to psychiatric treatments is a widespread clinical problem that negatively impacts rates of treatment response and remission. While empirically-supported treatments are available for many psychiatric disorders, these treatments are not universally effective. Patients commonly face difficulties in taking prescribed psychotropic medications or attending psychotherapy sessions as recommended, and therefore may not achieve optimal outcomes. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

—Traeger, L., Brennan, M. M., & Herman, J. B. (2016, NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence p. 20)

This week, you will explore how medication adherence can impact a patient’s success with treatment. You will examine the epidemiology of adherence, the impact of non-adherence from a clinical and economic viewpoint, risk factors for non-adherence, assessing adherence, and integrating adherence into a treatment plan. You will also complete a Quiz to test your understanding of this module’s content. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence

Practicum – Upcoming Deadline

In the Nurse Practitioner programs of study (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP) you are required to take several practicum courses. If you plan on taking a practicum course within the next two terms, you will need to submit your application via Meditrek .

For information on the practicum application process and deadlines, please visit the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Application Process – Graduate web page.

Please take the time to review the Appropriate Preceptors and Field Sites for your courses.

Please take the time to review the practicum manuals, FAQs, Webinars and any required forms on the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Student Resources and Manuals web page. NURS 4430 Module 1 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Adherence