Mental Health Final Exam Review
What is the Recovery Model? - correct answer • Mental health care is to be consumer and
family driven, with patients being partners in all aspects of care.
• Care must focus on increasing consumer success in coping with life's challenges and building
resilience, not just managing symptoms.
• An individualized care plan is to be at the core of consumer-centered recovery.
In contrast to past hierarchical relationships in health care, the emphasis today is on the nurse-
patient partnership, which is more in line with the recovery model
What is the Evidence Based Practice Model? - correct answer treatment approaches rapidly
evolved into more scientifically grounded methods, now known as evidence-based practice. In
psychiatry, the evidence-based focus extends to treatment approaches in which there is
scientific evidence for psychological and sociological modalities, as well as evidence related to
the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and psychopharmacology.
What is trauma informed care? - correct answer Trauma-informed care recognizes that trauma
is almost universally found in the histories of mental health patients and is a contributor to
mental health issues, substance abuse, chronic health conditions, and contact with the criminal
justice system. Trauma occurs in many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
war; natural disasters; and other harmful experiences. Trauma-informed care provides
guidelines for integrating an understanding of how trauma affects patients into clinical
programming. A main concept of this approach is a change in paradigm from one that asks
"What's wrong with you?" to one that asks "What has happened to you?" Key principles also
include avoiding retraumatizing through restraints or coercive practices, an open collaborative
relationship between patient and provider, empowerment, and cultural respect.
Do clinical algorithms exist in mental health? What are some examples in nursing? - correct
answer Clinical algorithms are step-by-step guidelines prepared in a flowchart or decision-tree
format. Alternative diagnostic and treatment approaches are described based on decisional
points using a large database relevant for the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment modalities.
Figure 1-2 depicts a clinical algorithm for the suspicion of suicide risk.
Basic Concept of Caring - correct answer Caring is the most natural and the most fundamental
aspect of human existence.
1. Caring is evidenced by empathic understanding, actions, and patience on another's behalf.
2. Caring for another through actions, words, and being present leads to happiness and touches
the heart.
3. Caring is giving of self while preserving the importance of self.
,Mental Health Final Exam Review
The caring nurse is first and foremost a competent nurse. Without knowledge and competence,
the demonstration of compassion and caring alone is powerless to help those under our care.
Without a base of knowledge and skills, care alone cannot eliminate another person's
confusion, grief, or pain, but a response of care can transform fear, pain, and suffering into a
tolerable, shared experience
Discuss what is meant by being a patient advocate. - correct answer A patient advocate is one
who speaks up for another's cause, who helps others by defensive actions, especially when the
other person lacks knowledge, skills, ability, or status to speak for himself/herself. Lawyers are
often viewed as advocates for their clients; however, in nursing, being a patient advocate is not
a legal role but rather an ethical one. The nurse must be alert to and take appropriate action
regarding any instances of incompetent, unethical, illegal, or impaired practices(s) by any
member of the health team or the health care system itself, or any action on the part of others
that places the rights or best interest of the patient in jeopardy.
What is the DSM-5? - correct answer The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, edition 5 (DSM-5) is the current official guidebook for categorizing and diagnosing
psychiatric mental health disorders in the US. The DSM-5 provides clinicians, researchers,
regulatory agencies, health insurance companies, pharmacological companies, and policy
makers with a standard language and criteria for the classification of mental disorders. The
DSM-5 is used by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other clinicians as a guide
for assessing, diagnosing, and planning care. The DSM-5 lists specific diagnostic criteria for each
mental disorder, which were developed using research and clinical observation.
What is the axis system and what is the rationale for it being discontinued? - correct answer
The Axis system was a way to justify patient care. It is no longer used because it is viewed as
"labeling patients."
Attributes of Mental Health - correct answer -rational thinking
-effective coping
-resiliency
-self-control
-self-awareness
-developmentally on task
-spiritual satisfaction
-happiness and joy
,Mental Health Final Exam Review
-self-care
-positive self-concept
learning and productivity
-effective communication
-meaningful relationships
View figure 2-1
Continuum of Mental Health and Mental Illness - correct answer Influences appropriateness
and delivery of the nursing care; determines intensity and severity of the condition or disorder
FIRST STEP: Identity intensity/severity of illness influence planning delivery of care (OREM)
Table 2-1
Mental Health Parity Act - correct answer This legislation required insurers to offer mental
health benefits at the same level provided for medical coverage. In 2000 the Government
Accounting Office found that although 86% of health plans complied with the 1996 law, they
also imposed limits on mental health coverage. One method many states use to continue to
limit coverage is by making a distinction of whether the problem is a biologically based mental
illness, also called a psychobiological disorder (caused by neurotransmitter dysfunction,
abnormal brain structure, or genetic factors). These biologically influenced illnesses include the
following:
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Autism
• Anorexia nervosa
, Mental Health Final Exam Review
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Factors Affecting Mental Health - correct answer -biological
-hormones
-genetics
-spirituality
-religion
-culture
-regional differences
-family
-friends
-community
-personality traits
-health practices and beliefs
-environmental experiences
-negative influences
-psychosocial stressors
-poverty
-impaired parenting
Discuss some dynamic factors that contribute to making a clear-cut definition of mental health
elusive. - correct answer -mental illness is plagued by myths and misconceptions.
-no consistent line exists between mental illnesses and mental health
-psychiatry's definition of mental health changes and reflects: changes in cultural norms and
society's expectations, values and professional biases, individual differences and political
climate, psychology of women, issues of homosexuality
All people in mental health: - correct answer -have different backgrounds, cultures
-grow intellectually and emotionally at different rates
-make different decisions at different times
What is the Recovery Model? - correct answer • Mental health care is to be consumer and
family driven, with patients being partners in all aspects of care.
• Care must focus on increasing consumer success in coping with life's challenges and building
resilience, not just managing symptoms.
• An individualized care plan is to be at the core of consumer-centered recovery.
In contrast to past hierarchical relationships in health care, the emphasis today is on the nurse-
patient partnership, which is more in line with the recovery model
What is the Evidence Based Practice Model? - correct answer treatment approaches rapidly
evolved into more scientifically grounded methods, now known as evidence-based practice. In
psychiatry, the evidence-based focus extends to treatment approaches in which there is
scientific evidence for psychological and sociological modalities, as well as evidence related to
the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and psychopharmacology.
What is trauma informed care? - correct answer Trauma-informed care recognizes that trauma
is almost universally found in the histories of mental health patients and is a contributor to
mental health issues, substance abuse, chronic health conditions, and contact with the criminal
justice system. Trauma occurs in many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
war; natural disasters; and other harmful experiences. Trauma-informed care provides
guidelines for integrating an understanding of how trauma affects patients into clinical
programming. A main concept of this approach is a change in paradigm from one that asks
"What's wrong with you?" to one that asks "What has happened to you?" Key principles also
include avoiding retraumatizing through restraints or coercive practices, an open collaborative
relationship between patient and provider, empowerment, and cultural respect.
Do clinical algorithms exist in mental health? What are some examples in nursing? - correct
answer Clinical algorithms are step-by-step guidelines prepared in a flowchart or decision-tree
format. Alternative diagnostic and treatment approaches are described based on decisional
points using a large database relevant for the symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment modalities.
Figure 1-2 depicts a clinical algorithm for the suspicion of suicide risk.
Basic Concept of Caring - correct answer Caring is the most natural and the most fundamental
aspect of human existence.
1. Caring is evidenced by empathic understanding, actions, and patience on another's behalf.
2. Caring for another through actions, words, and being present leads to happiness and touches
the heart.
3. Caring is giving of self while preserving the importance of self.
,Mental Health Final Exam Review
The caring nurse is first and foremost a competent nurse. Without knowledge and competence,
the demonstration of compassion and caring alone is powerless to help those under our care.
Without a base of knowledge and skills, care alone cannot eliminate another person's
confusion, grief, or pain, but a response of care can transform fear, pain, and suffering into a
tolerable, shared experience
Discuss what is meant by being a patient advocate. - correct answer A patient advocate is one
who speaks up for another's cause, who helps others by defensive actions, especially when the
other person lacks knowledge, skills, ability, or status to speak for himself/herself. Lawyers are
often viewed as advocates for their clients; however, in nursing, being a patient advocate is not
a legal role but rather an ethical one. The nurse must be alert to and take appropriate action
regarding any instances of incompetent, unethical, illegal, or impaired practices(s) by any
member of the health team or the health care system itself, or any action on the part of others
that places the rights or best interest of the patient in jeopardy.
What is the DSM-5? - correct answer The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, edition 5 (DSM-5) is the current official guidebook for categorizing and diagnosing
psychiatric mental health disorders in the US. The DSM-5 provides clinicians, researchers,
regulatory agencies, health insurance companies, pharmacological companies, and policy
makers with a standard language and criteria for the classification of mental disorders. The
DSM-5 is used by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other clinicians as a guide
for assessing, diagnosing, and planning care. The DSM-5 lists specific diagnostic criteria for each
mental disorder, which were developed using research and clinical observation.
What is the axis system and what is the rationale for it being discontinued? - correct answer
The Axis system was a way to justify patient care. It is no longer used because it is viewed as
"labeling patients."
Attributes of Mental Health - correct answer -rational thinking
-effective coping
-resiliency
-self-control
-self-awareness
-developmentally on task
-spiritual satisfaction
-happiness and joy
,Mental Health Final Exam Review
-self-care
-positive self-concept
learning and productivity
-effective communication
-meaningful relationships
View figure 2-1
Continuum of Mental Health and Mental Illness - correct answer Influences appropriateness
and delivery of the nursing care; determines intensity and severity of the condition or disorder
FIRST STEP: Identity intensity/severity of illness influence planning delivery of care (OREM)
Table 2-1
Mental Health Parity Act - correct answer This legislation required insurers to offer mental
health benefits at the same level provided for medical coverage. In 2000 the Government
Accounting Office found that although 86% of health plans complied with the 1996 law, they
also imposed limits on mental health coverage. One method many states use to continue to
limit coverage is by making a distinction of whether the problem is a biologically based mental
illness, also called a psychobiological disorder (caused by neurotransmitter dysfunction,
abnormal brain structure, or genetic factors). These biologically influenced illnesses include the
following:
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Autism
• Anorexia nervosa
, Mental Health Final Exam Review
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Factors Affecting Mental Health - correct answer -biological
-hormones
-genetics
-spirituality
-religion
-culture
-regional differences
-family
-friends
-community
-personality traits
-health practices and beliefs
-environmental experiences
-negative influences
-psychosocial stressors
-poverty
-impaired parenting
Discuss some dynamic factors that contribute to making a clear-cut definition of mental health
elusive. - correct answer -mental illness is plagued by myths and misconceptions.
-no consistent line exists between mental illnesses and mental health
-psychiatry's definition of mental health changes and reflects: changes in cultural norms and
society's expectations, values and professional biases, individual differences and political
climate, psychology of women, issues of homosexuality
All people in mental health: - correct answer -have different backgrounds, cultures
-grow intellectually and emotionally at different rates
-make different decisions at different times
