Describe the characteristics of mental health and mental illness. - correct answer
Mental health is influenced by individual factors, including biologic makeup, autonomy and
independence, self-esteem, capacity for growth, vitality, ability to find meaning in life, resilience or
hardiness, sense of belonging, reality orientation, and coping or stress management abilities; by
interpersonal factors, including effective communication, helping others, intimacy, and maintaining a
balance of separateness and connectedness; and by social/cultural factors, including a sense of
community, access to resources, intolerance of violence, support of diversity among people, mastery of
the environment, and a positive yet realistic view of the world.
Discuss the purpose and use of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). - correct answer The DSM-5 is a
taxonomy used to provide a standard nomenclature of mental disorders, define characteristics of
disorders, and assist in identifying underlying causes of disorders.
Identify important historical landmarks in psychiatric care. - correct answer A
significant advance in treating persons with mental illness was the development of psychotropic drugs in
the early 1950s. The shift from institutional care to care in the community began in the 1960s, allowing
many people to leave institutions for the first time in years. One result of deinstitutionalization is the
revolving door of repetitive hospital admission without adequate community follow-up. Psychiatric
nursing was recognized in the late 1800s, though it was not required in nursing education programs until
1950.
Discuss current trends in the treatment of people with mental illness. - correct answer
Community-based programs are the trend of the future, but they are underfunded and too few in
number.
Discuss the American Nurses Association's (ANA) standards of practice for psychiatric-mental health
nursing. - correct answer The ANA has published standards of care that guide
psychiatric-mental health nursing clinical practice.
Describe the common student concerns about psychiatric nursing. - correct answer
Common concerns of nursing students beginning a psychiatric clinical rotation include fear of saying the
wrong thing, not knowing what to do, being rejected by clients, being physically threatened, recognizing
someone they know as a client, and sharing similar problems or backgrounds with clients.
, Discuss the structures, processes, and functions of the brain. - correct answer The
cerebrum is the center for coordination and integration of all information needed to interpret and
respond to the environment. The cerebellum is the center for coordination of movements and postural
adjustments. The brain stem contains centers that control cardiovascular and respiratory functions,
sleep, consciousness, and impulses. The limbic system regulates body temperature, appetite, sensations,
memory, and emotional arousal.
Identify pertinent teaching for clients and families about brain imaging techniques. - correct answer
The use of radioactive substances in PET and SPECT limits the number of times a person can undergo
these tests. There is a risk that the client will have an allergic reaction to the substances. Some clients
may find receiving intravenous doses of radioactive material frightening or unacceptable. Some persons
cannot tolerate these procedures because of fear or claustrophobia.
Describe the current neurobiological research and theories that are the basis for the current
psychopharmacologic treatment of mental disorders. - correct answer Researchers
continue to examine the roles of genetics, heredity, and viruses in the development of mental illness
and the choices utilized for the psychopharmacologic treatment of mental disorders.
Discuss the nurse's role in educating clients and families about current neurobiological theories and
medication management. - correct answer By educating the client on the various
theories that have been listed, it enables the client to make competent decisions about the types of
medication regiment, dodge, etc that is best suited for their needs.
Discuss the categories of drugs used to treat mental illness and their mechanisms of action, side effects,
and special nursing considerations. - correct answer Antipsychotic drugs are the
primary treatment for psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, but they produce a host of side effects
that may also require pharmacologic intervention. Neurologic side effects, which can be treated with
anticholinergic medications, are called EPSs and include acute dystonia, akathisia, and
pseudoparkinsonism. Some of the more serious neurologic side effects include TD (permanent
involuntary movements) and NMS, which can be fatal. Because of the serious side effects of
antipsychotic medications, clients must be well educated regarding their medications, medication
compliance, and side effects. Health care professionals must closely supervise the
regimen.Antidepressant medications include cyclic compounds, SSRIs, MAOIs, and a group of newer
drugs. The nurse must carefully instruct clients receiving MAOIs to avoid foods containing tyramine
because the combination produces a hypertensive crisis that can become life-threatening. The risk for
suicide may increase as clients begin taking antidepressants. Although suicidal thoughts are still present,
the medication may increase the client's energy, which may allow the client to carry out a suicide plan.
Lithium and selected anticonvulsants are used to stabilize mood, particularly in bipolar affective
disorder. The nurse must monitor serum lithium levels regularly to ensure the level is in the therapeutic
range and to avoid lithium toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity include severe diarrhea and vomiting,