Rasmussen Mental Health Exam 2
1. Stress <Ans> "Fight or flight response"
In times of stress the sympathetic nervous system assumes control and sends signals to
the adrenal glands, releasing epinephrine (adrenaline). The circulating adrenaline causes
these expected effects <Ans>
Increases heart rate
Increases respiration rate
Increases blood pressure
Increases blood flow to skeletal muscles Increases
muscle tension
Apprehension Unhappiness
or sorrow Decreased
appetite
Increased metabolism and glucose use Depressed
immune system
2. Prolonged stress <Ans> Maladaptive response
When stress is prolonged or people are not able to relax, they remain in chronic low levels
of stress. The body stays alert for a prolonged period of time. A sustained increase in the
chemicals produced by the stress response (cortisol, adrenaline, and other
catecholamines) can have damaging effects on the body, causing physical diseases including
a substantial negative effect on the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to
,autoimmune diseases.
Prolonged stress causes <Ans>
-Chronic anxiety or panic attacks
-Depression, chronic pain, sleep disturbances
-Weight gain or loss
-Increased risk for MI and stroke
-Poor diabetes control, hypertension, fatigue, irritability, decreased ability to concen- trate
-Increased risk for infection
3. Nursing interventions for stress <Ans> **Cognitave behavioral therapy and SSRI's are
first line of treatment
Do not abruptly discontinue medication; can cause suicidal ideations Assess
risk for suicide and implement safety precautions
,Monitor pt's ability to perform ADL's and encourage independence
Therapeutic communication develop nurse-client relationship
Counseling
4. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) <Ans> People who experience/witness any
traumatic event. Will feel extraordinary helplessness or powerlessness in the face of
stressors; lack of energy; sad with blunted affect; poor grooming/lack of hygiene; slow
speech, decreased verbalization, delayed responses.
5. Four cardinal symptoms of PTSD <Ans> • Intrusive reexperiencing of the initial trauma
(flashbacks, nightmares, unwanted distressing memories of the event, feelings of
unreality)
• Avoidance (avoid all memories and feelings as well as people or places that might recall
the event)
• Persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood (distorted cognitions about
themselves and others [fear, guilt] and feelings of detachment)
• Alteration and arousal and activity (irritability, angry outbursts, self-destructive
behavior, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep difficulties)
6. Optimal outcomes for PTSD patients <Ans> • Patient and others will remain safe.
• Patient will receive treatment for co-occurring conditions.
• Patient will attend support group meetings.
• Patient will expand social support network.
, • Patient will exhibit an increase in restful sleep periods.
• Patient will have fewer nightmares and flashbacks.
• Patient will express decreased irritability.
• Patient will be able to demonstrate effective anxiety reduction techniques
7. Pharmacotherapy for PTSD <Ans> Depression -> Antidepressants
1. Stress <Ans> "Fight or flight response"
In times of stress the sympathetic nervous system assumes control and sends signals to
the adrenal glands, releasing epinephrine (adrenaline). The circulating adrenaline causes
these expected effects <Ans>
Increases heart rate
Increases respiration rate
Increases blood pressure
Increases blood flow to skeletal muscles Increases
muscle tension
Apprehension Unhappiness
or sorrow Decreased
appetite
Increased metabolism and glucose use Depressed
immune system
2. Prolonged stress <Ans> Maladaptive response
When stress is prolonged or people are not able to relax, they remain in chronic low levels
of stress. The body stays alert for a prolonged period of time. A sustained increase in the
chemicals produced by the stress response (cortisol, adrenaline, and other
catecholamines) can have damaging effects on the body, causing physical diseases including
a substantial negative effect on the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to
,autoimmune diseases.
Prolonged stress causes <Ans>
-Chronic anxiety or panic attacks
-Depression, chronic pain, sleep disturbances
-Weight gain or loss
-Increased risk for MI and stroke
-Poor diabetes control, hypertension, fatigue, irritability, decreased ability to concen- trate
-Increased risk for infection
3. Nursing interventions for stress <Ans> **Cognitave behavioral therapy and SSRI's are
first line of treatment
Do not abruptly discontinue medication; can cause suicidal ideations Assess
risk for suicide and implement safety precautions
,Monitor pt's ability to perform ADL's and encourage independence
Therapeutic communication develop nurse-client relationship
Counseling
4. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) <Ans> People who experience/witness any
traumatic event. Will feel extraordinary helplessness or powerlessness in the face of
stressors; lack of energy; sad with blunted affect; poor grooming/lack of hygiene; slow
speech, decreased verbalization, delayed responses.
5. Four cardinal symptoms of PTSD <Ans> • Intrusive reexperiencing of the initial trauma
(flashbacks, nightmares, unwanted distressing memories of the event, feelings of
unreality)
• Avoidance (avoid all memories and feelings as well as people or places that might recall
the event)
• Persistent negative alterations in cognitions and mood (distorted cognitions about
themselves and others [fear, guilt] and feelings of detachment)
• Alteration and arousal and activity (irritability, angry outbursts, self-destructive
behavior, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, sleep difficulties)
6. Optimal outcomes for PTSD patients <Ans> • Patient and others will remain safe.
• Patient will receive treatment for co-occurring conditions.
• Patient will attend support group meetings.
• Patient will expand social support network.
, • Patient will exhibit an increase in restful sleep periods.
• Patient will have fewer nightmares and flashbacks.
• Patient will express decreased irritability.
• Patient will be able to demonstrate effective anxiety reduction techniques
7. Pharmacotherapy for PTSD <Ans> Depression -> Antidepressants
