Varcarolis Chapter 1 Mental Health and Mental Illness Study Guide Page 1 2026-03-20
Varcarolis Chapter 1 Mental
Health and Mental Illness
Study Guide
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Page 1 of 30 Varcarolis Chapter 1 Mental Health and Mental Illness Study Guide.pdf
,Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness Page 2 2026-03-20
A new staff nurse completes orientation to a psychiatric unit. This nurse may expect an advanced practice nurse to
perform which additional interventions?
a. Conduct mental health assessments
b. Establish therapeutic relationships
c. Individualize nursing care plans
d. Prescribe psychotropic medication
D
Prescriptive privileges are granted to masters-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on
prescribing medication. The nurse prepared at the basic level is permitted to perform mental health assessments,
establish relationships, and provide individualized care planning
Page 2 of 30 2 of 30 Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness.pdf
, Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness Page 3 2026-03-20
Two nursing students discuss their career plans after graduation. One student wants to enter psychiatric nursing. The
other asks, "Why would you want to be a psychiatric nurse? The only thing they do is talk. You'll lose all your skills."
Select the best response.
a. "Psychiatric nurses practice in safer environments than other specialties. Nurse-to-patient ratios must be better
because of the nature of the patients' problems."
b. "Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills as well as critical thinking to solve multidimensional problems.
I am challenged by those situations."
c. "I think I will be good in the mental health field. I did not like clinical rotations in school, so I do not want to
continue them after I graduate."
d. "Psychiatric nurses do not have to deal with as much pain and suffering as medical-surgical nurses do. That appeals
to me."
B
The practice of psychiatric nursing requires a different set of skills than medical-surgical nursing, though there is
substantial overlap. Psychiatric nurses must be able to help patients with medical as well as mental health problems,
reflecting the holistic perspective these nurses must have. Nurse-patient ratios and workloads in psychiatric settings
have increased, just like other specialties. Psychiatric nursing involves clinical practice, not just documentation.
Psychosocial pain and suffering is as real as physical.
Page 3 of 30 3 of 30 Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness.pdf
Varcarolis Chapter 1 Mental
Health and Mental Illness
Study Guide
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_1 of 30
Page 1 of 30 Varcarolis Chapter 1 Mental Health and Mental Illness Study Guide.pdf
,Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness Page 2 2026-03-20
A new staff nurse completes orientation to a psychiatric unit. This nurse may expect an advanced practice nurse to
perform which additional interventions?
a. Conduct mental health assessments
b. Establish therapeutic relationships
c. Individualize nursing care plans
d. Prescribe psychotropic medication
D
Prescriptive privileges are granted to masters-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on
prescribing medication. The nurse prepared at the basic level is permitted to perform mental health assessments,
establish relationships, and provide individualized care planning
Page 2 of 30 2 of 30 Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness.pdf
, Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness Page 3 2026-03-20
Two nursing students discuss their career plans after graduation. One student wants to enter psychiatric nursing. The
other asks, "Why would you want to be a psychiatric nurse? The only thing they do is talk. You'll lose all your skills."
Select the best response.
a. "Psychiatric nurses practice in safer environments than other specialties. Nurse-to-patient ratios must be better
because of the nature of the patients' problems."
b. "Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills as well as critical thinking to solve multidimensional problems.
I am challenged by those situations."
c. "I think I will be good in the mental health field. I did not like clinical rotations in school, so I do not want to
continue them after I graduate."
d. "Psychiatric nurses do not have to deal with as much pain and suffering as medical-surgical nurses do. That appeals
to me."
B
The practice of psychiatric nursing requires a different set of skills than medical-surgical nursing, though there is
substantial overlap. Psychiatric nurses must be able to help patients with medical as well as mental health problems,
reflecting the holistic perspective these nurses must have. Nurse-patient ratios and workloads in psychiatric settings
have increased, just like other specialties. Psychiatric nursing involves clinical practice, not just documentation.
Psychosocial pain and suffering is as real as physical.
Page 3 of 30 3 of 30 Varcarolis Ch 1; Mental Health & Mental Illness.pdf
