COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRIC
NURSING STUDY GUIDE 2026 | GRADED
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Updated 2026 Questions and Answers | 100% Verified
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, What are attributes of a mentally healthy person Rational thinking, effective coping skills, resiliency, self-control, self-
awareness, self-care, meaningful relationships, communication skills,
positive self-concept, ability to learn, spiritual satisfaction, happiness and
joy.
What is the definition of mental illness All mental disorders w/ definable diagnoses. Manifested in significant
dysfunction that my be related to developmental, biological, of
psychological disturbances in cognition/functioning.
What are some signs/symptoms of mental illness. Impaired cognition, behavioral alterations, and emotional changes like not
being able to cope with life stressors.
What is epidemiology and what are three levels of study? The quantitative study of the distribution of mental disorders in human
populations.
1. Studies of natural history or what happens if there is not treatment
2. Studies of Diagnostic screening tests
3. Observational and experimental studies of interventions used to treat pt.
What is the continuum of mental health? Health and wellbeing=Occasional stress to mild distress. (No impairment)
Emotional problems or concerns= Mild to moderate distress (Mild or
temporary impairment)
Illness= Marked distress (Moderate to disabling or chronic impairment)
What are the differences between a basic level nurse and Basic level is simply a BSN-RN that is certified to work in a hospital. An
advanced level nurse in psych? advanced level has their masters or doctorate and are qualified to engage in
psychotherapy (individual or group), can prescribe, and diagnose depending
on the state.
What is the difference between the DSM-IV-TR and a The DSM classifies disorders based on symptoms and does not take culture
Nursing diagnosis into consideration. Nursing diagnosis is a clinical judgement of the person
as a whole that serves as a base for interventions.
What is an NOC? Is a comprehensive source of standard outcomes in nursing. It has
measuring scales, and definitions that can be used to determine if an
intervention is successful. Is broken into 7 domains.
What is an NIC Is the standard for nursing interventions that are used to enhance patient
outcome. Based on clinical judgement and knowledge. Is broken into direct
and indirect care and also has 7 domains.