1
,Contents
CHAPTER 1: Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 2: Mental Health and Mental Disorders: Fighting Stigma & Promoting Recovery ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3: Cultural and Spiritual Issues Related to Mental Health Care ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 4: Patient Rights and Legal Issues ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
CHAPTER 5: Mental Health Care in the Community ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER 6: Ethics, Standards, and Nursing Frameworks .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
CHAPTER 7: Psychosocial Theoretic Basis of Psychiatric Nursing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 102
CHAPTER 8: Biologic Foundations of Psychiatric Nursing ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
CHAPTER 9: Recovery Framework........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 137
CHAPTER 10: Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 155
CHAPTER 11: The Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 176
CHAPTER 12: Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 194
CHAPTER 13: Cognitive Interventions in Psychiatric Nursing .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 211
CHAPTER 14: Group Interventions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 227
CHAPTER 15: Family Assessment and Interventions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
CHAPTER 16: Mental Health Promotion for Children and Adolescents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 266
CHAPTER 17: Mental Health Promotion for Young and Middle-Aged Adults ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 279
CHAPTER 18: Mental Health Promotion for Older Adults ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 297
CHAPTER 19: Stress and Mental Health ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 314
CHAPTER 20: Management of Anger, Aggression, and Violence ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 332
CHAPTER 21: Crisis, Loss, Grief, Response, Bereavement, and Disaster Management ................................................................................................................................................................................... 349
CHAPTER 22: Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 367
CHAPTER 23: Mental Health Care for Survivors of Violence ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 384
CHAPTER 24: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders ......................................................................................................................................................... 403
CHAPTER 25: Depression: Management of Depressive Moods and Suicidal Behavior ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 418
CHAPTER 26: Bipolar Disorders: Management of Mood Lability ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 433
CHAPTER 27: Anxiety Disorders: Management of Anxiety, Phobia, and Panic .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 446
CHAPTER 28: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Management of Obsessions and Compulsions .............................................................................................................................................. 462
CHAPTER 29: Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Posttraumatic Stress and Other Trauma-Related Disorders ................................................................................. 481
CHAPTER 30: Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders ......................................................................................................... 494
CHAPTER 31: Addiction and Substance Use-Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons With Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders ............................................................................................................... 514
CHAPTER 32: Eating Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Eating and Weight-Related Disorders. ........................................................................................................................................................... 526
CHAPTER 33: Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Somatization .................................................................................................................................................... 538
CHAPTER 34: Sleep–Wake Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons With Insomnia and Sleep Problems ............................................................................................................................................................. 558
CHAPTER 35: Sexual Disorders: Management of Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilias ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 576
CHAPTER 36: Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 591
CHAPTER 37: Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 606
CHAPTER 38: Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 621
CHAPTER 39: Neurocognitive Disorders ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 636
CHAPTER 40: Care for Veterans with Mental Health Needs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 652
CHAPTER 41: Caring for Persons Who Are Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness ........................................................................................................................................................................... 668
CHAPTER 43: Caring for the Medically Compromised Person ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 682
2
,📝 CHAPTER 1: Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based
Practice
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of psychiatric–mental health
nursing?
A. To administer medications safely in a psychiatric setting
B. To support the patient's emotional decisions regardless of clinical judgment
✅ C. To promote mental health through assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of behavioral problems
D. To ensure physical health is prioritized over mental well-being
🔍 Rationale: Psychiatric–mental health nursing is grounded in evidence-based
practice and holistic care. The goal is to promote mental wellness by utilizing clinical
skills such as assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. This approach is collaborative
and patient-centered.
2. The use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in psychiatric nursing primarily ensures:
A. Greater reliance on tradition and clinical authority
✅ B. Clinical decisions are guided by the best available research evidence
C. Patients receive uniform treatment irrespective of personal needs
D. Nurses substitute clinical expertise with standardized protocols
🔍 Rationale: EBP integrates clinical expertise with the best available scientific
evidence and patient preferences. It provides a framework for delivering high-quality,
individualized psychiatric care.
3. Which concept is central to recovery-oriented psychiatric–mental health nursing
care?
3
, A. Symptom suppression
✅ B. Empowerment and patient self-determination
C. Pharmacologic compliance
D. Standardized therapeutic interventions
🔍 Rationale: Recovery-oriented care emphasizes patient autonomy, strengths-
based support, and collaborative goal setting. Empowerment helps patients regain
control over their lives and fosters sustainable mental health recovery.
4. A nurse using evidence-based practice integrates which three components?
A. Medical model, provider intuition, and cultural myths
✅ B. Clinical expertise, best research evidence, and patient values
C. Nurse preference, standardized texts, and unit policies
D. Past experiences, supervisor advice, and patient complaints
🔍 Rationale: The EBP model is a triad that balances professional expertise,
research findings, and the unique needs and preferences of the patient.
5. Psychiatric nursing is distinguished from other nursing specialties by:
A. A focus on patient hygiene
✅ B. Emphasis on the therapeutic use of self and the nurse–patient
relationship
C. Prioritizing medical diagnoses
D. Utilizing restraint as a primary intervention
🔍 Rationale: Psychiatric nursing uniquely emphasizes therapeutic
communication, trust-building, and using oneself as a tool in the healing process, all
of which are critical for mental health treatment.
4
,Contents
CHAPTER 1: Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 2: Mental Health and Mental Disorders: Fighting Stigma & Promoting Recovery ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3: Cultural and Spiritual Issues Related to Mental Health Care ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 4: Patient Rights and Legal Issues ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
CHAPTER 5: Mental Health Care in the Community ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER 6: Ethics, Standards, and Nursing Frameworks .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
CHAPTER 7: Psychosocial Theoretic Basis of Psychiatric Nursing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 102
CHAPTER 8: Biologic Foundations of Psychiatric Nursing ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
CHAPTER 9: Recovery Framework........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 137
CHAPTER 10: Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 155
CHAPTER 11: The Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 176
CHAPTER 12: Psychopharmacology, Dietary Supplements, and Biologic Interventions .................................................................................................................................................................................... 194
CHAPTER 13: Cognitive Interventions in Psychiatric Nursing .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 211
CHAPTER 14: Group Interventions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 227
CHAPTER 15: Family Assessment and Interventions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
CHAPTER 16: Mental Health Promotion for Children and Adolescents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 266
CHAPTER 17: Mental Health Promotion for Young and Middle-Aged Adults ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 279
CHAPTER 18: Mental Health Promotion for Older Adults ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 297
CHAPTER 19: Stress and Mental Health ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 314
CHAPTER 20: Management of Anger, Aggression, and Violence ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 332
CHAPTER 21: Crisis, Loss, Grief, Response, Bereavement, and Disaster Management ................................................................................................................................................................................... 349
CHAPTER 22: Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 367
CHAPTER 23: Mental Health Care for Survivors of Violence ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 384
CHAPTER 24: Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Thought Disorders ......................................................................................................................................................... 403
CHAPTER 25: Depression: Management of Depressive Moods and Suicidal Behavior ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 418
CHAPTER 26: Bipolar Disorders: Management of Mood Lability ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 433
CHAPTER 27: Anxiety Disorders: Management of Anxiety, Phobia, and Panic .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 446
CHAPTER 28: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Management of Obsessions and Compulsions .............................................................................................................................................. 462
CHAPTER 29: Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Posttraumatic Stress and Other Trauma-Related Disorders ................................................................................. 481
CHAPTER 30: Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders ......................................................................................................... 494
CHAPTER 31: Addiction and Substance Use-Related Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons With Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders ............................................................................................................... 514
CHAPTER 32: Eating Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Eating and Weight-Related Disorders. ........................................................................................................................................................... 526
CHAPTER 33: Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons with Somatization .................................................................................................................................................... 538
CHAPTER 34: Sleep–Wake Disorders: Nursing Care of Persons With Insomnia and Sleep Problems ............................................................................................................................................................. 558
CHAPTER 35: Sexual Disorders: Management of Sexual Dysfunction and Paraphilias ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 576
CHAPTER 36: Mental Health Assessment of Children and Adolescents ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 591
CHAPTER 37: Mental Health Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 606
CHAPTER 38: Mental Health Assessment of Older Adults ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 621
CHAPTER 39: Neurocognitive Disorders ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 636
CHAPTER 40: Care for Veterans with Mental Health Needs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 652
CHAPTER 41: Caring for Persons Who Are Experiencing Homelessness and Mental Illness ........................................................................................................................................................................... 668
CHAPTER 43: Caring for the Medically Compromised Person ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 682
2
,📝 CHAPTER 1: Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based
Practice
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of psychiatric–mental health
nursing?
A. To administer medications safely in a psychiatric setting
B. To support the patient's emotional decisions regardless of clinical judgment
✅ C. To promote mental health through assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of behavioral problems
D. To ensure physical health is prioritized over mental well-being
🔍 Rationale: Psychiatric–mental health nursing is grounded in evidence-based
practice and holistic care. The goal is to promote mental wellness by utilizing clinical
skills such as assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. This approach is collaborative
and patient-centered.
2. The use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in psychiatric nursing primarily ensures:
A. Greater reliance on tradition and clinical authority
✅ B. Clinical decisions are guided by the best available research evidence
C. Patients receive uniform treatment irrespective of personal needs
D. Nurses substitute clinical expertise with standardized protocols
🔍 Rationale: EBP integrates clinical expertise with the best available scientific
evidence and patient preferences. It provides a framework for delivering high-quality,
individualized psychiatric care.
3. Which concept is central to recovery-oriented psychiatric–mental health nursing
care?
3
, A. Symptom suppression
✅ B. Empowerment and patient self-determination
C. Pharmacologic compliance
D. Standardized therapeutic interventions
🔍 Rationale: Recovery-oriented care emphasizes patient autonomy, strengths-
based support, and collaborative goal setting. Empowerment helps patients regain
control over their lives and fosters sustainable mental health recovery.
4. A nurse using evidence-based practice integrates which three components?
A. Medical model, provider intuition, and cultural myths
✅ B. Clinical expertise, best research evidence, and patient values
C. Nurse preference, standardized texts, and unit policies
D. Past experiences, supervisor advice, and patient complaints
🔍 Rationale: The EBP model is a triad that balances professional expertise,
research findings, and the unique needs and preferences of the patient.
5. Psychiatric nursing is distinguished from other nursing specialties by:
A. A focus on patient hygiene
✅ B. Emphasis on the therapeutic use of self and the nurse–patient
relationship
C. Prioritizing medical diagnoses
D. Utilizing restraint as a primary intervention
🔍 Rationale: Psychiatric nursing uniquely emphasizes therapeutic
communication, trust-building, and using oneself as a tool in the healing process, all
of which are critical for mental health treatment.
4
