Psychiatric Nursing: Key
Concepts & Therapeutic
Strategies 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions
& Exam Review
| Complete Ethics Study
Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,What does the Diathesis-Stress Model It explains mental illness as a combination of biological
explain? vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
What are the contributing factors to Nature (genetic, neurophysiological, neurochemical),
mental illness? nurture (environmental, early childhood experiences),
and societal trends/culture (economic, attitudes,
values).
What is the DSM 5 TR? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, which outlines specific criteria for psychiatric
diagnoses.
What is the definition of mental health? A state of well-being where individuals reach their
potential, cope with normal stresses, work productively,
and contribute to the community.
What is the definition of mental illness? Psychiatric disorders with definable diagnoses that
manifest in significant dysfunctions related to
developmental, biological, or psychological
disturbances.
What is resilience in the context of The capacity to recover from trauma and stress,
mental health? involving positive adaptations despite adversity.
What are the basic practice roles in Generalist practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health RN,
psychiatric nursing? requiring 2 years of full-time work and 2000 clinical
hours.
What qualifications are needed for A Master of Science or Doctorate in Psychiatric Mental
advanced practice in psychiatric Health Nursing.
nursing?
What is transference in psychoanalytic When a client unconsciously displaces feelings and
theory? behaviors related to significant figures from their past
onto the nurse.
, What is countertransference? When the nurse displaces feelings related to their own
experiences onto the patient.
What are the three components of Id (I want), Ego (I am), and Superego (I should).
Freud's structural model of personality?
What is the primary function of the Id? To operate on the pleasure principle, seeking
immediate gratification of needs and desires.
What is the role of the Ego? To solve problems and differentiate reality from fantasy,
operating on the reality principle.
What is the Superego? The moral component of personality that develops
around ages 3-5, representing learned values and
conscience.
What are defense mechanisms? Unconscious processes that protect the ego and help
manage anxiety, which can be adaptive or maladaptive.
What is denial as a defense Refusal to acknowledge or accept reality.
mechanism?
What is regression in terms of defense Returning to earlier, less mature behaviors or coping
mechanisms? strategies.
What is cognitive restructuring? A technique in cognitive therapy that involves
challenging and changing distorted beliefs and
cognitive distortions.
What is classical conditioning? A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a
conditioned response.
Concepts & Therapeutic
Strategies 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions
& Exam Review
| Complete Ethics Study
Guide
Updated 2026 Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,What does the Diathesis-Stress Model It explains mental illness as a combination of biological
explain? vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
What are the contributing factors to Nature (genetic, neurophysiological, neurochemical),
mental illness? nurture (environmental, early childhood experiences),
and societal trends/culture (economic, attitudes,
values).
What is the DSM 5 TR? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, which outlines specific criteria for psychiatric
diagnoses.
What is the definition of mental health? A state of well-being where individuals reach their
potential, cope with normal stresses, work productively,
and contribute to the community.
What is the definition of mental illness? Psychiatric disorders with definable diagnoses that
manifest in significant dysfunctions related to
developmental, biological, or psychological
disturbances.
What is resilience in the context of The capacity to recover from trauma and stress,
mental health? involving positive adaptations despite adversity.
What are the basic practice roles in Generalist practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health RN,
psychiatric nursing? requiring 2 years of full-time work and 2000 clinical
hours.
What qualifications are needed for A Master of Science or Doctorate in Psychiatric Mental
advanced practice in psychiatric Health Nursing.
nursing?
What is transference in psychoanalytic When a client unconsciously displaces feelings and
theory? behaviors related to significant figures from their past
onto the nurse.
, What is countertransference? When the nurse displaces feelings related to their own
experiences onto the patient.
What are the three components of Id (I want), Ego (I am), and Superego (I should).
Freud's structural model of personality?
What is the primary function of the Id? To operate on the pleasure principle, seeking
immediate gratification of needs and desires.
What is the role of the Ego? To solve problems and differentiate reality from fantasy,
operating on the reality principle.
What is the Superego? The moral component of personality that develops
around ages 3-5, representing learned values and
conscience.
What are defense mechanisms? Unconscious processes that protect the ego and help
manage anxiety, which can be adaptive or maladaptive.
What is denial as a defense Refusal to acknowledge or accept reality.
mechanism?
What is regression in terms of defense Returning to earlier, less mature behaviors or coping
mechanisms? strategies.
What is cognitive restructuring? A technique in cognitive therapy that involves
challenging and changing distorted beliefs and
cognitive distortions.
What is classical conditioning? A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a
conditioned response.
