Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
– Quick Reference Study Notes (Varcarolis 3rd
Edition)
1. What is the primary goal of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PMHN)?
To promote mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of
human responses to mental health problems and psychiatric disorders.
2. What are the ANA Standards of Practice?
They are authoritative statements that describe the responsibilities for which nurses
are accountable, including assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification,
planning, implementation, and evaluation.
3. Define the concept of "Recovery" in modern psychiatric care.
Recovery is a patient-centered, holistic process of personal growth and healing,
where the individual can live a meaningful life in the community while striving to
achieve their full potential, even with limitations caused by illness.
4. What is the most critical first step in the nursing process?
Assessment. A thorough and accurate assessment is the foundation for all
subsequent steps (diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation).
5. What is the primary purpose of a Mental Status Exam (MSE)?
To evaluate an individual's current cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning
at a specific point in time.
6. Name the key components of a Mental Status Exam (MSE).
Appearance, Behavior, Speech, Mood, Affect, Thought Process, Thought Content,
Perception, Cognition, and Insight/Judgment.
7. Differentiate between "Mood" and "Affect."
Mood is the patient's subjective, self-reported emotional state (e.g., "I feel sad").
Affect is the objective, observable expression of emotion (e.g., flat, blunted,
labile).
, 8. What is the main purpose of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship?
To facilitate communication that will assist the patient in problem-solving,
achieving personal growth, and regaining or improving their mental health.
9. What are Peplau's phases of the therapeutic relationship?
1. Orientation, 2. Working (Identification & Exploitation), 3.
Resolution/Termination.
10. During which phase of the relationship is a contract established?
The Orientation phase.
11. What is the primary difference between a social and a therapeutic
relationship?
A therapeutic relationship is purposefully established to meet the patient's needs, is
time-limited, and focuses solely on the patient's benefit. A social relationship is
mutual and for companionship.
12. Define "Therapeutic Use of Self."
The nurse's conscious, deliberate use of their personality and knowledge as a
therapeutic tool to establish relatedness and structure nursing interventions.
Therapeutic Communication & Boundaries
13. What is the most fundamental skill for a psychiatric nurse?
Therapeutic Communication.
14. Give an example of the therapeutic communication technique of
"Exploring."
"Tell me more about that," or "Would you describe that in more detail?"
15. What is a non-therapeutic communication technique to avoid?
Giving false reassurance (e.g., "Everything will be fine.").
16. What is the purpose of "Silence" in therapeutic communication?
It allows the patient time to gather thoughts, reflect, and process information. It
shows the nurse's patience and willingness to be present.
– Quick Reference Study Notes (Varcarolis 3rd
Edition)
1. What is the primary goal of a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PMHN)?
To promote mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of
human responses to mental health problems and psychiatric disorders.
2. What are the ANA Standards of Practice?
They are authoritative statements that describe the responsibilities for which nurses
are accountable, including assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification,
planning, implementation, and evaluation.
3. Define the concept of "Recovery" in modern psychiatric care.
Recovery is a patient-centered, holistic process of personal growth and healing,
where the individual can live a meaningful life in the community while striving to
achieve their full potential, even with limitations caused by illness.
4. What is the most critical first step in the nursing process?
Assessment. A thorough and accurate assessment is the foundation for all
subsequent steps (diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation).
5. What is the primary purpose of a Mental Status Exam (MSE)?
To evaluate an individual's current cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning
at a specific point in time.
6. Name the key components of a Mental Status Exam (MSE).
Appearance, Behavior, Speech, Mood, Affect, Thought Process, Thought Content,
Perception, Cognition, and Insight/Judgment.
7. Differentiate between "Mood" and "Affect."
Mood is the patient's subjective, self-reported emotional state (e.g., "I feel sad").
Affect is the objective, observable expression of emotion (e.g., flat, blunted,
labile).
, 8. What is the main purpose of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship?
To facilitate communication that will assist the patient in problem-solving,
achieving personal growth, and regaining or improving their mental health.
9. What are Peplau's phases of the therapeutic relationship?
1. Orientation, 2. Working (Identification & Exploitation), 3.
Resolution/Termination.
10. During which phase of the relationship is a contract established?
The Orientation phase.
11. What is the primary difference between a social and a therapeutic
relationship?
A therapeutic relationship is purposefully established to meet the patient's needs, is
time-limited, and focuses solely on the patient's benefit. A social relationship is
mutual and for companionship.
12. Define "Therapeutic Use of Self."
The nurse's conscious, deliberate use of their personality and knowledge as a
therapeutic tool to establish relatedness and structure nursing interventions.
Therapeutic Communication & Boundaries
13. What is the most fundamental skill for a psychiatric nurse?
Therapeutic Communication.
14. Give an example of the therapeutic communication technique of
"Exploring."
"Tell me more about that," or "Would you describe that in more detail?"
15. What is a non-therapeutic communication technique to avoid?
Giving false reassurance (e.g., "Everything will be fine.").
16. What is the purpose of "Silence" in therapeutic communication?
It allows the patient time to gather thoughts, reflect, and process information. It
shows the nurse's patience and willingness to be present.
