HNN222 Mental Health Exam notes

lOMoARcPSD|11700591




Summary - complete - Mental health nursing


Mental Health Nursing (Deakin University)




StuDocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university
Downloaded by Answerdone ()

, lOMoARcPSD|11700591




HNN222 2014 T1

HNN222 Mental Health Exam notes

Mental Health nursing, aetiology and pharmacology
Mental Health: State of wellbeing which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with stress of life,
work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to community.
 ‘Mental wellbeing’ – a positive concept. Refers to resilience and good functioning, also incorporates
flourishing, happiness and getting the most out of life

Mental illness: A clinically recognizable set of symptoms related to mood, thought, cognition and behaviour that is
associated with distress and interferes with normal functioning.
 A diagnosed clinical condition

Therapeutic relationship: Purposeful, goal driven relationship between nurse and pt, aiming to support the
patient in their recovery.
 Elements: Trust, respect, empathy, collaboration, listening, communication.
How does therapeutic relationship and communication contribute to person centered care?
 Focus on individual needs, respect pt choices/beliefs/goals, tailored to individual

Personality disorder:
A diagnosis that occurs when manifestations of personality in an individual start to interfere negatively with the
individuals life.
 Maladaptive personality
 Abnormal behaviour pattern is enduring, long standing
 Effects personal and social situations

Borderline Personality Disorder:
 Terrified of abandonment
 Experiences intense + unstable moods – rapid changes
 Forms intense and unstable relationships
 Disturbance of identity
 Impulsive, self destructive behaviors – abuse, sex, spending, eating
 Recurrent suicidal behaviour
 Chronic feelings of emptiness and paranoia
 Anger
 Self image

Potential nursing management issues:
 Unpredictable behaviour- can lead to harm of nurse
 Maintaining boundaries
 Keeping pt/other staff/self safe
 May suicide watch

Antisocial personality disorder:
 No regard for right and wrong and often disregard the rights, wishes and feelings of others
 Tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly – showing no guilt or remorse
 Persistent lying
 Using charm or wit to manipulate others for personal gain



Downloaded by Answerdone ()

, lOMoARcPSD|11700591




HNN222 2014 T1

Aetiology of mental illness:
 Biological, psychological, environmental

Biological aetiological theories for mental illness:
 Genetics = increased predisposition
 Biochemistry – neurotransmitter theory
 Brain structure abnormalities
 Endocrine system dysfunction (thyroid)

Psychotropic medications:
Psychotropic: psychiatric medicines that alter chemical levels of the brain = impact mood + behaviour
 Antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, ADHD drugs, anti anxiety
NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Dopamine: Related to psychosis (schizophrenia)
Serotonin: Mood disorders (Depression)

Antidepressants
 SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
 Atypical
 Tricyclic (TCA)
 MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

SSRI’s
Increase serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into pre-synaptic cell, increasing levels of serotonin in the synaptic
cleft available to bind to postsynaptic receptor.
 Block the uptake of serotonin back into brain cells = increase amount of serotonin available in the brain
for transmitting signals. This increase in improves symptoms of depression

Examples:
 Citalopram
 Fluoxetine (Prozac)
 Sertaline (Zoloft)
Side effects:
 Nausea
 Insomnia
 Dizziness
 Weight loss/gain
 Anxiety + restlessness
 Decreased sex drive
 Dry mouth
 Fatigue

Atypical:
 Reuptake inhibitors
 Include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs, NDRIs, NRIs)
 Alter chemical messages (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between cells
Examples: Bupropion, Mirtazapine
Side effects:
 Fatigue



Downloaded by Answerdone ()