Therapeutic Communication
What type of question encourages patients to share more?
Open-ended questions
What is the first priority when a patient becomes agitated?
Safety (of patient and staff)
Name one common side effect of antipsychotics
Sedation, weight gain, EPS, dry mouth
A patient says, “No one understands me.” What is the best response?
Tell me more about how you’re feeling.
What does HIPAA protect?
Patient privacy
What is not therapeutic: giving advice, active listening, or silence?
Giving Advice
Name one technique to calm an escalating patient
Calm voice, space, active listening, non-threatening posture
What class of medication is lorazepam (Ativan)?
Benzodiazepine
Patient is pacing and yelling. What is your first action?
Approach calmly and assess
What is required before using restraints (unless emergency)?
Provider order
What technique involves repeating the patient’s words?
Reflection
Should you stand close or give space to an agitated patient?
Give space
What serious condition is associated with antipsychotics (fever, rigidity)?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Patient says, “I want to die.” What is your priority?
Suicide assessment
What is “duty to warn”?
Reporting threats to protect others
Why is “Why” a bad question?
Can feel accusatory/judgmental
Name one thing you should NOT do during escalation
Argue, threaten, touch unexpectedly, raise voice
What is EPS?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement side effects)
Patient refuses meds. What do you do?
Respect refusal and educate (unless court-ordered)
What is involuntary commitment based on?
Danger to self or others / grave disability
Patient says, “You don’t care about me.” Best response?
It sounds like you’re feeling unheard. Tell me more.
A patient is clenching fists and yelling. What stage is this?
Escalation phase
Why do you monitor for EPS early?
Prevent irreversible side effects (e.g., tardive dyskinesia)
Patient throws a chair. What is your FIRST action?
Ensure safety / call for help
What documentation is critical after restraint use?
Behavior, interventions, monitoring, justification