Depression
This hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder often manifests as diminished interest or pleasure in daily activities.
What is anhedonia?
This mood state in bipolar disorder is characterized by inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, and rapid speech.
What is mania?
Category: Psychiatric Nursing – Panic Disorder
This sudden, intense episode includes palpitations, chest pain, and fear of losing control.
What is a panic attack?
This term describes the repetitive, intrusive thoughts that drive compulsive behaviors in OCD.
What are obsessions?
Clients with OCD often perform these repetitive actions to reduce anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts.
What are compulsions?
This nursing action is the most critical when caring for a patient who verbalizes thoughts of self-harm during hospitalization.
What is maintaining continuous observation of the patient?
During a manic episode, this intervention is the nurse’s top priority to prevent harm.
What is maintaining a safe environment and reducing stimuli?
This class of medications is often prescribed for acute panic attacks but carries risk of dependence.
What are benzodiazepines?
When caring for a client with somatic symptom disorder (SSD), nurses should avoid excessive focus on physical symptoms and instead use this therapeutic approach.
What is redirecting conversation toward feelings and coping strategies?
This term describes an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation.
What is a phobia?
When teaching a client about antidepressant therapy, the nurse emphasizes that therapeutic effects may take this long to appear.
What is 2 to 4 weeks?
Clients in a manic phase often exhibit this type of spending behavior that can lead to financial problems.
What is impulsive or excessive spending?
This hallmark feature of generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry lasting at least six months.
What is persistent and uncontrollable anxiety?
This behavior, central to hoarding disorder, involves difficulty discarding possessions regardless of their actual value.
What is persistent difficulty letting go of items?
Clients with somatic symptom disorder often present with multiple physical complaints, but these lack this type of medical explanation.
What is a clear organic cause?
When caring for a depressed client, this therapeutic communication technique helps foster trust and encourages expression of feelings.
What is using open-ended questions and active listening?
This mood stabilizer is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, and nurses must monitor blood levels to prevent toxicity.
What is lithium?
This type of therapy helps clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts contributing to anxiety.
What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
This type of therapy gradually exposes clients to feared objects or situations to reduce anxiety.
What is systematic desensitization (exposure therapy)?
When working with a client who hoards, nurses should use this approach to build trust and reduce defensiveness.
What is nonjudgmental and empathetic communication?
This chronic mood disorder requires symptoms lasting at least two years in adults for diagnosis.
What is persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?
During manic episodes, clients may neglect meals. Nurses often provide this type of food to ensure adequate nutrition.
What are finger foods or high-calorie snacks
When a client experiences severe anxiety, this intervention takes precedence over teaching or group therapy.
What is reducing stimuli and providing a calm environment?
This class of medications, sometimes used off-label, may reduce compulsive urges in trichotillomania.
What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Clients with this phobia experience extreme anxiety when faced with situations involving public speaking or social interaction.
What is social anxiety disorder?