Professional Nursing Roles
What phase of the nursing process includes the mental status exam and suicide risk assessment?
Assessment
Which part of the brain is considered the “emotional brain”?
What is the limbic system?
SSRIs are primarily used to treat which psychiatric conditions?
Depression and anxiety disorders
What is crisis intervention?
This immediate response aims to stabilize individuals experiencing acute emotional distress.
What is nonassertive behaivor?
This behavior is characterized by avoiding conflict and not expressing personal needs.
What nursing intervention involves teaching clients about medications, coping skills, and diagnosis?
Psychoeducation
Decreased serotonin levels are associated with which mental health condition?
What is depression?
Which class of medications carries a risk for extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia?
Antipsychotics
Job loss or divorce is classified as which type of crisis?
Situational crisis
What is assertive behavior?
This behavior is characterized by expressing needs directly without infringing on others’ rights.
What does SMART stand for when developing nursing goals?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound
A client presents with hallucinations and psychosis. Which neurotransmitter is most likely increased?
What is dopamine?
A client taking lithium develops tremors and confusion. What is the priority action?
What is hold the medication and notify the provider (possible toxicity)?
Which type of crisis involves life transitions such as retirement or adolescence?
What is a developmental crisis?
What is aggressive behavior?
This behavior involves hostility and attempts to dominate others.
This professional responsibility involves building trust using therapeutic communication and active listening.
What is the therapeutic communicator's role?
How do psychotropic medications improve psychiatric symptoms?
They alter neurotransmitter activity at the synapse to regulate mood and behavior.
Which medication requires blood level monitoring due to a narrow therapeutic window?
Lithium
Clear, respectful communication using “I” statements is characteristic of which communication style?
Assertive communication
A nurse says, “I feel concerned when you miss medication.” What communication style is this?
What is assertive communication?
Why is collaboration essential in psychiatric nursing?
It ensures holistic care through interdisciplinary teamwork (psychiatrists, social workers, therapists)
Which neurotransmitter is excitatory and involved in learning and memory, with hyperactivity linked to anxiety?
Glutamate
Which antidepressant complication includes agitation, sweating, diarrhea, and confusion?
Serotonin Syndrome
What stage of the anger-aggression continuum includes pacing, clenched jaw, and loud speech?
Escalation Stage
How does aggressive communication impact patient relationships?
It damages trust and may escalate conflict or violence.