Disorders and Diagnosis
What are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and bizarre behavior
What class of medication is lithium, and what condition is it primarily used to treat?
Mood stabilizer; used to treat bipolar disorder
What is the purpose of using open-ended questions in patient interviews?
To encourage the patient to elaborate and share more information, build rapport with your patient.
What is the first nursing action when a patient exhibits signs of escalating agitation?
De-escalate using calm communication and ensure safety.
What is informed consent, and why is it important?
The patient’s voluntary agreement after understanding treatment risks and benefits.
Which disorder is characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression?
Bipolar disorder
Identify a common side effect of SSRIs.
Sexual dysfunction or gastrointestinal upset.
Define active listening and its importance in therapeutic communication.
Fully focusing, understanding, and responding to a patient, promoting trust and openness.
List two interventions for a patient experiencing a panic attack.
Stay with the patient and encourage slow, deep breathing.
Define the principle of autonomy in patient care.
The right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions
Name two types of anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
A life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics, causing muscle rigidity, fever, and autonomic instability.
Explain the difference between empathy and sympathy in patient interactions.
Empathy is understanding and sharing feelings; sympathy is feeling pity for someone.
How should a nurse respond to a patient expressing suicidal ideation
Assess the plan, maintain safety, and notify the provider.
What are the criteria for involuntary commitment of a patient?
Danger to self or others, or inability to care for self due to mental illness.
What is the primary difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?
Anorexia involves significant weight loss and food restriction; bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging, with typically normal weight.
Name two extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic medications.
Akathisia and dystonia, dry mouth, blurred vision.
What is the significance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with patients?
To ensure a professional, therapeutic relationship and avoid ethical violations
What are the steps for implementing seclusion or restraints?
Obtain provider order, monitor continuously, and document care and behavior.
Explain the difference between assault and battery in a healthcare context.
Assault: threat of harm; Battery: physical contact without consent.
Describe the key features of borderline personality disorder.
Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions; impulsivity; fear of abandonment.
Which medication requires regular blood level monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic index?
Lithium
Describe the concept of transference and how a nurse should respond to it.
When a patient projects feelings onto the nurse; respond with professionalism and boundaries.
Describe the nurse's role in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Allow time for rituals initially; gradually limit them; offer cognitive-behavioral strategies.
What are the nurse's responsibilities regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting?
Maintain confidentiality unless there is risk of harm; report abuse or threats as required by law.