Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing Flashcards
6 cards from real Healthcare and Nursing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing flashcards as text
When assessing a patient for risk of violence, which factor is most predictive of future violent behavior?
Answer: History of past violent behavior
A history of past violent behavior is the single strongest predictor of future violence, as established by forensic and psychiatric research.
What does the nurse prioritize when implementing de-escalation techniques with an agitated patient?
Answer: Maintaining a calm tone, non-threatening body language, and offering choices
De-escalation relies on verbal and non-verbal techniques to reduce agitation — calm tone, open posture, and offering choices restore the patient's sense of control.
A patient is prescribed clozapine. Which serious adverse effect requires weekly blood monitoring?
Answer: Agranulocytosis
Clozapine can cause life-threatening agranulocytosis (loss of neutrophils), so absolute neutrophil counts must be monitored weekly per REMS program requirements.
Which statement by a patient suggests they understand their rights under involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in the US?
Answer: 'I still have the right to communicate with an attorney.'
Even under involuntary commitment, patients retain certain rights, including the right to legal counsel, communication, and protection from abuse.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by which cluster of symptoms?
Answer: Re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions, and hyperarousal
DSM-5 defines PTSD by four symptom clusters: intrusion (re-experiencing), avoidance, negative alterations in cognition/mood, and hyperarousal following trauma.
Which nursing action best supports a patient with depression who states, 'I just don't have the energy to do anything'?
Answer: Schedule brief, structured, low-demand activities during peak energy times
Behavioral activation through short, achievable tasks during the patient's best energy window builds momentum and gradually improves mood without overwhelming them.