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
Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate when a patient states, 'I feel like no one cares about me'?
Answer: Reflecting feelings back to the patient
Reflecting validates the patient's emotions and encourages them to explore their feelings without judgment or dismissal.
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the television is sending them personal messages. This is an example of which symptom?
Answer: Delusion of reference
A delusion of reference is the false belief that ordinary events (such as a TV broadcast) have special personal significance directed at the individual.
Which class of medications is considered first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?
Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are first-line for major depression due to their favorable side-effect profile and relative safety compared to older antidepressants.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient who is actively suicidal?
Answer: Ensure patient safety by removing harmful objects and initiating constant observation
The immediate priority for an actively suicidal patient is safety — removing means and ensuring continuous monitoring to prevent self-harm.
A patient with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Answer: Set firm, consistent limits and provide a calm low-stimulation environment
Manic patients are easily overstimulated; a calm environment with consistent limits reduces agitation and prevents escalation.
Which behavior is a hallmark characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
Answer: Fear of abandonment and unstable interpersonal relationships
Intense fear of abandonment and rapid shifts between idealization and devaluation of others (splitting) are core features of BPD.