LACHARITY 22- Psychiartric Flashcards
Note: In this chapter, the term “psychiatric nursing assistant” is used, rather than the more familiar “unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).” Different facilities and localities use different titles for assistive personnel. The key point to remember in assigning tasks or making patient assignments is that UAPs who routinely work on a medical-surgical unit will have different skill sets than psychiatric nursing assistants, who usually work on a psychiatric unit.
The nurse is working at a community clinic that specializes in assisting
patients who need medication and therapy for mental health disorders.
Which patient is the most likely candidate for depot antipsychotic therapy?
1. Older man with psychosis secondary to dementia who lives with his
daughter
2. Homeless veteran with schizophrenia who occasional sleeps in a nearby
shelter
3. Housewife with bipolar disorder who is prone to psychotic features during
the manic phase
4. Student with recently diagnosed schizophrenia who lives at home with his
parents
Ans: 2 Depot antipsychotic therapy uses long-acting injectable medications.
These medications are used for long-term maintenance for schizophrenia for
patients who may have some difficulties with adherence to taking
medications. The homeless veteran has the least amount of social support and
stability, which are factors in medication adherence. For the older adult
patient with dementia and psychosis, identifying underlying factors and then
behavioral therapies would be recommended first. Psychotic features in the
manic phase of bipolar disorder would be treated as an acute episode. The
student has the support of family, and the health care team will try to work
with the patient and the family to build behaviors that support lifetime
adherence to therapy. Focus: Prioritization
The nurse is caring for patients who have schizophrenia. In addition to
medication, multidisciplinary nondrug therapies are available. What is the
nurse’s most important role in helping the patients to benefit from this
comprehensive approach?
1. Help identify patients who would benefit from conventional
psychotherapy.
2. Refer patients to a psychiatric nurse specialist for education about the
disease.
3. Suggest that patients talk to vocational specialists for additional training.
4. Establish a therapeutic relationship with patients and encourage
participation
Ans: 4 The nurse and the psychiatric nursing assistant spend more time with
the patients than any of the other members of the health care team; thus,
establishing a good therapeutic relationship is essential to building trust;
increasing social skills; and encouraging participation in educational,
socialization, and vocational opportunities. Conventional psychotherapy is
generally not used with patients with schizophrenia. Focus: Prioritization.
A patient with a diagnosis of hypochondriasis has made multiple clinic visits
and undergone diagnostic tests for “cancer,” with no evidence of organic
disease. Today he declares, “I have a brain tumor. I can feel it growing. My
appointment is tomorrow, but I can’t wait!” What is the most therapeutic
response?
1. Present reality: “Sir, you have been seen many times in this clinic and had
many diagnostic tests. The results have always been negative.”
2. Encourage expression of feelings: “Let me spend some time with you. Tell
419me about what you are feeling and why you think you have a brain
tumor.”
3. Set boundaries: “Sir, I will take your vital signs, but then I am going to call
your case manager so that you can discuss the scheduled appointment.”
4. Respect the patient’s wishes: “Sir, sit down and I will make sure that you
see the health care provider right away. Don’t worry; we will take care of
you.”
Ans: 3 The case manager has a relationship with the patient, knows the
specific details of agreements made with the patient, and is the most capable
of helping him to decrease anxiety and preoccupation with physical
symptoms. In general, presenting reality does not have an impact on patients
with hypochondriasis. Encouraging expression of feelings and following the
patient’s wishes contribute to secondary gains of maintaining the sick role.
Focus: Prioritization.
A patient who was recently diagnosed with conversion disorder is
experiencing a sudden loss of vision after witnessing a violent fight between
her husband and adult-age son. What is the priority therapeutic approach to
use with this patient?
1. Reassure her that her blindness is temporary and will resolve with time.
2. Gently point out that she seems to be able to see well enough to function
independently.
3. Encourage expression of feelings and link emotional trauma to the
blindness.
4. Teach ways to cope with blindness, such as methodically arranging
personal items.
Ans: 4 Patients with conversion disorders are experiencing symptoms, even
though there is no identifiable organic cause; therefore, the patient should be
assisted in learning ways to cope and live with the disability. Encouraging
the expression of feelings is okay, but it is premature to expect the patient to
link the fight to her blindness. It is likely that the sudden onset of blindness
will quickly resolve. The patient may physically be able to see, but presenting
facts would not be helpful at this time. Focus: Prioritization.
The charge nurse is reviewing the assignment sheet for an acute psychiatric
unit. Which experienced team member should be reassigned?
1. Male LVN assigned to an older male patient with chronic depression and
excessive rumination
2. Young male psychiatric nursing assistant assigned to a female adolescent
with anorexia nervosa
3. Female RN assigned to a newly admitted female patient who has command
hallucinations and delusions of persecution
4. Older female RN with medical-surgical experience assigned to a male
patient with Alzheimer disease
Ans: 2 Adolescents, in general, are self-conscious in the presence of members
of the opposite sex, and teenagers with anorexia are overly concerned with
their appearance; therefore, it would be better to assign this patient to a
mature female staff member. An experienced LVN is able to set boundaries
and to assist patients with chronic health problems. An experienced RN
should be assigned to new admissions, particularly if there are acute safety
issues. An RN with medical-surgical experience would be well acquainted
with care issues related to dementia. Focus: Assignment.
The nurse arrives home and finds that a neighbor’s (Jane’s) house is on fire. A
fireman is physically restraining Jane as she screams and thrashes around to
get free to run back into the house. What is the nurse’s best action?
1. Make eye contact and encourage Jane to verbalize feelings.
2. Physically restrain Jane so that the fireman can resume his job.
3. Use a firm tone of voice and give Jane simple commands.
4. Use a gentle persuading tone and ask Jane to be calm.
Ans: 3 Jane is experiencing a panic level of anxiety, and initially she needs
429very simple and direct instructions. It may be very difficult for the nurse to
independently restrain Jane. Speaking softly and gently and encouraging her
to express feelings are appropriate when her anxiety is more under control.
Focus: Prioritization
There is a patient on the medical-surgical unit who has been there for several
months. He is hostile, rude, and belligerent, and no one likes to interact with
him. How should the charge nurse handle the assignment?
1. Rotate the assignment schedule so that no one has to care for him more
than once or twice a week.
2. Pair a float nurse and a nursing student and assign the patient to that team
420because they will have a fresh perspective toward the patient.
3. Identify two or three experienced nurses as primary caregivers and develop
a plan that includes psychosocial interventions.
4. Assign self as primary caregiver and role-model how patients should be
treated.
Ans: 3 This patient has trouble with interpersonal interactions, so consistent
caregivers who use psychosocial interventions have the best chance of being
able to develop a relationship with this difficult individual. Rotating the
assignment sheet to give the staff a break and using float staff are frequent
strategies that are used, but these are not necessarily the best for the patient.
Taking the patient may seem like the easiest solution for the charge nurse, but
in the long run, strengthening and supporting the staff are better strategies
than trying to assume all of the complex tasks. Focus: Assignment.
The charge nurse is reviewing medication prescriptions for several patients
on the acute psychiatric unit. Which prescription is the nurse most likely to
question?
1. Fluoxetine for a middle-aged patient with depression
2. Chlorpromazine for a young patient with schizophrenia
3. Loxapine for an older adult patient with dementia and psychosis
4. Lorazepam for a young patient with generalized anxiety disorder
Ans: 3 Conventional (first-generation) antipsychotics are usually not
prescribed for older adult patients with psychosis secondary to dementia
because of the increased incidence of death, usually from cardiac problems or
infection. Fluoxetine for depression, chlorpromazine for schizophrenia, and
lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder are viable options. Focus:
Prioritization; Test Taking Tip: In general, older adults patients have more
complex issues related to medications. While studying for the NCLEX®
Examination, pay attention to information that highlights care of older adults.
A patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia tells the nurse that, “Dr.
Smith has killed several other patients, and now he is trying to kill me.” What
is the best response?
1. “I have worked here a long time. No one has died. You are safe here.”
2. “What has Dr. Smith done to make you think he would like to kill you?”
3. “All of the staff, including Dr. Smith, are here to ensure your safety.”
4. “Whenever you are concerned or nervous, talk to me or any of the nurses.
Ans: 4 The nurse can acknowledge the patient’s fears without agreeing or
disagreeing with his accusation toward Dr. Smith. Directing him to talk to the
nursing staff provides a source of emotional support and an action that he
can use to decrease his anxiety. Telling the patient that no one has died and
that the staff will ensure safety is presenting reality; however, he believes that
someone has been killed and that Dr. Smith is responsible, so this opens
opportunities for an argument. Asking him to explain his rationale for his
beliefs encourages him to elaborate on his delusion. Focus: Prioritization.
A nursing student reports to the nurse that he has observed several types of
behavior among the patients. Which patient needs priority assessment?
1. A patient who is having command hallucinations
2. A patient who is demonstrating clang associations
3. A patient who is verbalizing ideas of reference
4. A patient who is using neologisms
Ans: 1 Assess the content of command hallucinations because the patient
may be getting a command to harm self or others. Ideas of reference occur
when an ordinary thing or event (e.g., a song on the radio) has personal
significance (e.g., belief that the lyrics were written for him or her). Ideas of
reference could escalate into aggression, especially if delusions of persecution
are present, so the nurse would check on this patient next. Clang association
is a meaningless rhyming of words, and neologisms are new words created
by patients. These communication patterns create frustration for staff and
patients, but there is no need for immediate intervention. Focus:
Prioritization; Test Taking Tip: Safety is a priority concern for all patients. In
identifying safety issues for patients with active psychosis, the potential
concern is frequently harm to self or to others.
The nurse is talking to the primary caregiver of Martha, who was diagnosed
8 years ago with Alzheimer disease. The caregiver says, “We love Martha, but
my daughter needs help with her kids, and my husband’s health is poor. I
really need help.” Which member of the health care team should the nurse
consult first?
1. Health care provider to review long-term prognosis and new treatments for
Alzheimer disease
2. Psychiatric clinical nurse specialist to design behavioral modification
therapies for Martha
3. Clinical psychologist to assess for major depression and need for treatment
for the caregiver
4. Social worker to identify and arrange placement for Martha in an
acceptable nursing home
Ans: 4 The caregiver needs assistance to identify and locate an alternative
care situation for Martha. The family has been coping and caring for Martha
for a long time, but family circumstances and a patient’s condition will
change over time. The nurse may do additional assessment to see if the
430caregiver needs to be referred for depression, guilt, or anxiety related to
having to make this change for Martha. New treatments and behavioral
modification can be attempted, but currently there are no therapies that
reverse the gradual decline. Focus: Prioritization.
The patient has a panic disorder, and it appears that he is having some
problems controlling his anxiety. Which symptoms are cause for greatest
421concern?
1. His heart rate is increased, and he reports chest tightness.
2. He demonstrates tachypnea and carpopedal spasms.
3. He is pacing to and fro and pounding his fists together.
4. He is muttering to himself and is easily startled.
Ans: 3 All of these symptoms signal an increase of anxiety; however,
physically aggressive behavior signals a danger to others and to self. Verbal
intervention is still possible, but the pacing and fist pounding are a step
above the other symptoms. Focus: Prioritization.
The nurse is interviewing a patient with suicidal ideations and a history of
major depression. Which comment is cause for greatest concern?
1. “I have had problems with depression most of my adult life.”
2. “My father and my brother both committed suicide.”
3. “My wife is having health problems, and she relies on me.”
4. “I am afraid to kill myself, and I wished I had more courage.”
Ans: 2 The patient has a strong family history of completed suicide, which is
an increased risk factor. The patient may believe that other family members
have successfully used suicide to solve their problems. A long history of
depression suggests that the problem is chronic; assess for treatment history,
risk factors, and coping strategies. Having a feeling of responsibility toward
others and feeling fear are protective factors that can be used in the treatment
plan. Focus: Prioritization.
A patient comes into the walk-in clinic and tells the nurse that he would like
to be admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation program. Which question is the
most important to ask?
1. “What made you decide to enter a program at this time?”
2. “How much alcohol do you usually consume in a day?”
3. “When was the last time you had a drink?”
4. “Have you been in a rehabilitation program before?”
Ans: 3 Before someone enters an alcohol rehabilitation program, there
should be a medically supervised detoxification. This patient has walked in
off the street; therefore, the nurse must determine whether he is at risk for
withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from alcohol can be life threatening. The
other questions are relevant and are likely to be included in the interview.
Focus: Prioritization.
The nurse is working with a health care provider who recently started
treating patients with depression. Which action by the provider would
prompt the nurse to intervene?
1. Tells patient and family that it may take 4 to 8 weeks before the
antidepressant medication begins to relieve symptoms
2. Prescribes 3 months of antidepressants for a patient newly diagnosed with
depression and gives a 3 month follow-up appointment
3. Instructs the patient that the initial dose is low but will gradually be
increased to reach a maintenance dosage
4. Tells the patient and the family to watch for and immediately report
anxiety, agitation, irritability, or suicidal thoughts
Ans: 2 Patients with depression are at high risk for suicide, and
antidepressants can be used to commit suicide. For the patient who was
recently diagnosed with depression and prescribed antidepressants, the
nurse intervenes because a small number of doses should be prescribed and
dispensed, and follow-up should be weekly to allow for close monitoring and
assessment. The other options are correct information to share with patients
and family members. Focus: Prioritization.
A patient on the acute psychiatric unit develops neuroleptic malignant
syndrome. Which task should be delegated to the psychiatric nursing
assistant (PNA)?
1. Wiping the patient’s body with cool moist towels
2. Monitoring and interpreting vital signs every 15 minutes
3. Attaching the patient to the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor
4. Transporting the patient to the medical intensive care unit
Ans: 1 A PNA can initiate this simple cooling measure with minimal
instruction. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal
reaction to antipsychotic medication. Symptoms include fever, altered mental
status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability. The RN should
continuously interpret vital signs, although taking vital signs can be
delegated. Unlicensed assistive personnel in the intensive care unit (ICU) and
emergency department will be familiar with how to attach ECG leads, but
PNAs will rarely have occasion to use this equipment; therefore, the RN
should perform this task. The RN (or health care provider) should
accompany the patient to the ICU, although the PNA could assist. Focus:
Delegation; Test Taking Tip: In assigning, delegating, or supervising tasks to
ancillary personnel, be familiar with state laws that relate to scope of practice
for these individuals. Because it is impossible to list every task and every
circumstance, remember to analyze the situation and the skills of available
personnel. This will help to determine if the task is within the scope of
practice.
A newly graduated nurse has just started working at the acute psychiatric
unit. Which patient would be the best to assign to this nurse?
1. Patient who is frequently admitted for borderline personality disorder and
422suicidal gesture
2. Patient admitted yesterday for disorganized schizophrenia and psychosis
3. Patient newly admitted to determine differential diagnosis of depression,
dementia, or delirium
4. Patient newly diagnosed with major depression and rumination about loss
and suicide
Ans: 4 Although the patient is ruminating about suicide, in the early phase
of major depression the patient has minimal energy to act. The danger for
suicide will increase as the medication and therapy begin to help. A new
nurse is more likely to be manipulated by a patient with borderline
personality disorder. Psychotic patients can seem very threatening to new
nurses. Depression, dementia, and delirium have some behavior and
symptom overlap; this patient should be assigned to an experienced nurse
until delirium is treated or ruled out. Focus: Assignment.
Which task can be delegated to a medical-surgical unlicensed assistive
personnel (UAP) who has been temporarily floated to the acute psychiatric
unit to help?
1. Performing one-to-one observation of a patient who is suicidal
2. Assisting the occupational therapist to conduct a craft class
3. Accompanying an older adult patient who wanders on a walk outside
4. Assisting the medication nurse who is having problems with a patient
Ans: 3 Medical-surgical UAPs assist patients to ambulate, and they
frequently care for older confused patients. Performing one-to-one suicide
watch requires experience because the observer may have to immediately
intervene while calling out for help. Assisting the occupational therapist or
medication nurse may be possible, but the medical-surgical UAP is unlikely
to be familiar with the behavioral interventions required in these situations.
Focus: Assignment.
The nurse has identified a patient who may be a candidate for substance
addiction treatment. Which health care team member should the nurse
contact to increase the likelihood of a successful long-term outcome?
1. Call a social worker who can locate an immediately available treatment
program.
2. Call admissions to obtain patient’s voluntary consent to enter treatment
program.
3. Consult a pharmacist about medication therapy to counter addiction.
4. Contact the health care provider to initiate admission to a medical
detoxification unit.
Ans: 1 Early treatment contributes to success; however, one of the greatest
barriers in addiction treatment is locating a treatment program that can
immediately accept a patient. Limited finances and lack of comprehensive
programs make locating a program even more difficult. Medication therapy
is one important aspect. Medical detoxification is also important, but it is only
one step in a long treatment process. Patients’ voluntary participation and
consent are ideal, but pressure and support from family, friends, or
employers can increase the likelihood of success. Focus: Prioritization.
The team must apply restraints to a combative patient to prevent harm to
others or to self. Which action requires the charge nurse’s intervention?
1. Psychiatric nursing assistant uses a quick-release knot to tie restraints.
2. Health care provider (HCP) secures the restraint to the side rail.
3. RN checks the pulses distal to the restraints.
4. LPN/LVN explains to the patient why he is being restrained.
Ans: 2 The restraints must be tied to a stationary portion of the bed. HCPs
are usually much less familiar with how the beds function. Quick-release
knots are for safety in case the restraints need to be quickly removed. Distal
pulses should be checked. The HCP or RN is usually responsible for
explaining the restraint procedure; however, restraining a combative patient
is rarely a planned event, and the caregiver who has the best relationship
with the patient may be the best spokesperson. Focus: Supervision.
A well-known celebrity is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Several RNs from
other units drop by and express an interest in seeing the patient. What is the
best response?
1. “Please be discreet and do not interrupt the work flow.”
2. “How did you find out that the patient was admitted to this unit?”
3. “Please wait. I need to call the nursing supervisor about this request.”
4. “I’m sorry; the patient has asked that only family be allowed to visit.”
Ans: 2 First try to determine how the nurses found out about the patient’s
admission. This is a serious Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) violation, and information disclosure must be immediately
stopped. Unfortunately for these RNs, administration will have to be notified,
but as a professional courtesy, it would be better if they went directly to the
supervisor and admitted the error rather than immediately calling the
supervisor and reporting them. Focus: Prioritization, Supervision.
An LPN/LVN complains to the charge nurse that she is always assigned to
the same patient with chronic depression. What should the charge nurse do?
1. Look at the assignment sheet and see if there is any way to switch
assignments with another LPN/LVN.
4232. Tell her to care for the patient today but that her request will be considered
for future assignments.
3. Remind her that continuity of care and patient-centered care are the
primary goals.
4. Explain that patients with chronic conditions are more likely to fall under
the LPN/LVN scope of practice.
Ans: 2 Switching the assignments at shift change or midshift creates delays
for everyone, so politely ask her to continue for the day. However, her
request is not unreasonable; dealing with depressed patients can be very
exhausting, so consider her request for future assignments. Although many
patients benefit from having the same caregiver, a chronically depressed
patient might benefit from stimulation by various caregivers. Explaining
scope of practice and continuity of care is probably not necessary and may
432seem condescending. Focus: Assignment, Supervision.
Which person is displaying behaviors that most strongly suggest the need
for additional screening for possible substance abuse?
1. Person with cancer progressively needs more pain medication to achieve
relief
2. College student reports occasionally smoking marijuana during semester
break
3. Stay-at-home mom reports drinking while her kids are in school and after
they go to bed
4. Person with a fractured leg reports taking opioids and tapering off when
pain subsides
Ans: 3 A woman who is drinking when her children are out of sight is
displaying substance use that is not based on medical needs or social norms.
The college student is using an illegal substance, but at this point, the
frequency does not suggest that it is a compulsive problem. Person with
cancer and person with a fracture are using medications for pain as indicated.
Focus: Prioritization.
The emergency department (ED) nurse is calling to report on a patient who
will be admitted to the acute psychiatric unit. He has a history of bipolar
disorder and was in an altercation that resulted in the death of another. He
has contusions, abrasions, and minor lacerations. What is the priority
question that the receiving nurse should ask?
1. “When will the patient be transferred?”
2. “Will a police officer be with him while he is on the unit?”
3. “Why isn’t the patient being admitted to the trauma unit?”
4. “What is the patient’s current mood and behavior?”
Ans: 4 Current mood and behavior is the priority so that the nurse can
prepare for physical or chemical restraints, isolation or a private room, and
allocation and assignment of staff members. The other questions are also
relevant. However, the nurse should be aware that challenging the
appropriateness of the psychiatric unit versus the trauma unit requires
contacting the nursing supervisor because the ED nurse will not be able to
assist with this issue. Focus: Prioritization.
