Mental health & addictions nursing

Question 1

Define Major Depressive Disorder and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 1

Major Depressive Disorder is characterised by a persistent feeling of sadness, a lack of interest in activities, difficulty sleeping, feelings of worthlessness, and potentially suicidal thoughts.

Question 2

Define Generalized Anxiety Disorder and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 2

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things. Symptoms can include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems.

Question 3

Define Bipolar Disorder and explain the difference between type I and type II.

Answer 3

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by periods of manic episodes (extreme elevated mood, energy, unusual thought patterns) and depressive episodes (low mood, lack of energy, and hopelessness). Bipolar I involves full-blown manic episodes, while Bipolar II involves less severe manic episodes.

Question 4

Define Schizophrenia and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 4

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, lack of emotion).

Question 5

What are some common risk factors for developing a mental illness?

Answer 5

Common risk factors for mental illness can include a family history of mental health disorders, trauma or stressful life events, chronic medical conditions, and use of alcohol or recreational drugs.

Question 6

How is mental illness diagnosed?

Answer 6

Mental illness is diagnosed through clinical assessments, including interviews, physical exams, and sometimes diagnostic tests or psychiatric rating scales.

Question 7

Explain the biopsychosocial model of mental health.

Answer 7

The biopsychosocial model of mental health looks at mental health disorders as the result of complex interactions between biological (genetics, brain chemistry), psychological (personality, emotions), and social factors (relationships, culture).

Question 8

What is the role of genetics in mental health?

Answer 8

Genetics play a significant role in mental health, with certain mental health disorders being more common in individuals who have relatives with the same disorders.

Question 9

Define Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 9

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event.

Question 10

Define Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 10

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterised by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions).

Question 11

Define Mania and list its primary symptoms.

Answer 11

Mania is a state of heightened energy and euphoria often associated with Bipolar I Disorder. It can lead to periods of high productivity or creativity, but also to recklessness, impaired judgment, and potential self-harm. Primary symptoms include increased energy or agitation, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, distractibility, and engagement in risky behaviors like spending sprees, unsafe sex, or unwise business investments.

Question 12

What is psychosis and its primary symptoms?

Answer 12

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder in which a person loses touch with reality. They may experience hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking or speech. Symptoms can also include a lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Question 13

Define addiction.

Answer 13

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.

Question 14

What is the difference between physical and psychological dependence?

Answer 14

Physical dependence refers to a state resulting from chronic use of a drug that has produced tolerance and where negative physical symptoms of withdrawal result from abrupt discontinuation or dosage reduction.

Psychological dependence refers to the emotional and mental processes that relate to developing a dependence on a substance or activity.

Question 15

List signs of alcohol addiction.

Answer 15

Signs of alcohol addiction may include inability to limit drinking, continuing to drink despite problems, spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from alcohol, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and shaking.

Question 16

List signs of opioid addiction.

Answer 16

Signs of opioid addiction can include strong desire for opioids, inability to control or reduce use, persistent use despite interference with major obligations or social functioning, use of larger amounts over time, development of tolerance, spending a great deal of time to obtain and use opioids, and withdrawal symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing use.

Question 17

What are withdrawal symptoms and how are they managed in a clinical setting?

Answer 17

Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance and individual, but can include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and nausea. They are managed by slowly reducing the substance under medical supervision, and sometimes using medication to treat symptoms.

Question 18

What are the stages of change in addiction recovery?

Answer 18

The stages of change in addiction recovery are: Pre-contemplation (not yet acknowledging a problem), Contemplation (acknowledging the problem but not yet ready to change), Preparation (getting ready to change), Action (changing behavior), and Maintenance (maintaining the behavior change).

Question 19

Explain the impact of substance abuse on physical health.

Answer 19

Substance abuse can have serious impacts on physical health, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, and increased risk for certain types of cancer.

Question 20

What is a dual diagnosis?

Answer 20

A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual has both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder.

Question 21

What are some common treatments for substance abuse?

Answer 21

Common treatments for substance abuse can include medications, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both, often along with support groups or recovery programs.

Question 22

How is harm reduction applied in addiction nursing?

Answer 22

Harm reduction in addiction nursing refers to strategies designed to reduce the negative effects of substance use, without necessarily requiring complete abstinence. This can include things like needle exchange programs or the use of medications like methadone.

Question 23

What are the key components of therapeutic communication?

Answer 23

The key components of therapeutic communication are: Active Listening, Empathy, Non-Verbal Communication, Open-Ended Questions, Providing Feedback, Respect, and Validation.

Question 24

How can a nurse demonstrate empathy in communication?

Answer 24

A nurse can demonstrate empathy by listening, acknowledging the patient’s feelings and experiences, and showing understanding and compassion.

Question 25

What are open-ended questions, and why are they important?

Answer 25

Open-ended questions are questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”. They encourage patients to share more about their experiences and feelings, leading to a deeper understanding of their situation.

Question 26

Define reflective listening.
How can a nurse maintain a non-judgmental attitude?

Answer 26

Reflective listening involves repeating back or paraphrasing what the patient has said to ensure understanding and to show that the nurse is actively engaged in the conversation.

Question 27

How to handle a patient’s anger or frustration during communication?

Answer 27

A patient’s anger or frustration can be managed by staying calm, listening, empathizing with their feelings, and providing reassurance and support.

Question 28

Define validation in the context of therapeutic communication.

Answer 28

In the context of therapeutic communication, validation involves acknowledging and accepting the patient’s feelings and experiences, and showing understanding and acceptance.

Question 29

What are some barriers to effective therapeutic communication?

Answer 29

Barriers to effective therapeutic communication can include language differences, cultural differences, environmental noise or distractions, the patient’s emotional state, and the nurse’s own biases or preconceptions.

Question 30

What is the importance of body language in therapeutic communication?

Answer 30

Body language plays a vital role in therapeutic communication as it can convey feelings and attitudes. Positive body language includes maintaining eye contact, using open postures, and using facial expressions that match the verbal message.

Question 31

How can a nurse manage their own emotions during therapeutic communication?

Answer 31

A nurse can manage their own emotions during therapeutic communication by practicing self-awareness, self-care, and emotional regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness.

Question 32

What are the components of a Mental Status Examination?

Answer 32

The components of a Mental Status Examination include:

A: Appearance (dress, grooming, hygiene)
B: Behaviour (Posture and position, Body movements, Facial Expression)

S: Speech
M: Mood and affect

T: Thought form and content
P: Perception

C: Cognition (Level of consciousness, Memory, Orientation, Attention and concentration)
i: insight, and Judgment.
R: Risk

Question 33

How to assess a patient’s risk of suicide or harm to others?

Answer 33

To assess a patient’s risk of suicide or harm to others, a nurse should ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts, plans, and means, look for warning signs such as changes in behavior or mood, and seek information from other sources such as family members or medical records if necessary.

Question 34

What is the purpose of a psychosocial assessment?

Answer 34

A psychosocial assessment includes evaluating the patient’s social history, family dynamics, support systems, living conditions, employment, education, and lifestyle habits.

Question 35

How can a nurse assess a patient’s insight and judgment?

Answer 35

A nurse can assess a patient’s insight and judgment by asking them about their understanding of their mental health condition, their perception of the necessity of treatment, and their ability to make decisions that are in their best interest.

Question 36

What information should be gathered about a patient’s history during a psychiatric assessment?

Answer 36

The patient’s history should include past and current physical and mental health conditions, medication history, family history of mental health issues, substance use, history of trauma, and social history.

Question 37

What are some signs of cognitive impairment in a psychiatric assessment?

Answer 37

Signs of cognitive impairment during a psychiatric assessment can include memory loss, difficulty with language or communication, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving or planning, and changes in personality or behavior.

Question 38

How to assess a patient’s mood and affect?

Answer 38

A patient’s mood can be assessed by asking them how they feel, while their affect can be assessed by observing their facial expressions, tone of voice, and other non-verbal behaviours.

Question 39

Define psychotherapy and its role in mental health treatment.

Answer 39

Psychotherapy, often referred to as “talk therapy”, involves psychological methods, particularly when based on regular personal interaction, to help a person change behavior and overcome problems in desired ways. Its role in mental health treatment is to assist patients in understanding their illnesses, teach them strategies and tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts, help them understand and navigate relationships, and increase their self-awareness and coping abilities.

Question 40

How do antipsychotic medications work?

Answer 40

Antipsychotic medications work by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that play a key role in mood regulation and perception of reality. They are used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as prevent delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders.

Question 41

How do antidepressant medications work?

Answer 41

Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions. These depression medications can help improve mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration. There are several types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others that work in different ways to achieve this balance.

Question 42

Define psychosocial rehabilitation.

Question 43

How do mood stabilizers work?

Question 44

How do anxiolytic medications work?

Question 45

What is the role of family therapy in mental health treatment?

Question 46

How can a nurse ensure safety for a patient with suicidal ideation?

Question 47

What is a safety plan and how to create one?

Question 48

What is the role of a nurse in crisis intervention?

Question 49

How can a nurse assist a patient with activities of daily living?

Question 50

What are some nursing interventions for a patient with severe anxiety?

Question 51

How can a nurse monitor a patient’s response to psychiatric medication?

Question 52

What is the importance of patient education in mental health and addiction nursing?

Question 53

How can a nurse manage a patient’s aggression?

Question 54

How can a nurse help a patient manage stress?

Question 55

What are some nursing interventions for a patient undergoing withdrawal?