Mental Health Exam 2 Flashcards
What can prolonged stress do to the immune system?
Weaken it, causing the pt to be more susceptible to illnesses
What does deep breathing exercises do for the body?
Calms the nervous system
What do social support groups do for a client?
Offer emotional assistance; alleviate feelings of isolation
What are the benefits of support systems and what are the main two?
Family and friends; emotional backing and social companionship
What are 2 self-care practices that can help clients reduce stress?
Exercise and meditation
How does exercise reduce stress?
Releases endorphins
How does meditation reduce stress?
Increases mental clarity
Characteristics of mild anxiety level:
Slight apprehension
Characteristics of moderate anxiety level:
Second level of anxiety; can be disrupting but usually not severe enough to prevent someone from completing responsibilities. some mild physical symptoms
Characteristics of severe anxiety level:
Can manifest physiologically as nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation. Mentally as a feeling that something terrible is going to happen.
Characteristics of panic levels of anxiety:
Can manifest as disorganized behavior and a loss of touch with reality; running, screaming, disordered thoughts and perceptions
2 common defense mechanisms:
Projection and denial
What is projection?
Blaming others
What is denial?
Refusing to accept reality
How should the nurse handle panic in clients?
The initial action to be to tell the client to stop running and take a deep breath, while offering immediate assistance. Do not ask for clarification or “capture” the client in a basket hold. Provide calm, brief, and directive communication.
What is an example of using compensation as a defense mechanism?
A client feels unattractive but emphasizes their intelligence.
How could the nurse assist a client demonstrating denial by comparing themselves to a “perfect” friend?
The client could benefit from further exploration of self-perception.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder; a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. Can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety
What is the buddy system intervention?
Other clients will help a client in feeding
Conversion Disorder:
Involves neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. Ex: Blindness, hearing loss, loss of balance
Health anxiety:
excessive or persistent worry that a client feels about having or developing a major medical condition
Illness Anxiety Disorder:
Persistent fears of having a serious illness
Somatic symptom disorder:
Chronic physical symptoms without a clear cause
How does journaling relieve stress?
Promotes awareness of experiences
How do support groups help with stress?
Provide communal coping mechanisms
What are the most common somatic symptoms?
Headache and insomnia
How does stress affect the sympathetic nervous system?
Arouses the sympathetic nervous system, leading to elevated vitals
What is the regression defense mechanism?
reverting to behaviors from an earlier stage of development
What is the rationalization defense mechanism?
Justifies illogical ideas and actions with acceptable explanations.
What kind of environment is helpful in calming panic or severe levels of anxiety?
safe, quiet, and structured. Offering outlets for energy and respecting personal space are SECONDARY TO SAFETY
How does OCD manifest in clients?
Clients will engage in repetitive behaviors for short term relief
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Characterized by excessive worrying
What is the nurse’s top priority in caring for clients?
Safety
After safety, the next priorities in care are:
Assessing, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation or ADPIE
