Module 2: Therapeutic Communication & Psychiatric Assessment

Question 1

What is self-awareness?

Answer 1

Process of understanding one’s own beliefs, thoughts, motivations, biases, and limitations and recognizing how they affect others

Question 2

What does self-awareness require?

Answer 2

• Willingness to be introspective
• Examine one’s own personal beliefs

Question 3

What is a therapeutic relationship?

Answer 3

A professional, trust-based connection between nurse and patient, focused on promoting the patient’s well-being and recovery through communication, empathy, and support

Question 4

What are the components of MSE?

Answer 4

• An extension of your physical assessment
• Rate based on what you observe (objective) and inquire (subjective)
• Results help treatment team determine:
  
  • Priority interventions
  • Therapeutic goals
  • Patient progress throughout treatment

Question 5

What are the key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Answer 5

1. Identify the underlying belief
2. Explore the evidence that supports who refutes the belief about the event
3. Identify alternative explanations for the event
4. Examine the real implications if the belief is true

Question 6

What are the key components of solution-focused based therapy (SFBT)?

Answer 6

• De-emphasis on of the patient’s problems or symptoms and emphasis on what is functional and healthful
• Explore life without the problem
• Views the patient as an individual with collective strengths
• Emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual and their capacity to make changes

Question 7

What are some techniques for a family assessment?

Answer 7

• Build a positive relationship with the family
• Take family history - complete a genogram
• Observe relationships
• Separate interviews

Question 8

What is the assessment process for children and adolescents?

Answer 8

A specialized process that considers their unique problems and responses within the context of their development.

Question 9

What techniques are useful for assessing older adults with mental health problems?

Answer 9

• Comprehensive History Taking
• Use of Screening Tools
• Behavioral Observation
• Interviewing Family/Caregivers
• Functional Assessments
• Gentle Communication
• Physical Health Correlation

Question 10

What are important assessment areas for older adults?

Answer 10

• Cognition
• Mood and Affect
• Behavioral Changes
• Social Support
• Substance Use
• Suicidal Ideation or Risk
• Sleep Patterns
• Delirium and Hallucinations