VN 42 mental health Test 8

Question 1

3. Describe the signs and symptoms of panic disorder (PG.153)

Answer 1

(4 or more of these sx must be present for dx)

• Palpitations
• Unsteadiness or feeling faint
• Feelings of being suffocated or unable to catch one’s breath
• Fear of dying , Fear (losing control of oneself, or of “going crazy”)
• Increased pulse
• Nausea or gastrointestinal upset
• Numbness or tingling
• Shaking or tremors
• Dissociation (a feeling that events are happening to someone else or not happening at all) or out of body experience
• Diaphoresis
• Choking feelings (being unable to speak or swallow)
• Chest pain

Question 2

4. What is a phobia? Describe the actions of a client with a phobia. When does it start? (PG.154)

Answer 2

• Phobia is defined as an “irrational fear.”
• The person is very aware of the fear and even of the fact that it is irrational, but the fear continues.
• Phobias will start when they come in contact w/the object or situation

Question 3

5. Describe the focus for the nurse working with a client suffering from PTSD (PG.156)

Answer 3

• Trust and communication and listening skills are very important tools for nurses who have patients with PTSD.
• Expressing thoughts and feelings surrounding the experience and the survivor guilt
• It is important to validate the patient’s feelings regarding the situation.

Question 4

7. What is the treatment of choice for a client with PTSD? (PG. 157)

Answer 4

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
   Paroxetine (Paxil)
   Sertraline (Zoloft)

Question 5

9. Describe the signs and symptoms of Conversion Disorder. (PG.162)

Answer 5

• Paralysis and blindness are two examples of this disorder (allows the patient to avoid a situation that is unacceptable to him or her.
• The symptoms, although not supportive of organic disease, are very real to the patient.

Question 6

11. Describe Hypochondriasis (PG.160)

Answer 6

• A patient who focuses extensively on physical symptoms is sometimes referred as suffering from somatization or somatizing.

Question 7

12. Which sex is depression more common in? List the signs and symptoms of Major Depression (PG.170)

Answer 7

• More common in women
• 5 or more of the sx for at least a 2 week period
• Increased fatigue
• Increased agitation
• Decreased interest in pleasurable activities (anhedonia)
• Decreased ability to think, remember, or concentrate
• Sleep pattern disturbances
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Weight loss or gain
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Question 8

13. What is the best form of therapy for a child with Depression? (PG.287)

Answer 8

• Drawing therapy

Question 9

14. Manic phase of bipolar disorder symptoms

Answer 9

• Being easily distracted
• Little need for sleep (may feel rested after 3 hours of sleep)
• Poor temper control, easily becoming agitated and irritable
• Reckless behavior and lack of self-control, including:
   Drinking and/or drug use, binge eating
   Poor judgment
   Sex with many partners (promiscuity)
   Spending sprees
• Very elevated mood:
   Excess activity (hyperactivity)
   Increased energy
   Racing thoughts, flight of ideas
   Talking a lot
   Very high self-esteem, grandiosity (false beliefs about self or abilities)
   Very involved in activities

Question 10

14. Depressed phase of bipolar disorder

Answer 10

• Low mood or sadness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Eating problems:
   Loss of appetite and weight loss
   Overeating and weight gain
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
• Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Loss of self-esteem
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
• Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed

Question 11

15. What is Lithium used to treat? List the signs and symptoms of Lithium toxicity (PG. 185)

Answer 11

• Bipolar manic episodes

Lithium Toxicity:
* Early signs: N/V, sedation
* Tremors
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Coma & even death

Question 12

16. Name the groups at highest risk to commit suicide.(PG.191)

Answer 12

• Females
• Veterans returning from war
• Older adults, especially those facing health issue & multiple losses
• Elderly white men
• People with a mood disorder or substance abuse disorder (depression, bipolar disorder)

Question 13

18. Name the signs and symptoms that could suggest someone is contemplating suicide (PG.194)

Answer 13

• Verbal suicide threats, such as “You’d be better off without me,” “Maybe I won’t be around,” or “I won’t be here when you come back to work”
• Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness and the inability to see alternatives
• Previous suicide attempts
• Talking about suicide methods to which the person has access
• Saving pills
• Asking questions/researching about different methods of committing suicide
• Daring or risk-taking behavior
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Lack of interest in future plans

Question 14

21. Where on the unit should the suicidal pt be placed?

Answer 14

• Near the nurse’s station for frequent monitoring

Question 15

24. If your patient has just attempted to commit suicide, what is important information that you need to know at that time? (PG.197)

Answer 15

• if the patient is considering suicide and, if so, how and when.
• Ask if the patient has attempted suicide in the past.