Mental Health Nursing and Neurocognitive Disorders Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering Neurocognitive Disorders, Substance Use, Eating Disorders, Crisis, Somatic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Mood Disorders.

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD)

Progressive decline in memory, attention, language, and executive function that interferes with independence.

5 A’s of Alzheimer’s disease

Amnesia, Aphasia, Apraxia, Agnosia, and Altered executive functioning.

NCD Client Communication (Dead Relative)

A response that uses validation and redirection (e.g., “Tell me about them”) rather than harsh correction.

Delirium Key Assessment Findings

Acute onset, fluctuating LOC, disorganized thinking, and inattention.

CAGE

An acronym for substance use assessment meaning Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener.

Alcohol Craving Medications

Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram.

Heroin Use Disorder Long-term Medication

Methadone or Buprenorphine.

Substance Use Nursing Assessment

An assessment covering pattern of use, withdrawal symptoms, impact on life, and tolerance.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A birth defect pattern resulting from alcohol exposure.

Alcohol Withdrawal Priority Interventions

Benzodiazepines, seizure precautions, quiet environment, and fluids.

SSRI/SNRI Patient Teaching

Takes weeks to work, do not stop abruptly, and monitor for serotonin syndrome.

Bulimia Dental Deterioration

Enamel erosion caused by frequent vomiting.

Purging Priority Intervention

Monitor the patient after meals to prevent vomiting and supervise bathroom use.

Bulimia Findings

Normal weight, parotid swelling, dental erosion, and electrolyte imbalance.

Anorexia Findings

Low BMI, lanugo, bradycardia, hypotension, and amenorrhea.

Eating Disorder Risk Factor

Low self-esteem, trauma, and societal pressure.

Crisis Communication Strategy

Speaking in a calm, simple, and direct manner with a focus on the present.

Assessing Past Strength

A coping assessment using questions such as “What has helped you cope in the past?”

Stress Response Progression

Anxiety leading to a narrowed focus, then disorganized thinking, and finally panic.

Violence Risk Factors

Environmental factors such as overcrowding, noise, lack of structure, and long wait times.

Stages of Grief

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

Somatic Symptom Disorder Nursing Intervention

Acknowledge symptoms, avoid reinforcing the illness, and focus on function.

Munchausen by proxy

A condition where a caregiver induces illness in another person (usually a child) to gain attention.

Somatic Disorder Characteristics

Multiple complaints and frequent healthcare use with no clear cause.

Conversion Disorder Intervention

Encourage the expression of feelings and do not reinforce symptoms.

Somatic Disorder Resisted Treatments

Referrals to psychological therapy.

Factitious vs Somatic Disorder

Factitious disorder is intentional; somatic disorder is not intentional.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Intervention

Setting firm boundaries and maintaining consistency.

Personality Disorder Cluster A

The 'odd' cluster.

Personality Disorder Cluster B

The 'dramatic' cluster.

Personality Disorder Cluster C

The 'anxious' cluster.

Cluster B Traits

Emotional, impulsive, and attention-seeking behavior.

Schizotypal Characteristic

Odd beliefs and magical thinking.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

A condition characterized as flamboyant and emotional.

Schizoid vs Avoidant

Schizoid involves no desire for relationships; Avoidant involves wanting relationships but fearing rejection.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech or behavior.

Types of Delusions

Persecutory, grandiose, referential, and somatic.

Antipsychotic Education

Take regularly, watch for EPS/NMS, and do not stop abruptly.

Disorganized Behavior Example

Inappropriate dress and agitation.

Responding to Internal Stimuli Signs

Talking to oneself or laughing alone.

Disorganized Speech Types

Word salad, clang associations, and tangential speech.

Positive Symptom Medications

Antipsychotics.

Schizophrenia Family Education

Medication adherence, stress reduction, and maintaining a support structure.

Mania Nursing Intervention

Reduce stimuli, set limits, and ensure safety.

Mania Nutritional Intervention

Provide high-calorie finger foods.

Delusion Example

A false belief such as “I am the president.”

Lithium Diet Teaching

Maintain sodium intake, drink fluids, and avoid dehydration.

Pre-Lithium Labs

Kidney function, thyroid, and electrolytes.

Lithium Toxicity Signs

Tremor, confusion, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Mania Family Teaching

Importance of medication adherence, sleep, and recognizing early signs.

Depression Symptoms

Sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, and sleep changes.

Suicidal Patient First Intervention

Ensure safety through $1:1$ observation.

High Suicide Risk Factors

Prior attempts, having a plan, and feelings of hopelessness.

Autism Findings

Poor eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and delayed speech.

ADHD Findings

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Conduct Disorder Symptoms

Aggression, rule-breaking, and a lack of remorse.

ADHD Stimulant Parent Teaching

Give in the morning, monitor appetite, and track growth.