Mental & Behavioral Health Nursing Exam 1 Mastery Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to aid in mastering key concepts in mental and behavioral health nursing.

Neurobiologic Theories

Theories that explain the relationship between brain function and behavior.

Psychopharmacology

The study of the effects of drugs on the mind and behavior.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that affects movement, motivation, cognition, and emotional responses.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and pain control.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter associated with attention, arousal, and response to stress.

GABA

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter vital for learning, memory, movement, and autonomic functions.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

Side effects of antipsychotic medications that affect movement.

Acute dystonia

Sudden muscle spasms or stiffness caused by antipsychotic medications.

Pseudoparkinsonism

Symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease due to medication effects.

Akathisia

A state of inner restlessness and uncontrolled need for movement.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Irreversible, involuntary muscle movements often caused by long-term antipsychotic use.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by severe muscle rigidity and fever.

Weight gain

A common side effect of atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine.

Agranulocytosis

A potentially life-threatening drop in white blood cell count linked to clozapine.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

First-line antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Older class of antidepressants known for more side effects and overdose risk.

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

Antidepressants that require dietary restrictions to avoid hypertensive crisis.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer used primarily to treat bipolar disorder.

Valproic Acid

A medication used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder; requires monitoring of liver function.

Carbamazepine

An anticonvulsant that requires CBC monitoring due to risk of aplastic anemia.

Lamotrigine

A mood stabilizer with a serious rash warning.

Benzodiazepines

Anxiolytics that can cause dependence and should not be stopped abruptly.

Buspirone

A non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used for anxiety without major physical dependence.

Therapeutic relationship

A professional relationship focused on the client's needs and therapeutic goals.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle of keeping client information private.

Active Listening

The practice of fully concentrating on what is being said, rather than just passively hearing the message.

Transference

When a client projects feelings onto the therapist based on past relationships.

Countertransference

When the therapist projects their own emotional response onto the client.

Autonomy

The right of clients to make their own decisions regarding their care.

Beneficence

The ethical principle of doing good for the client.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical principle of doing no harm.

Justice

The ethical principle that emphasizes fairness in treatment.

Veracity

The ethical principle of truthfulness.

Fidelity

The ethical principle of keeping promises and commitments.

Crisis intervention

Short-term psychological care aimed at helping individuals in a crisis.

Psychosocial assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of a client's psychological and social factors.

Mood vs Affect

Mood is the client's emotional state; affect is the external expression of that mood.

Thought process vs Thought content

Thought process refers to how thoughts are organized; thought content refers to what the client thinks.

Judgment vs Insight

Judgment is the ability to make sound decisions; insight is understanding one’s own situation.

Cultural humility

A commitment to lifelong learning and self-reflection regarding cultural issues.

Client's Rights

Psychiatric patients retain most civil rights unless legally restricted.

Mental health law

Regulations governing the rights of individuals receiving psychiatric care.

Restraint vs Seclusion

Restraint is physical force to control movement; seclusion is confinement in a locked room.

Informed consent

The process of obtaining permission from a client after educating them on treatment.

Malpractice

Professional negligence that results in harm.

Assault vs Battery

Assault is a threat of harm; battery is the actual act of harm.

False imprisonment

Unjustified detention or restriction of a person's freedom.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

A team-based approach to providing care for individuals with severe mental illness.

Mental status assessment

Evaluation of cognitive and perceptual functioning of a client.

Suicide assessment

Evaluation of a client's risk for self-harm.

Interpersonal factors

Social connections and support that influence a client’s response to illness.

Biological factors

Genetic, physiologic, and health-related factors affecting mental health.

Resourcefulness

The ability to cope with challenges effectively.

Hardiness

The trait that allows individuals to cope with stress effectively.

Psychotropic medications

Drugs that affect mood, behavior, or mental processes.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that addresses negative thought patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A specialized form of CBT for emotional regulation.

Support groups

Groups that provide emotional and practical support to members.

Client-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach focusing on the client's perspective and needs.

Coping strategies

Techniques individuals use to manage stress.

Rehabilitation

Assistance that focuses on restoring health and functioning after illness.

Positive regard

Acceptance and respecting the client without judgment.

Psychotherapeutic techniques

Methods used to facilitate mental health treatment.

Boundary crossing

An instance where a therapist crosses professional boundaries.

Crisis categories

Types of crises including situational, developmental, and adventitious.

Medication compliance

The degree to which a patient correctly follows medical advice regarding medications.

Social determinants of health

Economic and social conditions that influence health status.

Support interventions

Actions taken to enhance a client’s support network.

Discharge planning

The process of preparing a client for returning to community after treatment.

Mental health recovery

A process of improving health and wellness despite the presence of a mental health condition.

Nursing interventions

Actions undertaken by nurses to promote client health and well-being.

Crisis stabilization

Temporary care aimed at resolving acute symptoms before transitioning to ongoing care.

Therapeutic boundaries

Limits that protect both the client and nurse in a therapeutic relationship.

Behavioral interventions

Techniques aimed at changing unhealthy behaviors.

Holistic care

Care that considers the whole person, including physical, emotional, and social factors.

Self-disclosure

When a nurse shares personal information to benefit the client.

Outcome measurement

Assessing the effectiveness of interventions through specific metrics.

Transitional care

Care transition from one setting to another, such as from hospital to home.

Cultural competence

The ability to understand, respect, and respond to cultural differences in healthcare.