The Nursing Process in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary, concepts, and definitions from the lecture on psychiatric-mental health nursing, focusing on the nursing process, mental status examinations, and various assessment techniques.

Mental Status Examination (MSE)

A tool used in psychiatric nursing to evaluate the functional state of the mind based on behavior, appearance, responsiveness to stimuli, speech, memory, and judgment.

Abstract Thinking

A cognitive process that involves considering concepts and ideas rather than concrete objects.

Affect

The outward expression of a client’s emotional state, including facial expressions, vocal fluctuations, and gestures.

Delusions

Fixed false beliefs that are not grounded in reality, often seen in psychiatric conditions.

Hallucinations

Perception of something that is not present; sensory experiences without external stimuli.

Thought Processes

The characteristics of how a client thinks, which can include logical, coherent, goal-directed, or tangential responses.

Cognitive Assessment

Evaluation of a client’s mental functions, such as memory, attention, and reasoning.

Juxtaposition

Combining different elements, such as a patient's stated mood versus their observed affect.

Judgment

The ability of a patient to make sound decisions and understand the consequences of their actions.

Psychosocial Assessment

An evaluation providing additional information on a patient's social and cultural context, influencing their mental health.

Problem Oriented Charting

A method of documenting patient care by focusing on specific problems and the nursing process.

Insight

The awareness a patient has regarding their own mental health conditions and symptoms.

Nursing Process (AAPIE)

The systematic approach in nursing consisting of Assessment, Analysis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

Suicidal Ideation

Thoughts about self-harm or death; can vary from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning.

Homicidal Ideation

Thoughts about causing harm to others, which require immediate assessment and intervention.

Cultural Assessment

An evaluation of the cultural factors affecting a patient’s worldview and health behaviors.

General Appearance Observation

Assessment of a patient's clothing, grooming, and personal hygiene as part of a mental status exam.

Vital Signs

Measurements of bodily functions such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, essential for physical assessment.

Expected Outcomes

Goals identified in the care plan that are anticipated as results of nursing interventions.

Tanner’s Clinical Judgement

A framework used in nursing education to guide clinical decision-making.

Flight of Ideas

A rapid flow of thoughts where a patient jumps from one idea to another in a disorganized fashion.

Concrete Thinking

A literal and straightforward understanding of information, often seen in certain mental health conditions.

Labile Affect

Rapid and exaggerated changes in emotional expression that can occur in certain psychiatric disorders.

Neologism

The creation of new words or phrases that are meaningful only to the patient, often observed in schizophrenia.