NPN 125 - Mental Health and Nursing Care

What is the purpose of lithium?

Stabilizes mood, reduces manic, and depressive episodes.

What should be monitored when using Lithium to treat bipolar disorders?

Serum lithium levels & renal/thyroid function.

What should be maintained when using Lithium to treat bipolar disorders?

Hydration

What is important to educate to a patient who is taking lithium?

Consistent salt & fluid intakes and to recognize the early signs of toxicity.

What are the early signs of toxicity?

Tremor, GI upset, and AMS.

When a nurse is working with a patient who is taking lithium, what should their main nursing focus be?

Providing a realistic encouragement that emphasizes adherence to medication and therapies.

How can a nurse build trust with a patient?

Remain consistent, reliable, and always follow through on promises.

What are “hope statements” when communicating therapeutically?

Acknowledge a patients progress while remaining realistic.

What are therapeutic communication techniques?

Sharing perceptions, clarifying any/all concerns, asking open-ended questions, & avoiding any personal bias/judgment.

When using therapeutic communication, what should be avoided?

False reassurance, minimizing, or comparing them to others.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Progressive memory loss, disorientation, and impaired judgment,

What is delirium?

Sudden & acute confusion that is often reversible.

What is Sundown syndrome?

Confusion/agitation that worsens in the evening.

How is neglect defined?

Unmet basic needs (food, medical, hygiene)

How is abuse defined?

Harm that is physical OR emotional

When is schizophrenia’s typical onset?

Late teens-20s.

What types of schizophrenia are theree?

Paranoid, catatonic, disorganized, and residual.

When diagnosing schizophrenia, how long must symptoms persist to get an official schizophrenia diagnosis?

6 months

What does amnesia mean?

Memory gaps

How is fugue defined?

Traveling away with a loss of identity

How are identity disorders defined?

Multiple personalities

How us depersonalization described?

Feeling detached from self.

When dealing with dissociative disorders, what are the key nursing care factors?

Establish trust, encourage healthy coping mechanisms, and contracts for safety.

How is Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) described?

Excessive and long-term worry.

What are obsessive thoughts?

Persistent thoughts

What are compulsive thoughts?

Repetitive behaviors that reduce anxiety.

What are common treatments for anxiety disorders?

Therapy, SSRIs, coping skills, & relaxation techniques.

What do cultural beliefs shape?

Health behaviors (respect for elders, gender roles.)

If a nurse is interviewing the patient, what should be avoided?

Personal bias and assumptions