WGU D449-Mental Health Interventions and Assessments Latest updated version with expert curated questions and answers

Depression

Signs/Symptoms, Actions to Take, Monitoring

Sertraline

Starting Medication

Acute Stress Disorder

Symptoms expected include flashbacks.

Clonazepam

Common side effect is drowsiness.

Schizophrenia

Auditory hallucinations are a symptom.

Paliperidone

Advantage is extended-release formulation for fewer doses.

Narcan Administration

Priority nursing action is to monitor for withdrawal symptoms.

Methamphetamines

Long-term health complication includes dental issues (e.g., 'meth mouth').

Alcohol Withdrawal

Crucial intervention is to administer vitamin B1 (thiamine).

Signs of Abuse

Bald spots on head may suggest physical abuse.

Interventions Following Rape

Most important first step is to assess for physical injuries.

Suspected Abuse Victim

Priority action is to engage in private conversation with the client.

EPS

Sign includes tremors.

Benztropine

Primary purpose is to manage extrapyramidal symptoms.

NMS

Classic sign includes tachycardia and high fever.

Lithium

Symptoms of toxicity include tremors, nausea, and confusion.

MAOIs

Client must avoid aged cheese to prevent hypertensive crisis.

Therapeutic Communication

Example includes asking, 'Tell me how you're feeling today.'

Suicide Assessment

Assessing for a specific plan is critical in evaluating suicide risk, as it provides important information regarding intent and immediacy of risk.

CAGE

The CAGE questionnaire is used to screen for alcohol use disorder. It includes four questions: 'Have you ever felt you should Cut down on drinking?', 'Have you ever felt Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?', 'Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?', 'Have you ever had an Eye-opener (drank in the morning)?'

Goal of Modeling Behavior

Modeling behavior is a therapeutic technique where the therapist demonstrates positive behaviors that the client can emulate to develop adaptive coping strategies.

Systematic Desensitization

Systematic desensitization involves gradual, controlled exposure to feared stimuli while teaching relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.

Somatization Disorder

Somatization disorder is characterized by the presence of multiple physical symptoms (such as pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues) that cannot be explained by a medical condition.

Conversion Disorder

Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) that are not supported by medical findings but are thought to be a result of psychological stress or conflict.

Isolation (Defense Mechanism)

Isolation refers to the defense mechanism where a person separates their emotions from the thoughts or details of a traumatic event, essentially 'isolating' their feelings from the experience.

Mandatory Reporting

Nurses are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect, including child abuse, to the appropriate authorities.

Interventions for Severe Anxiety

Providing individual support, such as deep breathing exercises, can help the client regain control without disrupting the group.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives to prevent weight gain.

Delusion

Delusions are fixed false beliefs, such as the belief that others are conspiring against the individual, despite evidence to the contrary.

Hospital-Induced Delirium

Delirium often results from changes in environment or hospitalization. Reducing sensory overload and providing familiar items (e.g., family photos) can help calm the client and reduce confusion.

Nursing Diagnosis for Manic Client

During a manic episode, clients often display poor judgment and impulsivity, which can put them at risk for harm or dangerous behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The goal of therapy for PTSD is to help the client process traumatic memories in a controlled, supportive setting.

Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCA)

SSRIs typically take 4-6 weeks to show their full therapeutic effect.

Bipolar Disorder - Mania vs. Depression

Mania is characterized by elevated mood, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and risk-taking.

Psychotic Disorders - Types of Hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds, voices, or music that aren't actually present.

Nursing Interventions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Gradually reducing compulsive behaviors in a controlled way is an effective way to help clients with OCD.

Panic Disorder - Interventions

During a panic attack, the focus should be on calming the client by promoting relaxation techniques.

Nutritional Deficiencies in Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa

Clients with anorexia nervosa may have electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels.

Schizophrenia - Medications and Noncompliance

Providing education about the benefits of medication and addressing concerns can help improve medication adherence.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Technique

CBT focuses on helping clients identify and change distorted or negative thinking patterns.

Mental Health Crisis - Suicide Risk Assessment

The presence of a specific plan for suicide increases the risk significantly.

Personality Disorders - Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships.

Therapeutic Communication in Crisis Situations

This response validates the client's emotions, shows empathy, and encourages further expression of feelings.

Psychopharmacology - Antipsychotic Medications

EPS, which include tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, are common side effects of antipsychotic medications.

Exposure Therapy

A therapeutic technique used to help clients confront their fears.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy that helps clients identify and change negative thinking patterns.

Trauma-Informed Care

An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and integrates this understanding into treatment.

Avoidance Behavior

Behavior that involves avoiding reminders of trauma, which can reinforce negative patterns.

Electrolyte Imbalances

A condition where the levels of electrolytes in the body are disrupted, often seen in eating disorders.

Tardive Dyskinesia

A potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic medication use, characterized by involuntary movements.

Hyperactivity

An excessive level of activity that is often seen in mania.

Impulsive Behaviors

Actions taken without forethought, often associated with mania.

Mood Swings

Rapid changes in emotional state, often seen in borderline personality disorder.

Relaxation Techniques

Methods used to reduce stress and promote calmness, important during panic attacks.

Specific Plan for Suicide

A detailed method of how an individual intends to carry out suicide, indicating higher risk.

Client Education

Providing information to clients about their treatment and its importance for adherence.

Compulsive Behavior

Repetitive actions driven by intrusive thoughts, commonly seen in OCD.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, often leading to health complications in eating disorders.

Increased appetite

A potential symptom of various conditions, including medication side effects.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Gastrointestinal symptoms that can occur due to lithium toxicity.

Excessive thirst and urination

Symptoms that may indicate diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

Blurred vision

A visual disturbance that can be caused by various medical conditions.

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

A class of antidepressants that can cause dangerous interactions with foods high in tyramine.

Tyramine

A substance found in certain foods that can lead to hypertensive crisis when consumed with MAOIs.

Delirium

A state of confusion often triggered by environmental changes and sensory overload.

Psychotic Disorders

Mental health conditions characterized by distorted thinking and perceptions.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

A mood disorder that can occur after childbirth, characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach that teaches clients to identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns.

Severe Anxiety

A heightened state of worry that can be alleviated by ensuring a calm environment.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

A personality disorder marked by an excessive need for admiration and lack of empathy.

Psychological First Aid

Immediate support provided to disaster survivors to help stabilize their emotional state.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Signs of withdrawal that may include tremors, agitation, and increased heart rate.

Naloxone (Narcan)

A medication used to reverse opioid overdose effects.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms that reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning, such as hallucinations.

Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms that reflect a decrease in normal functioning, such as social withdrawal.