lecture one mental health

Key vocabulary terms drawn from the lecture notes on cultural variation, ethics, safety, and care models in mental health nursing.

Cultural variation in mental health

Mental health concepts and presentations differ across cultures; illnesses like schizophrenia and depression may be understood and expressed differently in different regions.

Nature vs. nurture

The debate about how genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) factors influence mental health and behavior.

Unrealistic fear with compulsions (OCD)

Irrational fears that prompt ritualistic behaviors (e.g., repetitive checking) intended to temporarily reduce anxiety.

Nonjudgmental care

Providing care with respect and without judgment, recognizing patients may present with distress without personal fault.

Duty to warn

Obligation to warn or protect others at risk if a patient poses a danger (also involves notifying authorities as needed).

Seclusion

Confining a patient alone for safety; tightly regulated and with attention to rights protections.

False imprisonment

Detaining someone without proper legal authority or justification.

Straight jacket (historical restraint)

A heavy restraint device once used in psychiatry; largely outdated in modern practice.

Fictitious disorder (factitious disorder)

A disorder in which a person intentionally produces or feigns physical or psychological symptoms without obvious external rewards.

Adolescent inpatient facility

Specialized inpatient services for youths, including treatment for eating disorders and other conditions.

Synergy Model of Nursing

A framework that links patient needs with the competencies of nurses to optimize care.

Right patient, right nurse, right situation

Core principle of the synergy model emphasizing matching patients with appropriately skilled nurses for the context.

Milieu therapy

A therapeutic environment approach that supports safety, structure, and positive social interactions.

Therapeutic relationship

A professional, supportive clinician-patient relationship; avoid inappropriate self-disclosure and judgments.

Collateral information

Information gathered from family, friends, or others to inform assessment and care planning.

Revolving door in mental health care

Frequent cycling of patients in and out of treatment due to gaps in care, resources, or follow-up.

Mental health insurance coverage

Insurance policies and models that affect access to and adequacy of mental health services.

Staff safety and team communication

Prioritizing safety by knowing patient locations and notifying team members when moving in/out of rooms.

Suicide risk assessment guidelines

Protocols for evaluating and monitoring suicide risk, including interventions and documentation.