Week 10- Intro to Psych and Anxiety Disorders

What is the main goal of psychiatric nursing? How do we do this?

to keep the pt safe!

Best method = develop a trusting relationship with clients

what are the 2 no-no words of psych nursing?

1. Why

2. How

what is ethnocentrism?

the belief that your way of thinking and behaving is the only correct way

What are some effective forms of verbal communication? (7)

1. Listen attentively

2. Allow use of silence

3. Use open-ended questions

4. Clarify vague messages

5. Rephrase key pt statements and messages

6. Offer information

7. Suggest collaboration

What are some effective forms of non-verbal communication? (7)

1. Concerned facial expressions

2. Attentive posture

3. Show listening with body language

4. Friendliness

5. Openness

6. Acceptance of pt

7. Silence

Is the priority always a psychiatric disorder with psychiatric pts?

not always! Psych pts can still be in need of medical care!

What are some examples non-therapeutic communication? (11)

1. Giving advice

2. Responding to pt before they are finished speaking

3. Arguing

4. Challenging beliefs

5. Being defensive

6. Giving approval or disapproval

7. Interrogating

8. Minimizing

9. Changing the subject

10. False reassurance- “everything will be ok” ← you don’t know this!

11. NEVER ASK “WHY?”

What are some methods to reduce communication barriers with pts?

Use appropriate words for pt education

What is a good way to reduce communication barriers for a pt with a thought disorder?

use concrete topics and clarify responses

What is a good way to reduce communication barriers for a pt with a paranoid thinking pattern?

be non-threatening and do not touch pt

What is a good way to reduce communication barriers for a pt with hallucinations?

show concern but do not reinforce the hallucination → redirect pt attention

What is a good way to reduce communication barriers for a pt with delirium?

talk directly and use simple questions

What is a good way to reduce communication barriers for a pt with dementia?

Minimize distractions and use simple concise language

What is the biological theory of mental illness?

assumes the abnormal behavior is a result of a physical problem

→ seeks to understand how the brain and body interact to create memories, emotions, and perceptual experiences

→ targets the site of illness using drugs, diet, or surgery

What was the role of medication development for psych pts?

meds greatly reduce the need for hospitalization and dramatically improves the lives of those suffering from psych disorders IF THE PT IS COMPLIANT

What is the priority goal that all nursing interventions of psych nursing tend to help work towards?

reduce anxiety!

What is psychotherapy?

formal approach to talk therapy- can be long or short term

what is transference?

unconscious feeling that pt has towards healthcare workers that were originally felt in childhood for significant other

what is the goal of psychoanalysis?

encourages transference as a way to understand original relationships- helps to understand pt’s feelings

What is countertransference?

unconscious feeling healthcare worker has towards pt - strong positive or negative feelings can be a red flag! → need to have self-awareness

What is the goal of cognitive therapy? What are pts taught?

goal is to identify and change the pts negative beliefs, generalizations, and expectations

Pts are taught to identify distorted irrational thoughts and substitute positive thoughts

What is the goal of behavioral therapy?

approach relies on therapies designed to change behavioral patterns

Note there are many types!

What is aversion therapy?