Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing notes covering eating disorders, aggression, family violence, sexual assault, neurodevelopmental disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, addiction, neurocognitive disorders, and end-of-life care.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, an intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and physical signs such as lanugo, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, amenorrhea, and constipation.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise) occurring $\ge 1\times/\text{week}$, self-worth overly tied to body shape/weight, and signs such as Russell's sign, dental erosion, parotid swelling, and hypokalemia.

Binge-Eating Disorder

An eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes with NO compensatory behaviors, eating rapidly or alone until uncomfortably full, accompanied by feelings of guilt and disgust, commonly presenting in individuals who are overweight or obese.

Refeeding Syndrome

A potentially fatal complication in severely malnourished patients resulting from reintroducing calories too rapidly, causing a sudden intracellular shift of phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, leading to severe hypophosphatemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

Russell's Sign

Calluses on the knuckles caused by repeated self-induced vomiting, serving as a classic physical indicator of bulimia nervosa.

Pica

An eating disorder involving the persistent consumption of nonnutritive, nonfood substances (such as dirt, chalk, or hair) for at least $1\,\text{month}$ that is inappropriate for the individual's developmental level.

Rumination Disorder

A feeding disorder characterized by repeated regurgitation of food that is re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out, in the absence of an underlying gastrointestinal condition.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

A feeding disorder involving food avoidance or restricted intake based on sensory characteristics (texture, smell, appearance) without body-image distortion, leading to significant nutritional deficiency.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

An SSRI that is the only FDA-approved medication for bulimia nervosa, typically administered at a higher dose ($60\,\text{mg}$) to reduce the frequency of binge-purge episodes.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

An antidepressant that is strictly contraindicated in all eating-disorder patients because it lowers the seizure threshold, posing severe risk in patients with purging-related electrolyte imbalances.

Bioneurological Theory of Aggression

A theory holding that dysfunction in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex, combined with low serotonin and elevated testosterone levels, creates a biological predisposition toward aggressive behavior.

Psychological / Social Learning Theory

A theory (by Bandura) proposing that aggressive behavior is acquired through observing and imitating violent role models and reinforced when it successfully achieves a desired outcome.

Marginal Coping (Escalating)

A state of behavioral escalation characterized by pacing, clenched fists or jaw, raised voice, and invading personal space, requiring early nursing intervention such as reducing environmental stimulation, setting clear limits, or offering PRN medication.

SANE Nurse (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

A registered nurse with specialized forensic training who conducts physical exams, collects forensic evidence under strict chain-of-custody protocols, provides trauma-informed care, and offers expert testimony in court.

Rape-Trauma Syndrome

A pattern of acute and long-term responses to sexual assault, comprising an acute disorganization phase (expressed or controlled emotional styles, somatic complaints) and a long-term reorganization phase (flashbacks, phobias, PTSD risk).

Intellectual Disability (ID)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in both intellectual functioning (IQ roughly $\le 70$) and adaptive functioning across conceptual, social, and practical domains, with severity determined by adaptive functioning.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder requiring both persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impairs functioning, present before age $12$ in two or more settings (e.g., home and school).

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A disruptive behavior disorder marked by a persistent pattern (at least $6\,\text{months}$) of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, and vindictiveness toward authority figures, without property destruction or physical aggression.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

A disruptive behavior disorder involving recurrent, sudden episodes of impulsive verbal or physical aggression that are grossly disproportionate to the trigger, non-premeditated, usually lasting under $30\,\text{minutes}$, and followed by remorse.

Conduct Disorder (CD)

A severe disruptive behavior disorder involving a repetitive, persistent pattern of violating the basic rights of others or major societal norms (aggression, property destruction, deceit/theft), serving as a precursor to Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Delirium

An acute, potentially reversible medical emergency characterized by sudden onset (hours to days), fluctuating cognitive course, impaired attention and level of consciousness, driven by underlying physiological or medical conditions.

Dementia (Major Neurocognitive Disorder)

A progressive, irreversible neurocognitive disorder marked by gradual decline in cognitive domains, intact alertness in early/middle stages, and a stable baseline relative to delirium.

Amnesia

Memory loss or impairment, particularly affecting short-term memory first in neurocognitive disorders.

Apraxia

The inability to carry out purposeful motor activities despite intact motor function and understanding.

Agnosia

The inability to recognize familiar objects, people, or sensory stimuli despite intact sensory processing.

Aphasia

Loss or impairment of language ability, encompassing expressive deficits (speech production) and receptive deficits (language comprehension).

Palliative Care

Comprehensive care provided at any stage of a serious illness focused on symptom relief and quality of life, delivered alongside curative treatments.

Hospice Care

End-of-life care focused on comfort rather than cure for patients with a terminal prognosis of $\le 6\,\text{months}$ who forgo curative interventions.

Anticipatory Grief

Grief experienced prior to an impending loss, such as when family members grieve while a loved one is still alive with a terminal illness.

Complicated Grieving (Prolonged Grief Disorder)

A persistent and intense grief reaction lasting beyond expected cultural norms (typically over $12\,\text{months}$ in adults) that severely impairs daily functioning.

Disenfranchised Grief

Grief experienced over a loss that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned (e.g., loss of a pet, ex-partner, or death by suicide/overdose).

Principle of Double Effect

An ethical doctrine justifying the administration of high-dose opioids for end-of-life pain and dyspnea relief even if it may indirectly hasten death, provided the intent is strictly symptom management and not ending life.