Psych-Mental Health Exam 1

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters

Can affect mood, behavior, and thought processes.

Nursing relevance of neurotransmitters

Many psych medications work by altering neurotransmitter activity.

Orientation Phase

Establish trust, introduce roles, set expectations, collect data.

Working Phase

Longest phase where the patient works on problems.

Termination Phase

Review progress and prepare the patient for independence.

Self-revelation

Nurse sharing personal info—use cautiously and only if it benefits the patient.

Effective therapeutic communication techniques

Open-ended questions, active listening, clarification, reflection, silence.

Ineffective communication techniques

Giving advice, false reassurance, changing the subject.

DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used to diagnose mental health disorders.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious coping strategies.

Repression

Blocking painful memories.

Displacement

Redirecting emotions to a safer target.

Projection

Attributing one's feelings to others.

Regression

Reverting to childlike behavior.

Reaction Formation

Acting opposite of true feelings.

Stress

Any demand on the body (good or bad).

Crisis

When coping mechanisms fail.

Priority in crisis

Safety.

Stress response symptoms

Anxiety, increased HR/BP, insomnia, irritability.

Circadian Rhythms

Internal biological clock (sleep-wake cycle).

Legal Definitions

Assault: Threat of harm; Battery: Actual physical contact; False Imprisonment: Restricting movement without legal justification.

Criteria for Involuntary Commitment

Harm to self, harm to others, gravely disabled (unable to meet basic needs).

Patient Rights (Mental Health Unit)

Right to dignity and respect, informed consent, least restrictive environment, refuse treatment (with exceptions).

Admission Criteria (Inpatient Mental Health)

Acute psychiatric symptoms, safety concerns, need for intensive monitoring.

Focus of inpatient care

Stabilization, safety, medication management.

Milieu Therapy

Structured environment where everything is locked for safety.

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

Maslow's Hierarchy vs Nursing Priority

Physiological needs first (food, oxygen), safety before psychosocial needs.

Crisis Intervention Priority

Current feelings and safety take precedence.

Charting Essentials

Objective, specific, avoid judgmental language.

Mentoring a New Nurse

Role modeling, providing guidance, setting clear expectations.

Significant Others in Chronic Illness

Emotional support, improve compliance, reduce isolation.

DSM IV Axis I

Mental Disorder/Condition

DSM IV Axis II

Personality Disorder

DSM IV Axis III

Medical Problems

DSM IV Axis IV

Psychosocial Issues

DSM IV Axis V

Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

Assault

threat or attempt to injure

Battery

unlawful touching of another person without consent

Negligence

failure to take proper care in doing something

False Imprisonment

unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement (chemical or mechanical)