Mental Health and Mental Illness

An experienced nurse says to a new graduate, "When you've practiced as long as I have, you instantly know how to take care of psychotic patients." What information should the new graduate consider when analyzing this comment? Select all that apply. a. The experienced nurse may have lost sight of patients' individuality, which may compromise the integrity of practice. b. New research findings should be integrated continuously into a nurse's practice to provide the most effective care. c. Experience provides mental health nurses with the essential tools and skills needed for effective professional practice. d. Experienced psychiatric nurses have learned the best ways to care for mentally ill patients through trial and error. e. An intuitive sense of patients' needs guides effective psychiatric nurses.

A, B

Which findings are signs of a person who is mentally healthy? Select all that apply. a. Says, "I have some weaknesses, but I feel I'm important to my family and friends." b. Adheres strictly to religious beliefs of parents and family of origin. c. Spends all holidays alone watching old movies on television. d. Considers past experiences when deciding about the future. e. Experiences feelings of conflict related to changing jobs.

A, D, E

A 4-year-old grabs toys from siblings and says, "I want that now!" The siblings cry, and the child's parent becomes upset with the behavior. According to Freudian theory, this behavior is a product of impulses originating in which system of the personality? a. Id b. Ego c. Superego d. Preconscious

A. Id

A patient would benefit from therapy in which peers as well as staff have a voice in determining patients' privileges and psychoeducational topics. Which approach would be best? a. Milieu therapy b. Cognitive therapy c. Short-term dynamic therapy d. Systematic desensitization

A. Milieu therapy

Which patient is the best candidate for brief psychodynamic therapy? a. An accountant with a loving family and successful career who was involved in a short extramarital affair b. An adult with a long history of major depression who was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) c. A woman with a history of borderline personality disorder who recently cut both wrists d. An adult male recently diagnosed with anorexia nervosa

A. an accountant with a loving family and successful career who was involved in a short extramarital affair

A nurse and patient discuss a problem the patient has kept secret for many years. Afterward the patient says, "I feel so relieved that I finally told somebody." Which term best describes the patient's feeling? a. Catharsis b. Superego c. Cognitive distortion d. Counter-transference

A. catharsis

A patient is suspicious and frequently manipulates others. To which psychosexual stage do these traits relate? a. Oral b. Anal c. Phallic d. Genital

A. oral

Which technique is most applicable to aversion therapy? a. Punishment b. Desensitization c. Role modeling d. Positive reinforcement

A. punishment

A nurse uses Maslow's hierarchy of needs to plan care for a patient with mental illness. Which problem will receive priority? The patient: a. refuses to eat or bathe. b. reports feelings of alienation from family. c. is reluctant to participate in unit social activities. d. is unaware of medication action and side effects.

A. refuses to eat or bathe

A patient repeatedly stated, "I'm stupid." Which statement by that patient would show progress resulting from cognitive behavioral therapy? a. "Sometimes I do stupid things." b. "Things always go wrong for me." c. "I always fail when I try new things." d. "I'm disappointed in my lack of ability."

A. sometimes I do stupid t hings

Consider this comment from a therapist: "The patient is homosexual but has kept this preference secret. Severe anxiety and depression occur when the patient anticipates family reactions to this sexual orientation." Which perspective is evident in the speaker? a. Theory of interpersonal relationships b. Classical conditioning theory c. Psychosexual theory d. Behaviorism theory

A. theory of interpersonal relationships

A patient says, "All my life I've been surrounded by stupidity. Everything I buy breaks because the entire American workforce is incompetent." This patient is experiencing a: a. self-esteem deficit. b. cognitive distortion. c. deficit in motivation. d. deficit in love and belonging.

B. cognitive distortion

A patient in the emergency department says, "Voices say someone is stalking me. They want to kill me because I developed a cure for cancer. I have a knife and will stab anyone who is a threat." Which aspects of the patient's mental health have the greatest and most immediate concern to the nurse? Select all that apply. a. Happiness b. Appraisal of reality c. Control over behavior d. Effectiveness in work e. Healthy self-concept

B, C, E

Which patient statement would lead the nurse to suspect unsuccessful completion of the developmental task of infancy? a. "I have very warm and close friendships." b. "I'm afraid to allow anyone to really get to know me." c. "I'm always absolutely right, so don't bother saying more." d. "I'm ashamed that I didn't do things correctly in the first place."

B. I'm afraid to allow anyone to really get to know me

The parent of a child diagnosed with schizophrenia tearfully asks the nurse, "What could I have done differently to prevent this illness?" Select the nurse's best response. a. "Although schizophrenia results from impaired family relationships, try not to feel guilty. No one can predict how a child will respond to parental guidance." b. "Schizophrenia is a biological illness resulting from changes in how the brain and nervous system function. You are not to blame for your child's illness." c. "There is still hope. Changing your parenting style can help your child learn to cope effectively with the environment." d. "Most mental illnesses result from genetic inheritance. Your genes are more at fault than your parenting."

B. Schizophrenia is a biological illness resulting from changes in how the brain and nervous system function. You are not to blame for your child's illness

A 26-month-old displays negative behavior, refuses toilet training, and often says, "No!" Which stage of psychosexual development is evident? a. Oral b. Anal c. Phallic d. Genital

B. anal

A student nurse says, "I don't need to interact with my patients. I learn what I need to know by observation." An instructor can best interpret the nursing implications of Sullivan's theory to this student by responding: a. "Interactions are required in order to help you develop therapeutic communication skills." b. "Nurses cannot be isolated. We must interact to provide patients with opportunities to practice interpersonal skills." c. "Observing patient interactions will help you formulate priority nursing diagnoses and appropriate interventions." d. "It is important to pay attention to patients' behavioral changes, because these signify adjustments in personality."

B. nurses cannot be isolated. We must interact to provide patients with opportunities to practice interpersonal skills.

A patient says, "I always feel good when I wear a size 2 petite." Which type of cognitive distortion is evident? a. Disqualifying the positive b. Overgeneralization c. Catastrophizing d. Personalization

B. overgeneralization

A patient had psychotherapy weekly for 5 months. The therapist used free association, dream analysis, and facilitated transference to help the patient understand conflicts and foster change. Select the term that applies to this method. a. Rational-emotive behavior therapy b. Psychodynamic psychotherapy c. Cognitive-behavioral therapy d. Operant conditioning

B. psychodynamic psychotherapy

A patient is fearful of riding on elevators. The therapist first rides an escalator with the patient. The therapist and patient then stand in an elevator with the door open for five minutes and later with the elevator door closed for five minutes. Which technique has the therapist used? a. Classic psychoanalytic therapy b. Systematic desensitization c. Rational emotive therapy d. Biofeedback

B. systematic desensitization

A parent says, "My 2-year-old child refuses toilet training and shouts 'No!' when given directions. What do you think is wrong?" Select the nurse's best reply. a. "Your child needs firmer control. It is important to set limits now." b. "This is normal for your child's age. The child is striving for independence." c. "There may be developmental problems. Most children are toilet trained by age 2." d. "Some undesirable attitudes are developing. A child psychologist can help you develop a plan."

B. this is normal for your child's age. The child is striving for independence

A patient says to the nurse, "My father has been dead for over 10 years, but talking to you is almost as comforting as the talks he and I had when I was a child." Which term applies to the patient's comment? a. Superego b. Transference c. Reality testing d. Counter-transference

B. transference

A nurse influenced by Peplau's interpersonal theory works with an anxious, withdrawn patient. Interventions should focus on: a. rewarding desired behaviors. b. use of assertive communication. c. changing the patient's self-concept. d. administering medications to relieve anxiety

B. use of assertive communication

A nurse consistently encourages patient to do his or her own activities of daily living (ADLs). If the patient is unable to complete an activity, the nurse helps until the patient is once again independent. This nurse's practice is most influenced by which theorist? a. Betty Neuman b. Patricia Benner c. Dorothea Orem d. Joyce Travelbee

C. Dorothea Orem

An adult says, "I never know the answers," and "My opinion doesn't count." Which psychosocial crisis was unsuccessfully resolved for this adult? a. Initiative versus guilt b. Trust versus mistrust c. Autonomy versus shame and doubt d. Generativity versus self-absorption

C. autonomy versus shame and doubt

A psychotherapist works with an anxious, dependent patient. Which strategy is most consistent with psychoanalytic psychotherapy? a. Identifying the patient's strengths and assets b. Praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation c. Focusing on feelings developed by the patient toward the therapist d. Providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence

C. focusing on feelings developed by the patient toward the therapist

Operant conditioning is part of the treatment plan to encourage speech in a child who is nearly mute. Which technique applies? a. Encourage the child to observe others talking. b. Include the child in small group activities. c. Give the child a small treat for speaking. d. Teach the child relaxation techniques.

C. give the child a small treat for speaking

The parent of a 4-year-old rewards and praises the child for helping a younger sibling, being polite, and using good manners. The nurse supports this use of praise related to these behaviors. These qualities are likely to be internalized and become part of which system of the personality? a. Id b. Ego c. Superego d. Preconscious

C. superego

A college student received an invitation to attend the wedding of a close friend who lives across the country. The student is afraid of flying. Which type of therapy would be most helpful for this patient? a. Psychoanalysis b. Milieu therapy c. Systematic desensitization d. Short-term dynamic therapy

C. systematic desensitization

A 26-month-old displays negative behavior, refuses toilet training, and often says, "No!" Which psychosocial crisis is evident? a. Trust versus mistrust b. Initiative versus guilt c. Industry versus inferiority d. Autonomy versus shame and doubt

D. autonomy versus shame and doubt

A nurse listens to a group of recent retirees. One says, "I volunteer with Meals on Wheels, coach teen sports, and do church visitation." Another laughs and says, "I'm too busy taking care of myself to volunteer to help others." Which developmental task do these statements contrast? a. Trust and mistrust b. Intimacy and isolation c. Industry and inferiority d. Generativity and self-absorption

D. generativity and self-absorption

A person says, "I was the only survivor in a small plane crash. Three business associates died. I got depressed and saw a counselor twice a week for 4 weeks. We talked about my feelings related to being a survivor, and I'm better now." Which type of therapy was used? a. Milieu therapy b. Psychoanalysis c. Behavior modification d. Interpersonal psychotherapy

D. interpersonal psychotherapy

Which comment best indicates a patient is self-actualized? a. "I have succeeded despite a world filled with evil." b. "I have a plan for my life. If I follow it, everything will be fine." c. "I'm successful because I work hard. No one has ever given me anything." d. "My favorite leisure is walking on the beach, hearing soft sounds of rolling waves."

D. my favorite leisure is walking on the beach, hearing soft sounds of rolling waves

A patient expresses a desire to be cared for by others and often behaves in a helpless fashion. Which stage of psychosexual development is most relevant to the patient's needs? a. Latency b. Phallic c. Anal d. Oral

D. oral

Although ego defense mechanisms and security operations are mainly unconscious and designed to relieve anxiety, the major difference is that: a. defense mechanisms are intrapsychic and not observable. b. defense mechanisms cause arrested personal development. c. security operations are masterminded by the id and superego. d. security operations address interpersonal relationship activities.

D. security operations address interpersonal relationship activities.

A nurse supports a parent for praising a child behaving in a helpful way. When this child behaves with politeness and helpfulness in adulthood, which feeling will most likely result? a. Guilt b. Anxiety c. Humility d. Self-esteem

D. self-esteem

In the majority culture of the United States, which individual has the greatest risk to be labeled mentally ill? One who: a. describes hearing God's voice speaking. b. is usually pessimistic but strives to meet personal goals. c. is wealthy and gives away $20 bills to needy individuals. d. always has an optimistic viewpoint about life and having own needs met.

a. describes hearing God's voice speaking.

A nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team working with groups of depressed patients. Half the patients receive supportive interventions and antidepressant medication. The other half receives only medication. The team measures outcomes for each group. Which type of study is evident? a. Incidence b. Prevalence c. Co-morbidity d. Clinical epidemiology =

d. Clinical epidemiology

Which finding best indicates that the goal "Demonstrate mentally healthy behavior" was achieved? A patient: a. sees self as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands. b. behaves without considering the consequences of personal actions. c. aggressively meets own needs without considering the rights of others. d. seeks help from others when assuming responsibility for major areas of own life.

a. sees self as capable of achieving ideals and meeting demands.

When a nursing student expresses concerns about how mental health nurses "lose all their nursing skills," the best response by the mental health nurse is: a. "Psychiatric nurses practice in safer environments than other specialties. Nurse-to-patient ratios must be better because of the nature of the patients' problems." b. "Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills as well as critical thinking to solve multidimensional problems. I am challenged by those situations." c. "That's a misconception. Psychiatric nurses frequently use high technology monitoring equipment and manage complex intravenous therapies." d. "Psychiatric nurses do not have to deal with as much pain and suffering as medical-surgical nurses do. That appeals to me."

b. "Psychiatric nurses use complex communication skills as well as critical thinking to solve multidimensional problems. I am challenged by those situations."

Which component of treatment of mental illness is specifically recognized by Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)? a. All genomes are unique. b. Care is centered on the patient. c. Healthy development is vital to mental health. d. Recovery occurs on a continuum from illness to health.

b. Care is centered on the patient.

A nurse encounters an unfamiliar psychiatric disorder on a new patient's admission form. Which resource should the nurse consult to determine criteria used to establish this diagnosis? a. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) b. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) c. A behavioral health reference manual d. Wikipedia

b. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

A nurse wants to find a description of diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Which resource would have the most complete information? a. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) b. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) c. The ANA's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice d. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10)

b. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

A staff nurse completes orientation to a psychiatric unit. This nurse may expect an advanced practice nurse to perform which additional intervention? a. Conduct mental health assessments. b. Prescribe psychotropic medication. c. Establish therapeutic relationships. d. Individualize nursing care plans.

b. Prescribe psychotropic medication.

Complete this analogy. NANDA: clinical judgment: NIC: _________________ a. patient outcomes b. nursing actions c. diagnosis d. symptoms \

b. nursing actions

Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that a patient may be experiencing a mental illness? The patient: a. reports occasional sleeplessness and anxiety. b. reports a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood. c. is able to describe the difference between "as if" and "for real." d. perceives difficulty making a decision about whether to change jobs.

b. reports a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood.

The spouse of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "I don't understand how events from childhood have anything to do with this disabling illness." Which response by the nurse will best help the spouse understand the cause of this disorder? a. "Psychological stress is the basis of most mental disorders." b. "This illness results from developmental factors rather than stress." c. "Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis." d. "It must be frustrating for you that your spouse is sick so much of the time."

c. "Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis."

When a new bill introduced in Congress reduces funding for care of persons with mental illness, a group of nurses writes letters to their elected representatives in opposition to the legislation. Which role have the nurses fulfilled? a. Recovery b. Attending c. Advocacy d. Evidence-based practice

c. Advocacy

A category 5 tornado occurred in a community of 400 people resulting in destruction of many homes and businesses. In the 2 years after this disaster, 140 individuals were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which term best applies to these newly diagnosed cases? a. Prevalence b. Co-morbidity c. Incidence d. Parity

c. Incidence

Which disorder is a culture-bound syndrome? a. Epilepsy b. Schizophrenia c. Running amok d. Major depression

c. Running amok

Which comment best indicates that a patient perceived the nurse was caring? "My nurse: a. always asks me which type of juice I want to help me swallow my medication." b. explained my treatment plan to me and asked for my ideas about how to make it better." c. spends time listening to me talk about my problems. That helps me feel like I am not alone." d. told me that if I take all the medicines the doctor prescribes, then I will get discharged sooner."

c. spends time listening to me talk about my problems. That helps me feel like I am not alone."

Select the best response for the nurse who receives a question from another health professional seeking to understand the difference between a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnosis and a nursing diagnosis. a. "There is no functional difference between the two. Both identify human disorders." b. "The DSM-5 diagnosis disregards culture, whereas the nursing diagnosis takes culture into account. c. The DSM-5 diagnosis describes causes of disorders whereas a nursing diagnosis does not explore etiology." d. "The DSM-5 diagnosis guides medical treatment, whereas the nursing diagnosis offers a framework for identifying interventions for issues a patient is experiencing."

d. "The DSM-5 diagnosis guides medical treatment, whereas the nursing diagnosis offers a framework for identifying interventions for issues a patient is experiencing."

A citizen at a community health fair asks the nurse, "What is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States?" Select the nurse's best response. a. Schizophrenia b. Bipolar disorder c. Dissociative fugue d. Alzheimer's disease

d. Alzheimer's disease

Which belief will best support a nurse's efforts to provide patient advocacy during a multidisciplinary patient care planning session? a. All mental illnesses are culturally determined. b. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are cross-cultural disorders. c. Symptoms of mental disorders are unchanged from culture to culture. d. Assessment findings in mental disorders reflect a person's cultural patterns.

d. Assessment findings in mental disorders reflect a person's cultural patterns.

A patient's relationships are intense and unstable. The patient initially idealizes the significant other and then devalues him or her, resulting in frequent feelings of emptiness. This patient will benefit from interventions to develop which aspect of mental health? a. Effectiveness in work b. Communication skills c. Productive activities d. Fulfilling relationships

d. Fulfilling relationships

Which nursing intervention below is part of the scope of an advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurse only? a. Coordination of care b. Health teaching c. Milieu therapy d. Psychotherapy

d. Psychotherapy

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies: a. deviant behaviors. b. present disability or distress. c. people with mental disorders. d. mental disorders people have.

d. mental disorders people have.

Which individual is demonstrating the highest level of resilience? One who: a. is able to repress stressors. b. becomes depressed after the death of a spouse. c. lives in a shelter for two years after the home is destroyed by fire. d. takes a temporary job to maintain financial stability after loss of a permanent job.

d. takes a temporary job to maintain financial stability after loss of a permanent job.

A college student said, "Most of the time I'm happy and feel good about myself. I have learned that what I get out of something is proportional to the effort I put into it." Which number on this mental health continuum should the nurse select? Mental Illness 1 2 Mental Health 3 4 5 a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4 e. 5

e. 5