Exam 1

Question 1

What is the basic definition of mental illness?

Answer 1

A condition that affects mood, thinking, and behavior, impairing functioning

Question 2

What is a psychological defense mechanism?

Answer 2

An unconscious way to protect oneself from anxiety or uncomfortable thoughts.

Question 3

What defense mechanism is shown when a person refuses to accept reality?

Answer 3

denial

Question 4

What is displacement?

Answer 4

Redirecting emotions from a threatening source to a safer one.

Question 5

What part of the brain is known as the “emotional brain”?

Answer 5

the limbic system

Question 6

What does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) do?

Answer 6

Activates fight-or-flight response.

Question 7

What neurotransmitter is decreased in depression?

Answer 7

serotonin

Question 8

What neurotransmitter is increased in schizophrenia?

Answer 8

dopamine

Question 9

What is a major concern with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Answer 9

Risk of overdose and anticholinergic side effects.

Question 10

What food should be avoided with MAOIs?

Answer 10

Tyramine-containing foods (risk of hypertensive crisis).

Question 11

What are common symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Answer 11

Agitation, sweating, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever.

Question 12

What are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?

Answer 12

Movement disorders caused by antipsychotics.

Question 13

How are EPS treated?

Answer 13

Benztropine or diphenhydramine.

Question 14

What is the therapeutic level for lithium?

Answer 14

0.6–1.2 mEq/L.

Question 15

What is autonomy in mental health care?

Answer 15

The right to make one’s own treatment decisions.

Question 16

What is required for involuntary admission?

Answer 16

Danger to self, others, or inability to care for self.

Question 17

Define battery in a psych setting.

Answer 17

Unpermitted physical contact

Question 18

What is negligence?

Answer 18

Failure to act as a reasonably prudent nurse would.

Question 19

Can clients refuse treatment in mental health?

Answer 19

Yes, unless legally overruled for safety.

Question 20

What is the main goal of a therapeutic milieu?

Answer 20

Provide a structured, safe, and supportive environment.

Question 21

What is the priority when managing an aggressive patient?

Answer 21

safety for all

Question 22

What kind of environment is helpful for bipolar or schizophrenic patients?

Answer 22

Low-stimulus, structured, predictable.

Question 23

What is a therapeutic communication technique?

Answer 23

Open-ended questions, reflection, silence.

Question 24

Which technique should be avoided?

Answer 24

Giving advice or false reassurance, asking why questions

Question 25

Name the 3 phases of the nurse-client relationship.

Answer 25

Orientation, working, termination.

Question 26

What is an example of non-therapeutic communication?

Answer 26

Asking “Why?” or changing the subject.

Question 27

What is the difference between open and closed groups?

Answer 27

Open: new members join anytime; Closed: fixed membership.

Question 28

What is Yalom’s “universality”?

Answer 28

Realizing you are not alone in your problems.

Question 29

What are the types of crisis?

Answer 29

Maturational, situational, adventitious

Question 30

What is the nurse's first action in crisis intervention?

Answer 30

Ensure safety, then assess and support.

Question 31

Why are debriefings helpful after a crisis?

Answer 31

Promote emotional processing and prevent trauma.

Question 32

What is the highest priority for suicidal patients?

Answer 32

Safety and prevention of self-harm.

Question 33

What is the SADPERSONS scale used for?

Answer 33

Assess suicide risk.

Question 34

What are key suicide risk factors?

Answer 34

History of attempt, mental illness, substance use, hopelessness.

Question 35

What does MDD stand for?

Answer 35

Major Depressive Disorder.

Question 36

What is anhedonia?

Answer 36

loss of interest or pleasure

Question 37

What therapy uses electrical stimulation to the brain?

Answer 37

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Question 38

Why is oxygen used during ECT?

Answer 38

Due to the use of muscle relaxants and anesthesia.

Question 39

What is the difference between Bipolar I and II?

Answer 39

Bipolar I includes mania; Bipolar II includes hypomania and depression.

Question 40

What is the best communication with a manic patient?

Answer 40

Clear, firm, simple directions.

Question 41

What are early signs of lithium toxicity?

Answer 41

Nausea, tremors, diarrhea, confusion.

Question 42

Why give finger foods to manic patients?

Answer 42

they're too distracted to sit for meals—finger foods help maintain nutrition.

Question 43

What is the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 43

Physiological needs (food, water, shelter).

Question 44

What are maladaptive coping strategies?

Answer 44

Avoidance, substance use, aggression.