Mental Health Nursing Flashcards
6 cards from real LVN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mental Health Nursing flashcards as text
What is the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
Answer: Anxiety is prolonged worry; a panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear with physical symptoms
Anxiety is a sustained emotional state while panic attacks are acute, time-limited episodes with severe physical symptoms.
What are therapeutic boundaries in nurse-patient relationships?
Answer: Professional limits that define the appropriate scope of the relationship and protect both parties
Professional boundaries maintain therapeutic relationships while preventing exploitation or dependency.
What is de-escalation in psychiatric nursing?
Answer: Communication techniques used to calm an agitated patient and prevent escalation to violence
De-escalation uses verbal and nonverbal techniques to reduce tension: calm voice, empathetic listening, and giving choices.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Answer: Expressing hopelessness, giving away possessions, social withdrawal, previous attempts, and sudden calmness
Multiple behavioral changes may indicate suicide risk and require immediate assessment.
What is the role of an LVN in medication management for psychiatric patients?
Answer: Administering prescribed psychiatric medications, monitoring for side effects, and ensuring compliance
LVNs administer medications, observe for therapeutic and adverse effects, and report findings to the supervising nurse or physician.
What is the importance of milieu therapy?
Answer: Creating a therapeutic environment that promotes healing through structure, safety, and supportive interactions
Milieu therapy uses the entire treatment environment as a therapeutic tool, with structure, boundaries, and social interactions promoting recovery.