Mental Health Nursing Flashcards
7 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 7 Mental Health Nursing flashcards as text
A patient says 'I feel like nobody cares about me.' Which LVN response best demonstrates therapeutic communication?
Answer: That must be a very difficult feeling to carry.
Reflecting the patient's feelings validates their experience without dismissing or redirecting it.
Which observation in a psychiatric unit should an LVN report IMMEDIATELY to the supervising RN?
Answer: A patient is giving away personal belongings and saying goodbye to staff.
Giving away possessions and saying goodbyes are classic warning signs of suicidal intent requiring immediate escalation.
A patient with bipolar disorder in the manic phase is talking rapidly and pacing. Which intervention is the priority?
Answer: Redirect the patient to a calm, quiet environment.
Reducing stimulation in the environment helps decrease escalating manic behavior and promotes safety.
An LVN is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who appears to be responding to internal stimuli. Which response is most therapeutic?
Answer: 'I don't hear anything, but I can see this is distressing to you.'
This response acknowledges the patient's distress without reinforcing delusional content or dismissing their experience.
A patient on a psychiatric unit is found hoarding medications in their pillowcase. The LVN's FIRST action is?
Answer: Confiscate the medications and notify the RN immediately.
Medication hoarding is a patient safety emergency that requires immediate removal of the medications and RN notification.
Which is the BEST example of a therapeutic limit-setting statement in a psychiatric unit?
Answer: 'You may have 30 minutes of phone time after attending group therapy.'
Therapeutic limits link a privilege to a positive behavior, reinforcing structure without punishment or threats.
When planning care for a patient with severe depression, the LVN prioritizes which level of Maslow's hierarchy?
Answer: Safety
Safety is the priority for patients with severe depression due to the high risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation.