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 with OCD spends 3 hours per day washing their hands. The LVN's INITIAL approach should be?
Answer: Allow the ritual while collaborating with the treatment team to gradually reduce it.
Abruptly blocking compulsive rituals increases anxiety; the treatment team uses a gradual, structured approach to reduce them safely.
Which cluster of behaviors is MOST characteristic of the acute phase of schizophrenia?
Answer: Grandiose delusions and auditory hallucinations
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia — including hallucinations and delusions — are hallmarks of the acute phase.
When caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa, the LVN monitors MOST closely for which life-threatening complication?
Answer: Electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia
Severe restriction and purging behaviors deplete potassium and other electrolytes, causing life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
A patient with PTSD becomes acutely agitated after a loud noise triggers a flashback. The LVN's BEST initial response is?
Answer: Remain calm, speak softly, and stay with the patient.
A calm presence and a quiet, reassuring tone help ground the patient and interrupt the flashback response.
Which statement by a patient with borderline personality disorder BEST demonstrates improved coping skills?
Answer: 'I called my therapist when I noticed I was starting to feel out of control.'
Reaching out to the therapist proactively shows use of healthy coping strategies and distress tolerance skills.
A patient with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated and confused every evening. The LVN's BEST intervention for this 'sundowning' behavior is?
Answer: Provide a calm, well-lit environment and maintain familiar routines.
Consistent routines and adequate lighting reduce the disorientation and anxiety that trigger sundowning behavior.
A patient with major depressive disorder who had been withdrawn says 'I finally feel at peace — I've made my decision.' The LVN's PRIORITY action is?
Answer: Recognize this as a possible sign of suicidal decision and notify the RN immediately.
Sudden calmness in a depressed patient often indicates they have decided to act on a suicide plan, which is an emergency.