Mental Health & Psychiatric 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 & Psychiatric Nursing flashcards as text
A patient with schizophrenia is started on haloperidol and develops muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability. The LVN should recognize this as:
Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability.
When using therapeutic communication, which response is most appropriate when a depressed patient says, 'Nobody cares if I live or die'?
Answer: 'I care about what happens to you. Are you having thoughts of suicide?'
The most therapeutic response acknowledges the patient's feelings and directly assesses for suicidal ideation without dismissing or deflecting.
A patient with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which nursing intervention takes priority?
Answer: Provide a calm, low-stimulation environment
Reducing environmental stimulation is the priority during mania to prevent escalation of hyperactivity, agitation, and potential harm.
Which statement best describes the concept of 'milieu therapy' in a psychiatric setting?
Answer: Use of the total therapeutic environment to promote healing and recovery
Milieu therapy uses the entire therapeutic environment—physical space, staff interactions, and peer relationships—as a tool for treatment and recovery.
A patient taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, tremors, and confusion. The LVN should first:
Answer: Hold the next lithium dose and notify the charge nurse immediately
These signs indicate lithium toxicity; the LVN should hold the medication and notify the charge nurse immediately so the lithium level can be checked and treatment initiated.
The nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which behavior by the patient warrants the most immediate intervention?
Answer: Exercising vigorously in the room after meals
Vigorous exercise after meals in anorexia nervosa indicates a compensatory behavior that directly counteracts nutritional therapy and signals escalating risk.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends 3 hours each morning washing hands until they bleed. The initial nursing approach should be:
Answer: Allow the ritual while gradually working toward setting limits with the treatment team
Abruptly blocking rituals increases anxiety and can be harmful; the therapeutic approach is to allow the behavior initially while collaborating with the team to gradually set limits.