LVN Mental Health Nursing

Question 1

What is the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety is prolonged worry; a panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear with physical symptoms

Answer

Anxiety is a sustained emotional state while panic attacks are acute, time-limited episodes with severe physical symptoms.

Question 2

What are therapeutic boundaries in nurse-patient relationships?

Accepted Answer

Professional limits that define the appropriate scope of the relationship and protect both parties

Answer

Professional boundaries maintain therapeutic relationships while preventing exploitation or dependency.

Question 3

What is de-escalation in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Communication techniques used to calm an agitated patient and prevent escalation to violence

Answer

De-escalation uses verbal and nonverbal techniques to reduce tension: calm voice, empathetic listening, and giving choices.

Question 4

What are the warning signs of suicide?

Accepted Answer

Expressing hopelessness, giving away possessions, social withdrawal, previous attempts, and sudden calmness

Answer

Multiple behavioral changes may indicate suicide risk and require immediate assessment.

Question 5

What is the role of an LVN in medication management for psychiatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Administering prescribed psychiatric medications, monitoring for side effects, and ensuring compliance

Answer

LVNs administer medications, observe for therapeutic and adverse effects, and report findings to the supervising nurse or physician.

(LVN) Licensed Vocational Nurse Practice Test