Psychiatric Nursing Flashcards

Which assessment tool is used to screen for alcohol use disorder?

Answer: CAGE questionnaire

The CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a validated 4-question screening tool for alcohol use disorder. A score of 2 or more positive responses suggests a problematic drinking pattern requiring further assessment.

What is akathisia?

Answer: A subjective feeling of motor restlessness and inability to remain still, caused by antipsychotics

Akathisia is an extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics characterized by inner restlessness and a compelling need to move. Patients pace, shift weight, and cannot sit still. It is often mistaken for anxiety and is a common cause of medication non-adherence.

A patient has been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric unit. Which right is retained?

Answer: The right to be treated with dignity and to communicate with an attorney

Involuntary commitment restricts the right to leave but does not remove all rights. Patients retain rights to dignity, least restrictive treatment, communication with legal counsel, and informed consent for most procedures. Forced treatment generally requires a separate court order.

Which statement indicates a patient understands their diagnosis of bipolar I disorder?

Answer: 'I should take my mood stabilizer even when I feel well to prevent future episodes.'

Bipolar disorder requires lifelong mood stabilizer therapy even during euthymic (well) periods to prevent relapse. Discontinuing medication when feeling well is the most common cause of relapse. Both manic and depressive episodes carry significant risks.

What is the key nursing consideration when administering benzodiazepines to an elderly patient?

Answer: Use lowest effective dose, monitor for excessive sedation and fall risk

Elderly patients have reduced hepatic metabolism and increased CNS sensitivity to benzodiazepines, leading to prolonged sedation, cognitive impairment, and fall risk. The Beers Criteria identifies benzodiazepines as potentially inappropriate medications in elderly patients.

A patient reports feeling nervous, having a pounding heart, and sweating every time they go to a shopping mall. This is most consistent with:

Answer: Specific phobia or agoraphobia with panic

Situational panic symptoms (palpitations, diaphoresis, anxiety) triggered specifically and consistently by a particular place (shopping mall) are consistent with a specific phobia or agoraphobia. Generalized anxiety disorder is not limited to specific situations.