Chapter 01: Science and the Therapeutic Use of Self in Psychiatric Mental Health

Nursing

Varcarolis: Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication

Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which outcome, focused on recovery, would be expected in the plan of care for a patient

living in the community and diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness? Within 3

months, the patient will demonstrate what behavior?

a. Denying suicidal ideation

b. Reporting a sense of well-being

c. Taking medications as prescribed

d. Attending clinic appointments on time

ANS: B

Recovery emphasizes managing symptoms, reducing psychosocial disability, and improving

role performance. The goal of recovery is to empower the individual with mental illness to

achieve a sense of meaning and satisfaction in life and to function at the highest possible level

of wellness. The incorrect options focus on the classic medical model rather than recovery.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)

TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification

MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance

2. A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asks for a

divorce. Select the nurse’s most caring comment.

a. “Let’s discuss healthy means of coping when you have suicidal feelings.”

b. “I understand why you’re so depressed. When I got divorced, I was devastated

too.”

c. “You should forget about your marriage and move on with your life.”

d. “How did you get so depressed that hospitalization was necessary?”

ANS: A

The nurse’s communication should evidence caring and a commitment to work with the

patient. This commitment lets the patient know the nurse will help. Probing and advice are not

helpful for therapeutic interventions.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying)

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

3. In the shift-change report, an off-going nurse criticizes a patient who wears extremely heavy

makeup. Which comment by the nurse who receives the report best demonstrates advocacy?

a. “This is a psychiatric hospital, so we expect our patients to behave bizarrely.”

b. “Let’s all show acceptance of this patient by wearing lots of makeup too.”

c. “Your comments are inconsiderate and inappropriate. Keep the report objective.”

d. “Our patients need our help to learn behaviors that will help them get along in

society.”

ANS: D