Mental Health Nursing Study Guide

Mental Health Nursing Study Guide 1. Mental Health Basics ● ● Definition: ○ Mental health is the ability to: ■ Recognize one’s potential. ■ Cope with normal stress. ■ Work productively and contribute to the community. ○ Traits of mental health include rational thinking, effective communication, resilience, and realistic goals. Mental Illness: ○ Disorders with diagnosable symptoms and significant dysfunction. ○ Causes include developmental, biological, and physiological factors. 2. Resilience and Mental Health ● Resilience: ○ The capacity to recover from stress or trauma. ○ Traits include optimism, competence, and mastery. ○ Essential for recovery from mental illness. 3. Factors Influencing Mental Health ● ● Risk Factors: ○ Genetics (Diathesis-Stress Model: biological predisposition + environmental stress). ○ Social determinants: income, education, housing, and family support. Protective Factors: ○ Positive relationships and access to resources. 4. Social Influences on Mental Health ● ● Legislation: ○ Mental Health Parity Act: Equal insurance coverage for mental health. ○ Affordable Care Act: Increased access to mental health services. Consumer advocacy (e.g., NAMI initiatives). 5. Diagnostic and Classification Tools ● ● ● DSM-5: ○ Standard manual for diagnosing mental disorders. ICD-10-CM: ○ Classification for mental and behavioral disorders. Epidemiology: ○ ○ Major depressive disorder: Leading cause of disability (6.7% prevalence). Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety (3.1% prevalence). 6. Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Roles ● ● ● Promote mental health through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Employ theories and research to provide care. Advanced practice roles include PMH-APRNs. 7. Trauma-Informed Care ● ● Principles: ○ Safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. ○ Addresses cultural, historical, and gender-related factors. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): ○ Include abuse, neglect, and witnessing trauma. ○ Linked to increased risk for mental and physical health issues. 8. Therapeutic Relationships ● ● Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship. Use therapeutic communication to support client well-being. 9. Models of Care ● ● Recovery Model: ○ Focus on client strengths and recovery journey. Rehabilitation Model: ○ Focus on regaining lost skills and functionality. 10. Disparities in Mental Health Care ● ● ● Barriers: ○ Financial hardship, stigma, lack of services, and discrimination. Impact of Disparities: ○ Unequal access to care, treatment, and outcomes. Reducing Disparities: ○ Culturally competent care, legislative advocacy, and education. 11. Mental Health Continuum ● ● Everyone fluctuates along a continuum from mental health to illness. Reflects daily functioning and individual experiences. 12. Mental Health Care Settings ● Outpatient clinics, telehealth, case management, and community-based programs. ● Emphasis on accessibility and holistic approaches. Study Tips 1. Mnemonic for Resilience: ○ R.O.C.: Resilience = Resources + Optimism + Competence. 2. Understanding DSM-5 vs. ICD-10: ○ DSM-5: Used in the U.S. for mental health. ○ ICD-10: Global classification system. 3. Therapeutic Relationship Key: ○ Remember T.R.U.S.T.: Time, Respect, Understanding, Support, Therapeutic communication. Psychopharmacology Nursing Study Guide 1. Basics of Psychopharmacology ● ● Key Neurotransmitters: ○ Monoamines: Dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin. ○ Others: GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine. Neurotransmission: ○ Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron. ○ They bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. ○ Excess neurotransmitters are reabsorbed (reuptake) or deactivated by enzymes. 2. Classes of Psychotherapeutic Medications 1. Anxiolytics (Anti-Anxiety Medications): ○ Examples: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam). ○ Action: Enhance GABA effects, reducing neural excitability. ○ Side Effects: Sedation, dependence, withdrawal symptoms. 2. Antidepressants: ○ Types: ■ SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine). ■ MAOIs: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine) – avoid tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, wine). ■ TCAs: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline). ○ Side Effects: ■ Serotonin Syndrome: Agitation, fever, confusion (due to excess serotonin). ■ Activation Syndrome: Restlessness, agitation. ■ Discontinuation Syndrome: Flu-like symptoms when stopped abruptly. 3. Antipsychotics (Neuroleptics): ○ Types: ■ Typical: Haloperidol (older, more EPS symptoms). ■ Atypical: Risperidone (newer, less EPS). ○ Side Effects: ■ Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Muscle rigidity, tremors. ■ Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Fever, altered mental status. 4. Mood Stabilizers: ○ Example: Lithium. ○ Side Effects: ■ Lithium Toxicity: Nausea, confusion, tremors (monitor levels closely). ■ Requires adequate hydration and sodium balance. 5. Sedative-Hypnotics: