NCLEX: Mental Health Nursing Essentials

What is the primary purpose of using open-ended questions in therapeutic communication?

To encourage the client to share more information and express their feelings in their own words rather than providing one-word answers.

What is the therapeutic serum lithium level range for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder?

0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.

Why must a nurse supervise a client with bulimia nervosa for at least 60 minutes after meals?

To prevent the client from engaging in purging behaviors or self-induced vomiting.

Which assessment tool is most commonly used to monitor the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar).

What are the two primary legal criteria for involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility?

The individual is a danger to themselves (suicidal) or a danger to others (homicidal).

Which specific nutrient must be strictly avoided when taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) to prevent a hypertensive crisis?

Tyramine.

In therapeutic communication, what is the difference between 'restating' and 'reflecting'?

Restating repeats the main idea of what the client said, while reflecting directs the client's feelings back to them to encourage exploration.

What is the primary goal of milieu therapy in a psychiatric setting?

To provide a structured, safe, and therapeutic environment that promotes behavioral change and improves social and interpersonal skills.

What does the 'S' in the SAD PERSONS suicide risk assessment scale stand for?

Sex (Male), as males are statistically more likely to complete suicide.

What is the immediate priority goal of crisis intervention?

To return the individual to their pre-crisis level of functioning and ensure safety.