Psychiatric Skills for Non-Psych Nurses

~ Exam ~

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This test has 51 questions.

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1. Which of the following are major classifications of psychiatric drugs?

  a. Antipsychotics

  b. Antidepressants

  c. Auxiolytics

  d. All of the above


2. Antipsychotics are used to treat: (circle all that are correct)

  a. Hallucinations

  b. Severe Agitation

  c. Severe distortion of judgment.

  d. All of the Above


3. Antipsychotic drugs are selected based on drug effect and side effect profile.

  a. True

  b. False


4. Anticholinergic type side effects are immediately treated by using other medications.

  a. True

  b. False


5. There are several types of EPS (Extrapyramidal side effects).

  a. True

  b. False


6. Acute Dystonia and Parkinsonian-like side effects usually respond to anticholinergic agents.

  a. True

  b. False


7. Akathesia can easily be mistaken for increased psychiatric symptoms.

  a. True

  b. False


8. NMS (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome) is untreatable.

  a. True

  b. False


9. Antidepressant drugs work by regulating neurochemical processes in the brain.

  a. True

  b. False


10. Antidepressants are known for their rapid onset of action.

  a. True

  b. False


11. There are no known drugs which cause depression as a side effect.

  a. True

  b. False


12. When a patient is on MADI’s, it is important to notify dietary department.

  a. True

  b. False


13. The atypical antidepressants have fewer side effects.

  a. True

  b. False


14. Lithium is used to treat major depression.

  a. True

  b. False


15. When a patient is on Lithium, blood levels need to be drawn to monitor lithium levels.

  a. True

  b. False


16. The therapeutic level of lithium varies widely from the toxic level.

  a. True

  b. False


17. Some anticonvulsant drugs may be effective in bi-polar individuals who are lithium resistant.

  a. True

  b. False


18. Today’s psychiatric unit cares for patients with multiple health care needs.

  a. True

  b. False


19. Coping skills development is a lifelong process.

  a. True

  b. False


20. Coping strategies are intended to enhance self-esteem.

  a. True

  b. False


21. Anger is often a reaction to feeling powerful.

  a. True

  b. False


22. Choose the correct statement regarding the DSM III R (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual)

  a. Is the product of a multidisciplinary task force within the field of mental health.

  b. Two psychiatric diagnoses which are prevalent in our culture are: Depressive Disorder and alcohol abuse or dependence.

  c. The DSM III R utilizes a multiaxial system which reflects a biopsychosocial focus.

  d. Axis #1 and #2 reflect psychiatric diagnosis, axis #3 reflects physical disorders and axis #4 and #5 reflect levels of stressors and global functioning.

  e. All of the above.


23. A crisis is a situation which overwhelms an individual’s usual, adequate coping abilities.

  a. True

  b. False


24. Grief reactions are predictable and regimented in appearance; therefore they are easy to identify and fix.

  a. True

  b. False


25. In a crisis situation, it is irrelevant to determine a precipitating event or if the patient has previously had any similar experiences.

  a. True

  b. False


26. Knowledge of resources in your practice setting and access pathways area helpful in effective handling of crisis situations.

  a. True

  b. False


27. Assaults by patients on health care providers is a grossly underreported incident.

  a. True

  b. False


28. Patients assaults on health care providers generally have little recognition of or no emotional impact on the victim.

  a. True

  b. False


29. Stress reduction practiced regularly is essential for prevention of burn-out.

  a. True

  b. False


30. Which of the following is a symptom of depression?

  a. Change in sleep pattern

  b. Frequent tearfulness

  c. Slow gait and speech

  d. Preoccupation with inner thoughts

  e. All of the Above


31. The most significant pieces of data re: suicide risk is whether the patient has a suicide plan.

  a. True

  b. False


32. Direct questions are essential in performing a suicide assessment.

  a. True

  b. False


33. Many people feel ashamed or guilty if they have suicidal thoughts.

  a. True

  b. False


34. Specificity, lethality and availability are the three major aspects of a suicide plan.

  a. True

  b. False


35. Knowledge of hospital policy is essential to deal effectively with the crisis of a suicidal patient.

  a. True

  b. False


36. No-harm contracts are too simple to be effective deterrents to suicide.

  a. True

  b. False


37. Anxiety is associated with anxiety disorders only and does not complicate other psychiatric disorders.

  a. True

  b. False


38. Buspar is the only non benzodiazepine anti anxiety agent.

  a. True

  b. False


39. Benzodiazepines dependence is highly unusual and withdrawal is a brief, simple process.

  a. True

  b. False


40. Alcohol and benzodiazepines act synergistically and taken together can be fatal.

  a. True

  b. False


41. The length of time benzodiazepines remain in the body depends on the half life of the benzodiazepine in use.

  a. True

  b. False


Alcohol withdrawal can be a serious problem in the clinical setting. Indicate the accurate statements regarding alcohol withdrawal.


42. The first signs of alcohol withdrawal may occur 6-8 hours after the last drink.

  a. True

  b. False


43. Autonomic nervous system symptoms of withdrawal may begin about 10-12 hours after the last drink.

  a. True

  b. False


44. Benodiazepines are the drugs of choice for safe alcohol withdrawal.

  a. True

  b. False


45. When high dosages of benzodiazepines are used in withdrawal, a benzodiazepine taper considering the half-life of the drug is indicated.

  a. True

  b. False


46. Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem of old age.

  a. True

  b. False


47. In the elderly, depression is often expressed through physical complaints.

  a. True

  b. False


48. Older adults are often hypersensitive to anxielytic drugs.

  a. True

  b. False


49. Natural Changes of aging slow down drug metabolism and detoxification.

  a. True

  b. False


50. Delirium and dementia are the same process.

  a. True

  b. False


51. The term senility is inter-changeable with Alzheimer’s disease.

  a. True

  b. False