Course Objectives

At the end of course, each participant will be able to:

1. Articulate two challenges which changes in health status pose to the average adult.
   
   
2. Describe two possible coping mechanisms adults employ to cope with the stress of physical illness.
   
   
3. Describe the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 3rd Edition, Revised.
   
   
4. Discuss how the DSM III R can be used.
   
   
5. List the first two axis of the DSM III R multiaxial system.
   
   
6. Describe two common psychiatric diagnoses.
   
   
7. Define a crisis.
   
   
8. Give three examples of psychosocial crisis in a general care setting.
   
   
9. Discuss the grief process.
   
   
10. List two crisis intervention techniques useful in a hospital setting.
    
    
11. Name two significant factors to assess in determining suicidality.
    
    
12. Describe a “No Harm” contract.
    
    
13. List two steps to insure safety in a suicidal patient.
    
    
14. Briefly discuss the evolution of psychopharmacology.
    
    
15. List 3 major classifications of psychiatric medications.
    
    
16. Name the major side effects associated with the three classifications of psychiatric drugs named in #15.
    
    
17. List two medications used to diminish side effects of psychiatric medications.
    
    
18. Differentiate between first and second generation antidepressants.
    
    
19. List two possible areas of concern re: use of lithium.
    
    
20. List three signs of alcohol withdrawal.
    
    
21. Name two symptoms associated with the onset of alcohol withdrawal.
    
    
22. Describe an ideal drug to treat alcohol withdrawal.
    
    
23. Discuss two adjustments seniors must make to the aging process.
    
    
24. Name the major psychiatric illness of the senior population.
    
    
25. Discuss two dangers of polypharmacy in the aging population.
    
    
26. Describe three signs of delirium.
    
    
27. Describe 3 signs of dementia.
    
    
28. Discuss three strategies for dealing with confusion in the elderly.
    
    
29. Name two community resources which can provide information re:  psychiatric conditions.
    
    
30. Describe how support groups can help family members.

Notice and disclaimers:

Medicine and Nursing are ever-changing sciences. As new information is gained, changes in treatments and drug therapies are required. The author(s), editor, and publisher of this text have used every possible reliable source in order to verify information in this text, to be sure that the information is accurate and the most current and acceptable information available at the time of publication. However, due to human error and/or changes in medical science, neither the editors nor publishers nor any other party involved in the preparation or publication of this text, warrant that the information contained herein is in every respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from use of such information. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources. For example, and in particular, readers should check the product information sheet for any drugs mentioned in this text that you administer.

This course is designed to provide nursing professionals with general information to assist in their practices and professional development. The information provided in this course is based on research and consultation with medical and nursing authorities, and is, to the best of our knowledge, current and accurate. However, this course is offered with the understanding that Nurses Research Publication is not engaged in rendering legal, nursing, or other professional advice. This course is not a substitute for seeking professional advice or conducting individual research. In applying the information provided in this course to individual circumstances, all recommendations must be considered in light of the unique circumstances of each situation.

This course book is intended solely for individual use, and not for the benefit of providing advice or recommendations to third parties. Nurses Research Publication disclaims any responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting from the failure to seek medical, nursing, or other professional advice, or to conduct independent research. Nurses Research Publication further disclaims any responsibility for updating or revising any programs or publications presented, published, distributed or sponsored by Nurses Research Publication unless otherwise agreed to as part of an individual purchase contract.

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