Study 01 Foundations of Mental Health Nursing with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What does mental health encompass beyond the absence of illness?
Mental health includes well-being, coping with life’s stresses, using personal abilities, and participating in relationships and community; it is more than the absence of illness.
What does behavioral health commonly include?
Behavioral health commonly includes mental health, substance use, and behaviors that affect health and functioning.
What does the biomedical model emphasize?
The biomedical model focuses on biological influences such as brain processes, genetics, physical illness, and medication effects. On its own, it may overlook personal and social context.
What does a recovery-oriented perspective emphasize?
A recovery-oriented perspective emphasizes hope, strengths, self-direction, and the person’s own definition of a meaningful life. Recovery can follow different pathways and goals over time.
What are core responsibilities of mental health nurses?
Mental health nurses promote wellness, assess needs and risks, provide care and education, coordinate with professionals, and advocate for safety, dignity, and access to care.
What should a mental health nursing assessment consider?
Listen to the person’s concerns and goals, observe behavior and functioning, and consider physical health, medications, substance use, culture, supports, and relevant history. Assess immediate safety when indicated.
How should a nurse identify needs and plan care?
Work with the person to identify priorities, strengths, desired outcomes, and realistic next steps. Seek consultation or referral when needs exceed the nurse’s role or resources.
What actions are part of providing mental health nursing care?
Build a therapeutic relationship, offer clear information and appropriate interventions, monitor prescribed treatments, and coordinate care with the person’s consent when possible.
How should a nurse evaluate and adjust a care plan?
Review outcomes with the person and ask whether the plan is helping; revise the approach as needs or preferences change.
What characterizes a therapeutic nurse–person relationship?
It is intentional, respectful, and bounded. Nurses use attentive listening, empathy, curiosity, and clear communication rather than judgment, false reassurance, or personal advice.
What is the central principle of person-centered care?
It treats the individual as a partner and tailors care to their preferences, values, culture, strengths, and definition of recovery, supporting informed choice and self-direction while addressing safety and health needs.
How does trauma-informed care guide nursing practice?
It recognizes trauma’s possible effects on trust, behavior, and safety. Nurses promote safety, transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and choice while avoiding unnecessary retraumatization.