Practical Nursing 1

Introduction

In this unit of study, you are guided in defining mental illness and mental health.  The relationship of mental status has a profound effect on physical health.  The effects of anxiety and the defense mechanism used to cope must be understood.  The nurse has a significant role in the care of clients with ineffective coping skills

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

• Respond to emotional needs of patient and family.
• Discuss coping mechanisms as seen in the performance of healthcare.
• Differentiate between mental health and mental illness.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of the various mental health disorders.
• Discuss treatment modalities for the various mental disorders.
• Recognize the potential for suicide attempts in the depressed person and initiate appropriate intervention.
• Describe treatments and resources for the addicted client.
• Describe drug seeking behaviors.
• Identify an individual in crisis and describe appropriate interventions.
• Describe the enabling personality in mental health and addictive treatment.
• Correlate Maslow’s Hierarchy with both physical and mental components of health.

Reading and Resources

Please read the following pages: Chapters 2 and 12

deWit, Susan C.  Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing, 4th edition. W.B. Saunders Company, 2014.

Review psychiatric terms on http://freenursetutor.com/

Assignments

• Complete: Readings and Resources
• Complete: Bio/Psych/Social Support Assignment
• Exam: Pre and Post-Operative Care and Bio/Psycho/Social Support