This free sample provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com 800.654.4502

Practical Nursing Series:

Mental Health Nursing

Mental Health Nursing adheres to the revised objectives

approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. This text builds
on the concepts and skills from previous courses. It focuses
on nursing for mental health, including: psychiatric care
environment, teams, and treatment; therapeutic
communication; psychopharmacology; stress, anxiety, and
Practical Nursing:
coping; addictive disorders; abuse and neglect; depression; Mental Health Nursing
impaired cognition. Mental Health Nursing is designed to 2016
teach the nursing student focused nursing skills and the Teacher Edition: HO1037
ability to apply their knowledge to prepare for the NCLEX-PN. Student Workbook: HO3037
Test Bank CD: HO8037
A test bank CD for Mental Health Nursing is also available for
purchase. To order, call
800.654.4502
Modules include: or visit
www.okcimc.com
 Introduction to the Psychiatric Care Environment
 Psychiatric Treatment Team Roles and Treatments
 Therapeutic Communication Skills/Mental Health
Concepts
 Psychopharmacology
 Stress, Anxiety, and Coping
 Addictive Disorders
 Abuse & Neglect
 Understanding Common Mental Health Disorders
 Depression
 Impaired Cognition

Copyright 2016 Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

 PRACTICAL NURSING SERIES

MENTAL
HEALTH
NU RS ING

Free Sample
TE Provided
ACHE Rby CIMC
www.okcimc.com
E DITION

Developed by the
Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
16-123456789 HO1037
 Copyright © 2016
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074-4364

Project Manager: Laurie Richison Cover Designer: Melinda Hawk

Editor: Craig Maile Formatter: Melinda Hawk

Subject Matter Expert:
Barbara Simmons, R.N., B.S.N., M.Ed., M.S.N.

Curriculum Development overseen by:

Ruth Eckenstein
J.R. Polzien
Cindy Schneider Free Sample Provided by CIMC
Lara Skaggs
www.okcimc.com
All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form
by photographic electrostatic, mechanical, or any other methods for any use including
information storage and retrieval, without written permission from the publisher. Web site
addresses were accurate and all content on referenced web sites was appropriate during
development and production of this product. However, web sites sometimes change;
the CIMC takes no responsibility for site’s content. The inclusion of a web site does not
constitute an endorsement of the site’s other pages, products, or owners. Verify all web sites
prior to use.

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education does not discriminate on the
basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or qualified handicap.

Printed in the United States of America

 TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Module 1  Intr oduction t o t h e P s y c h i a t r i c Ca r e E n v i r o n me n t

Module 2  P sychiatr ic Tr e a t me n t Te a m Ro l e s a n d Tr e a t m e n t s

Module 3  T
 her apeutic Co mmu n i c a t i o n S k i l l s / M e n t a l He a lt h
C oncepts

Module 4  P sychophar m a c o l o g y

Module 5  S tr ess, A nx i e t y a n d Co p i n g

Module 6  A ddictive Di s o r d e r s

Module 7  A buse & N e g l e c t

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

Module 8  U nder stand i n g Co m mo n M e n t a l He a l t h Di s o r d ers

www.okcimc.com
Module 9  D epr ession

Module 10  Im pair ed C o g n i t i o n
Free Sample Provided by CIMC
www.okcimc.com
 MODULE 2
P S YC H I AT R I C T R E AT M E N T
T E A M R O L E S A N D T R E AT M E N T S

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com

U
pon completion of this module, the patients with a mental health alteration and un-
student will be able to describe the role derstand the role of the nurse within the treatment
of each member of the multidisciplinary plan. The student nurse will examine the com-
psychiatric care team. The student nurse will be mon treatment modalities used in mental health
able to explain how the Diagnostic and Statistical by being able to list, state the goal of, and give an
Manual is used in psychiatric diagnosis. They will example of each.
explore the use of treatment plans in the care of
 i
Review the Learning
Objectives with the
students. Look ahead
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
to the Learning Activities in this
module and plan to introduce
1. List the members of the psychiatric care team.
them.
2. Describe the role of each of the members of the psychiatric care team.

3. Explain how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is used in psychiatric

diagnosis.

4. Explore the use of treatment plans in the care of patients with a mental
health alteration.

5. Examine the common treatment modalities used in mental health by listing

them, stating the goal of each, and giving an example.

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com

2 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

2 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S patients with activities of daily living and perform
learning
www
other tasks as delegated by the nurse.
O bj ect i v e List the members of the psychiatric
care team. Psychologists, Counselors, and link
Therapists
O bj ect i v e Describe the role of each of the Clinical psychologists have a master’s or doctoral
members of the psychiatric care (PhD, EdD, PsyD, DMH) degree in clinical psy-
team. chology. Completing four years of graduate study in
mental health disorders and their treatments allows
There are many members of the psychiatric care the clinical psychologist to practice. They perform
American Psychiatric Associa-
team. Each member has a role in assisting the patient. counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, diag- tion Website (Click on the
When the team works together, there is greater nostic testing, interpretation and evaluation. Mental Health Tab)
success with the patient’s outcome. Listed below are
the different members of the psychiatric team. Each
http://www.psychiatry.org/
Counselors or “Licensed Professional Counselors”
member provides input for the treatment plan. (LPC) are one of the mental health professionals
who provide psychotherapy. They are required to
Psychiatrist have a master’s degree in counseling or a related
field. In addition to their education, LPCs must
The psychiatrist is a licensed physician (MD or DO) obtain supervised clinical experience and must pass
specializing in, and having received advanced educa- a state licensure exam. They are able to diagnose and
tion in, the treatment of mental disorders and psychia- treat patients with mental disorders. Psychologists
try. The psychiatrist completes a 3-4 year residency typically have more extensive research training than
program. The psychiatrist is the leader of the multi- physicians.
disciplinary care team, who diagnoses mental health
disorders, conducts therapy sessions and prescribes While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum require-
medications used to treat patients with mental health ment, a master’s degree in social work or a related
disorders and/or addictions. They are able to apply field has become the standard for most social work-
biomedical and psychosocial diagnostic skills to man- ers. Social workers help patients by assisting them
age patients with physical and mental disorders. to cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with
their relationships, obtain necessary resources and
Mental Health Nurses improve problem solving skills. Social workers can
assist families with serious domestic issues and coor-
A mental health nurse/psychiatric nurse is typically dinate services to assist families in caring for loved
a registered nurse specializing in psychiatric nursing. ones with mental health disorders.

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

They coordinate the services provided by the multi-
disciplinary care team. The nurse is a leader, teacher,
and advocate within the therapeutic environment.
Occupational therapists help patients improve
their ability to perform tasks in living and working
www.okcimc.com
The mental health nurse works to provide a safe
environment for the patient. They work to regain
environments. They use individualized treatments to
develop, recover, or maintain the activities of daily
the patient’s normal level of functioning as quickly living and work skills. The goal is to help patients
as possible. Some nurses with a master’s degree or have independent and productive lives.
special certification are qualified to conduct group
therapy. Some advanced practice nurses have the
authority to prescribe medications.

A mental health nurse technician is an unlicensed

member of the multidisciplinary care team. They are
specifically trained to work with and interact with
psychiatric patients. The “nurse tech” is able to assist

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 3

Classroom Activity
Divide the class into groups. Assign each one to two members of the psychiatric team. (Such as Psychiatrist, Psychologist,
Counselor, Community Support Worker, Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Music Therapist, Art Therapist, Occupational
therapist, Psychiatric nurse) Have the groups research the roles and responsibilities of the psychiatric team members. Have
the students present findings to the class.

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 3

 Educational therapists are able to determine ef- during play time to gain insight into the child’s emo-
fective methods for teaching and training patients tions. Play is used to help the child deal with difficult
through assessing the individual’s capabilities and issues. Through play, patients can learn to socialize
creating a plan accordingly. They might assist a pedi- and improve adaptation to the outside world.
atric patient to keep up with school work or coordi-
nate continuing education for an adult patient. Recreational therapists work to motivate individuals
through incorporating recreational activities. These
Art therapists obtain specialized training in art activities may take place on or off the mental health
therapy. The art therapist’s goal is to assist the patient unit. The patients learn to relate to others during
through creative artwork to help the patient ex- group activities. These activities allow the patient to
press his/her feelings. Colors and symbols from art learn and exhibit life skills in a fun way.
can even be used to diagnose alterations in mental
health. Chaplains work to identify spiritual needs of patients
and their families. They provide necessary spiritual
Musical therapists focus on the expression of emo- support and counseling services in some cases.
tion through music, which is a universal language.
Emotions can be channeled through the musical Each psychiatric team consists of different members
outlet and produce positive behavior modification. depending on the patient’s needs. If team members
Music therapy can involve singing, dancing and play- work together, using each member’s expertise, the pa-
ing or composing a song. tient’s needs are better met. Once again, the goal of
the psychiatric team is that the patient is able to live a
A play therapist can be any provider trained in coun- successful existence as independently as possible.
seling (psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse,
social worker) who observes the patient’s behavior

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com

4 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

4 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

 Learning Activity 1
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1
Example of Scenario
and Answers
NAME
Report: Patient S. Lee is an
Introduction 82 year old female. She has
recently been admitted to
It is important to understand the role of each member of the psychiatric team. This activity is designed to
determine each member’s role in acting as a team on a psychiatric unit. a geriatric psychiatric unit
for depression. She is hard
Supplies of hearing, wears glasses, has
• Pen/pencil dentures, and recently had a
colostomy placed. She ambu-
• Paper
lates using a walker and tires
• Internet access
easily. She is isolative, makes
little eye contact, and cries
Activity
easily. She lived alone until
You will be assigned a patient with a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. You will decide the role of each this last surgery. She will be
member that is needed on the care team. Create a one-page report describing the role of each team member unable to return to her home
and the desired patient outcome.
because she is having dif-
Application ficulty performing activities
of daily living independently.
Turn in completed assignment to the facilitator or discuss with the class. Her primary diagnosis for this
unit is depression. Second-
ary diagnosis includes CHF,
HTN, and colon cancer.
• Psychiatrist: Diagnose
patient and prescribe
Free Sample Provided by CIMC medications, monitor
patient outcomes, change
www.okcimc.com medications as needed,
assist family with ques-
tions as needed
• Nurse: Assess patient for
changes and report abnor-
mal findings, promote a
trust relationship, teach
patient and family, admin-
ister medications

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 5

• Nurse Technician: Assist patient with activities of daily living, provide companionship
• Clinical Psychologist: Provide individual therapy and group therapy for the patient
• Social Worker: Assist patient and families with outside resources to assist after discharge. Discharge planning begins on
the day of admission
• Occupational Therapist: Provides individualized plan to assist the patient with ADL’s while helping the patient to
increase independence with ADL’s.
• Art Therapist: Assist the patient using creative art work to express her feelings.
• Music Therapist: Assists the patient, through music, to channel feelings. Even though the patient is hard of hearing,
music can be therapeutic.
• Recreational therapist: Assists the patient individually or through group activities to learn life skills in fun ways. An
example of this might include baking cookies
• Chaplain: provides spiritual support for patient and family members

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 5

 L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E important that these conditions be considered when
treating the mental disorder.
Ob j e c ti v e Explain how the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual is used in Table 1
psychiatric diagnosis. Axis I Clinical Psychiatric Disorders
Axis II Personality Disorders and Mental
Historically speaking, the practice of medicine Retardation
needed a classification system for mental disorders. Axis III General Medical Condition
However, it was difficult to agree upon disorders to Axis IV Psychosocial and Environmental
be included and how to group them. Additionally, Factors
the American Psychiatric Association needed a clas- Axis V Global Assessment of Functioning
sification system for gathering statistical information
and to ensure consistency.
Structured decision trees are in place to assist the
clinician in understanding the hierarchical structure
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis-
of the classification system. They are in place to assist
orders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR)
in the decision making process.
is accepted as standard for identifying psychiatric
disorders. Insurance companies require a diagnosis Decision trees are in place for the following categories:
using DSM-IV-TR criteria for reimbursement. The
DSM-IV-TR is also used to accurately communicate • Disorders due to a general medical condition
public health statistics. It is the manual physicians, • Substance-induced disorders
psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, advanced • Psychotic disorders
practice nurses, and social workers use in order to
• Mood disorders
diagnose mental illness.
• Anxiety disorders
Mental disorders are also classified by a multi-axial • Somatoform disorders
system set out in the DSM-IV and used by health-
care professionals for diagnoses and by insurance
companies for reimbursement. This manual lists
criteria for diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

Five axes are listed with findings for each diagnosis.
These axes identify clinical disorders, personality and
development disorders, general medical conditions,

www.okcimc.com
psychosocial disorders, and a rating of global func-
tioning (See Table 1). In this way, the whole patient
is treated, rather than focusing treatment on only one
aspect of the patient’s illness. Many times medical
conditions influence a patient’s mental health, so it is

6 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

Classroom Activity
Have students take the quiz for depression on Psychology Today. This will give the students an understanding of the type of
questions that are asked on the diagnosis tests for mental health disorders.
http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=1308

6 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

Most DSM-IV disorders have corresponding In- Specified behaviors can appear in differing degrees.
ternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition For example, a patient can exhibit signs of mild,
(ICD-9 codes). These codes are necessary for medical moderate, or severe depression. For a patient to have
records and billing. Information used to make a diag- a mental health diagnosis and an addiction is not
nosis comes from patient medical records, informa- unusual. This is referred to as dual diagnosis. Indi-
tion about the patient from someone else, and the viduals often use addictive substances to deal with
patients themselves. Once information has been col- mental health issues. Therefore, psychiatric patients
lected, problem areas that are most likely to contain are at high risk for substance abuse.
the patient’s diagnosis are reviewed. Some patients
may be problematic in multiple areas. Multiple items
are listed as diagnostic criteria for each diagnosis.
Typically, a certain number of criteria must be met
and must be present for a specified amount of time in
order for a diagnosis to be made.

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 7

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 7

 Learning Activity
LEARNING ACTIVITY 2
2 Answers
Answers will vary depend- NAME
ing on the depressive
disorder that is assigned to Introduction
the student.
The DSM-IV-TR is also used to accurately communicate public health statistics. It is the manual physicians,
psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, advanced practice nurses, and social workers use in order to diagnose
mental illness. The following activity will familiarize the student with the DSM-IV-TR.

Supplies
• Pen/pencil
• Paper
• Internet access
• DSM-IV-TR

Activity

Research the DSM-IV-TR criterion for depression. List the specified behaviors, the length of time they must
be observed, and how many must be observed to make a diagnosis. Make sure the specific depressive disorder
is listed.

The following should be included:

• List of behaviors
• The number of behaviors required to achieve diagnosis

Application

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

Turn in completed assignment to the facilitator or discuss with the class.

www.okcimc.com

8 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

Teaching Suggestions
Make sure to assign a specific depressive disorder and specify how the student should present the topic to the class. One sug-
gestion for presentation might include displays with information posted.

8 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

 L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E thought process, concentration, intelligence, insight,
judgment, as well as any knowledge deficits in coping
O bj ect i v e Explore the use of treatment plans
skills, or understanding of the mental health issue.
in the care of patients with a mental
health alteration. Planning
The multidisciplinary care team meets and com- Developing a treatment plan is vital to guiding the
municates throughout treatment to ensure that all necessary interventions for the patient with an altera-
areas of the treatment plan are being addressed. tion in mental health. The RN individualizes each
The nursing care plan is a vital part of the patient’s plan for the patient’s unique needs. This plan of care
treatment plan. The nurse is able to coordinate the can be modified as needed throughout the recovery/
services of all members of the care team and assist the treatment period.
psychiatrist in determining if all treatment goals are
being met. Registered nurses process data that has been col-
lected. The LPN and RN collaborate in order to
Assessment
incorporate data for the identification of appropriate
issues. This data is vital to formulating the nurs-
The assessment is important since it serves as a
ing diagnoses and interventions into the plan of
guideline for organizing and prioritizing care. In
care. The nurse can serve as a partner to the RN in
the first step of the nursing process, the nurse assists
establishing the plan of care. Short- and long-term
with data collection for use in the assessment stage
goals are stated from the patient’s perspective. This
of the nursing process. Data collection can consist
helps to keep the goals patient-centered. Treatment
of interviewing, completion of questionnaires and
should be collaborative with the patient, not done to
observation of body language and other non-verbal
the patient.
cues. Principles of therapeutic communication are
vital to making the most of the patient interview. The
Some common nursing diagnoses observed in an
use of open–ended questioning is important to best
inpatient or outpatient setting or in general popula-
explore mental status. The nurse must communicate
tion patients might include:
with empathy and be sensitive to the potentially
embarrassing subject matter of the interview. The • Anxiety

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

nurse will need to ask about previous psychiatric
treatment, medications, compliance and psychiatric
•
•
Coping
Denial

www.okcimc.com
history in the family. Data collection about adaptive
mechanisms and maladaptive mechanisms; educa- • Chronic low self-esteem
tional, occupational, and economic, levels; support • Self-mutilation
groups; culture and access to health care services • Violence — either self- or other-directed
are also gathered during the assessment. Document-
ing coping responses to physical and mental status
is performed during the assessment. This would
include sleep patterns, diet history, exposure to toxic
substances, mood, affect, interactions, perceptions,

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 9

Classroom Activities
• Divide the class into groups. Have each group identify the expected results of a mental status exam for a patient with
schizophrenia. Describe the implications for nursing interventions. Have the groups present the information to the rest
of the class and have the class provide feedback.
• Divide the class into two groups. Have each group identify results of a mental status evaluation for a patient with major
depression and for a patient with bipolar disorder. Have them describe the implications for nursing interventions. Have
each group present its information to the rest of the class and have the class provide feedback.

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 9

 Classroom Activity Implementation Evaluation

Divide the class into several The nurse may help adapt particular interventions to Short-term and long-term goals are stated from the
small groups. Have each the specific patient. They may communicate progress patient’s perspective. The patient and the patient’s
group identify the results of or regression with respect to the interventions and family/support system must be actively involved
a mental status evaluation goal achievement. The nurse should be prepared in the plan of care. The multidisciplinary care team
to explain and discuss the rationales for particular meets to discuss the patient’s progress with regard
for a patient with a person-
interventions with their patients and the patients’ to the treatment plan. Progress with short-term and
ality disorder. Have each
families. long-term goals is discussed and decisions are made
group present its informa-
based on how to best help the patient in achieving
tion to the rest of the class Priority setting is a key element. The nurse applies, goals set forth by the treatment plan.
and have the class provide as always, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to ensure that
feedback. first and foremost, basic physiological needs are be- For a patient who has been diagnosed with low self-
ing met. For instance, a comorbid medical condition esteem, a specific short-term goal might be that the
must be stabilized prior to meeting self-esteem and patient will participate in their own self-care, and
self-actualization needs. discuss with the nurse aspects of themselves in which
they feel good about. A long term goal for that same
Interventions for the suicidal patient after discharge patient might be that the patient will demonstrate
from a hospital might include that a no-suicide increased feeling of self-worth by verbalizing positive
contract is developed and signed by the patient. This statements about self and exhibiting fewer manipula-
contract would include suicide hotline numbers or tive behaviors.
instructions to report to the emergency room if a
patient becomes suicidal. Family and friends should As the nurse, you must always remember that the
not allow the patient to be left alone and hazardous goal for the patient is to live as independently as pos-
items should be removed from the home. sible, without increased risk of harm. Some patients
will be able to return home and live healthy lives
For the patient who is at risk for violence, interven- where others will never be able to live independently
tions might include: without supervision.
• Observing patient behavior

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

•
•
Redirecting violent behavior
Administering medications

www.okcimc.com
• Using restraints or isolation

As with any nursing diagnosis and medical interven-

tion, mental health interventions vary depending on
the nursing diagnosis.

10 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

Clinical Activities
• Assign the students to rotate through community health settings such as self-help groups, community clinics, and
school counselors. Have your students journal about their experience. Have students present a report of clinical experi-
ence.
• Assign students to rotate through a mental health hospital or clinic. Have students journal regarding their experience.
Have the students present a report of their clinical experience.
• Schedule a field trip to a mental health hospital. Have the students journal regarding their experiences.

10 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

 L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E are antipsychotics (Thorazine), antianxiety medi-
learning
O bj ect i v e Examine the common treatment
modalities used in mental health
cations (Xanax, Valium), antidepressants (SSRIs-
Prozac, Paxil), tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil), www
link
antimonic agents (Lithium), and anticonvulsants
by listing them, stating the goal for
each, and giving an example. (Tegretol, Depakote).

Therapeutic Communication Psychotherapy

The goal of psychotherapy is to improve the patient’s

The goal of therapeutic communication is to get the Violence Free NYC - De-
patient to talk openly about thoughts, fears and emo- emotional state and improve their ability to function
scriptions of Therapy Modali-
tions. Through therapeutic communication, the nurse appropriately in daily life with respect to relation-
ties and Philosophies
follows a process that helps the patient feel comfort- ships, work, and school. Examples of psychotherapy
include individual psychotherapy and group/family
http://www.svfreenyc.org/
able in expressing feelings and emotions. The nurse
psychotherapy.
media/research/bc_4_mod-
must recognize power struggles and manipulative be-
els.pdf
havior and learn effective communication techniques
Psychotherapy is typically performed by psychiatrists
in order to avoid losing control of situations.
and clinical psychologists. Psychotherapy may also
The patient must feel safe and secure. Although it be performed by specially trained registered nurses
is necessary to set limits and boundaries, the nurse and social workers. The patient enters into a contract
needs to focus on creating a calm and comfortable with the therapist in order to achieve problem reso-
environment. Providing positive feedback is very lution and personal growth. Other forms of therapy
important. The patient must understand what is (music, art, recreation, play) are conducted by other
expected of them, and the consequences of not fol- providers as previously discussed.
lowing the rules should be discussed and upheld. The
Counseling
nurse can assist the patient in learning to cope with
stressful or frightening situations. The goal of counseling is to assist patients in improv-
ing or returning to their previous ability to cope with
Using open-ended questions, silence, restating,
the stressors of everyday life. Licensed professional
reflecting, and communicating with empathy are
counselors, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

examples of therapeutic communication.
chaplains use counseling interventions. Examples
Psychopharmacology of counseling interventions are therapeutic com-

www.okcimc.com
munication techniques, behavior modification, stress
The goal of pharmacotherapy is to control the management, relaxation, and conflict resolution.
symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders. The
medications are typically used in conjunction with
therapy. When medications are used, it is easier for
patients to focus on therapy. Psychiatric medications
are prescribed by psychiatrists and some advanced
practice nurses. Examples of psychiatric medications

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 11

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 11

 KEY SUMMARY

• Psychiatric patients are treated by a multidisciplinary care team. There are many members of the
psychiatric care team. Each member has a role in assisting the patient. Each member must work
together to provide the greatest success for the patient.

• The nurse is a vital member of the multidisciplinary care team. The nurse spends the greatest amount
of time with the hospitalized patient and needs to be part of the psychiatric care team.

• As with any other patient, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that basic physiological needs are the
highest priority.

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-
TR) is accepted as standard for identifying psychiatric disorders.

• A certain number of diagnostic criteria must be present for a specified amount of time for a diagnosis
to be made according to the DSM-IV-TR.

• Treatment plans are formulated and followed to help patients return to a normal level of function.

• Therapeutic communication is a valuable and necessary tool while working with psychiatric patients.

• With therapeutic communication, the nurse follows a process that helps the patient feel comfortable in
expressing feelings and emotions.

• The goal of pharmacotherapy is to control the symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders.

• The goal of psychotherapy is to improve the patient’s emotional state and improve the patient’s ability
to function appropriately in daily life with respect to relationships, work, and school.

• The goal of counseling is to assist patients in improving or returning to their previous ability to cope

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

with the stressors of everyday life.

www.okcimc.com

12 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

12 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

 GLOSSARY

Art therapist: Uses art as a creative outlet to observe patient behavior and help patients
explore feelings.

DSM-IV-TR: The accepted standard for diagnosing and classifying mental health disorders.

Educational therapist: Assesses the patient’s educational capabilities and supports

learning needs.

ICD-9 Codes: International Classification of Disease, 9th edition, Clinical Modification.

It is a standardized classification of disease, injuries, and causes of death, identified
through a 6-digit number, which allows healthcare workers and laypersons to speak a
common language.

Musical therapist: Focuses on expression of emotion through music.

Occupational therapist: Helps the patient to perform activities of daily living as well as
work-related tasks.

Play therapist: Observes patient behaviors during play. Uses play as a means for
socialization and behavior modification.

Psychiatrist: Licensed physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals

with psychiatric/mental health disorders.

Psychologist: Specializes in diagnostic testing, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Recreational therapist: Uses recreational activities to improve socialization and learn life
skills in a fun way.

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

Treatment plan: Plan of care for the patient including short-term and long-term goals
that are set from the patient’s perspective.
www.okcimc.com

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • STUDENT EDITION 13

MODULE 2 • PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT TEAM R OLES AND TREATMENTS • TEACHER EDITION 13

 NOTES

Free Sample Provided by CIMC

www.okcimc.com

14 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

14 CIMC • MENTAL HEALTH NURSING