Mental Health Nursing
Core concepts
Mental health questions test therapeutic communication, safety, and psychiatric emergencies. Know suicide risk assessment (direct questions about intent and plan are appropriate; ask directly), priority of safety (remove harmful objects, maintain observation), and signs of withdrawal (delirium tremens: tremor, agitation, hallucinations - a medical emergency). Understand therapeutic communication techniques (open-ended questions, reflection, silence) versus nontherapeutic ones (giving advice, false reassurance, changing the subject). Recognize symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, and mania. Know that restraints are a last resort requiring an order, monitoring, and documentation.
Traps
Questions often ask what to say next. Choose responses that explore the client's feelings rather than give advice or reassurance. For safety questions, the correct answer usually protects the client from harm first, ahead of teaching or rapport-building.
Rule of thumb
When a client expresses suicidal ideation, ask directly about intent and plan and ensure safety - do not avoid the topic.
Worked example
A client says, "I don't see the point anymore." Best response: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" - a direct, caring question that assesses risk.