Mental Health Remediation

What are risk factors for family and community violence?

Risk Factors
A female partner is the victim in the majority of family violence, but the male
partner may also be a victim of violence.
Victims are at the greatest risk for violence when they try to leave the
relationship.
Pregnancy tends to increase the likelihood of violence toward the intimate
partner. The reason for this is unclear.
Factors that increase the risk for abuse toward a child

The child is under 3 years of age

A perpetrator perceives the child as being different (the child is the result of an unwanted
pregnancy, is physically disabled, or has some other trait that makes him particularly
vulnerable)
Older or other adults who are vulnerable within the home may suffer abuse
because they are in poor health, exhibit disruptive behavior, or are dependent on a
caregiver. The potential for violence against an older adult is highest in families where
violence has already occurred.
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing opioid withdrawal. What manifestations should
the nurse anticipate?
Opioids are a class of substances that when abused cause the CNS to be stimulated. the
intended medicinal effects are: A rush of euphoria (extreme well-being), relief from pain.
Effects of opioid intoxication are: Slurred speech, impaired memory, pupillary changes,
and decreased respirations and level of consciousness, which may cause death.
Maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes, including impaired judgment or
social functioning.
Withdrawal effects are: Abstinence syndrome begins with sweating and rhinorrhea
progressing to piloerection (gooseflesh), tremors, and irritability followed by severe
weakness, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, pupil dilation, nausea and vomiting, pain in the
muscles and bones, and muscle spasms.

A nurse is caring for a client with an anger management problem who has been
physically violent with another client. What actions should the nurse take now that the
violent episode has ended?
Suggested Mental Health Learning Activity: Abuse & Neglect
A nurse is caring for a client with Agoraphobia and is undergoing systematic
desensitization therapy. What is the goal of this client's therapy?
Systematic desensitization begins with mastering of relaxation techniques. Then, a client
is exposed to increasing levels of an anxiety-producing stimulus (either imagined or real)
and uses relaxation to overcome the resulting anxiety. The goal of therapy is that the
client is able to tolerate a greater and greater level of the stimulus until anxiety no longer
interferes with functioning. This form of therapy is especially effective for clients who
have phobias.
What are five (5) appropriate nursing interventions to implement for a client with bipolar
disorder that is in the acute manic phase?
Nursing interventions:
Focus on maintaining physical health.
Therapeutic milieu (within a mental health facility).
Medications.
Therapeutic procedures.
Client education.
What should a client's lithium level be during initial treatment of a manic episode? What
is a maintenance level range for this medication therapy? What plasma levels could result
in toxicity?
Lithium Carbonate (Lithium) is a salt that is very toxic. Each individual will have to be
titrated closely to find a therapeutic dose that works for them without side effects.
Lithium plasma levels:
Initiial tx levels: 0.4-1.0 mEq/L
Maintenance levels: 0.5-1.4
Toxic levels: 1.5-2.5

A client has been prescribed chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for treatment of a psychotic

disorder.
What lab value should be monitored to prevent agranulocytosis?
WBCs should be monitored when a patient is taking this medication.

A nurse is caring for a client with early Alzheimer's disease and is providing education to
the client's family regarding defense mechanisms the client may use to compensate for
cognitive changes. Which of the following mechanisms should the nurse discuss? Select
all that apply.
A. Denial
B. Confabulation
C. Perseveration