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Mental Health

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
56 views18 pages

Mental Health

Uploaded by

DEEPAN GHOSH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GNM – Mental Health Nursing

Question Paper – Set 1


Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 75

Section A – Long Answer Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

1. Define mental health. Describe the characteristics of a mentally


healthy person.
Answer:
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their
own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively, and is able to contribute to their community. A mentally
healthy person is emotionally balanced, socially active, and intellectually
sound. Such individuals can handle stress, express emotions
appropriately, maintain satisfying interpersonal relationships, and adapt to
changes in their environment. They exhibit positive self-esteem, self-
control, and a realistic view of themselves and the world around them.

2. What are the causes of mental illness? Explain with examples.


Answer:
Mental illness can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological,
psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition may lead
to disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Biological causes
include imbalances in brain chemicals or damage due to infections or
injury. Psychological factors such as childhood trauma, abuse, or severe
stress may lead to conditions like depression or anxiety. Environmental
factors, including poverty, substance abuse, and family conflicts, also play
a role. For example, someone with a family history of depression who
experiences prolonged unemployment and isolation may develop major
depressive disorder.

3. Discuss the role of a nurse in the care of a schizophrenic


patient.
Answer:
In caring for a patient with schizophrenia, the nurse must ensure both
physical and psychological support. The nurse should administer
antipsychotic medications as prescribed, monitor for side effects like
extrapyramidal symptoms, and ensure medication adherence. Therapeutic
communication is essential to build trust and reduce paranoia. The nurse
should provide a structured environment, minimize stimuli during
episodes, and ensure the safety of the patient and others. Educating the
patient and family about the illness, promoting social skills, and
coordinating follow-up care are also important responsibilities.

4. Explain the classification of mental disorders as per ICD-10.


Answer:
The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision)
classifies mental disorders under the codes F00 to F99. Key categories
include:

 F00–F09: Organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders (e.g.,


dementia)

 F10–F19: Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive


substance use

 F20–F29: Schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders

 F30–F39: Mood (affective) disorders, such as depression and bipolar


disorder

 F40–F48: Neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders

 F60–F69: Disorders of adult personality and behavior


These classifications help in diagnosis, treatment planning, and
record-keeping.

5. Define depression. Write its causes, signs, and nursing care.


Answer:
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of
interest in activities, and a range of emotional and physical symptoms
that interfere with daily functioning. Causes include genetic factors,
biochemical imbalances, chronic medical conditions, and psychosocial
stressors. Signs include low mood, fatigue, sleep disturbances, poor
concentration, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts. Nursing
care involves establishing a trusting relationship, encouraging verbal
expression of feelings, promoting self-care and hygiene, monitoring for
suicidal behavior, ensuring medication compliance, and involving family in
the care process.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 Marks)


1. What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Answer:
ECT is a medical treatment for severe psychiatric conditions, especially
depression and schizophrenia, where electrical currents are passed
through the brain to induce a brief seizure. It is used when other
treatments have failed or when rapid response is needed. Nurses must
prepare the patient, obtain consent, ensure fasting before the procedure,
monitor vital signs, and provide reassurance post-treatment, as confusion
or memory loss may occur.

2. List five common symptoms of anxiety.


Answer:
Common symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, increased heart rate,
rapid breathing, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. Patients may also
report a feeling of impending doom or excessive worry. Nurses should help
the patient recognize triggers and teach relaxation techniques like deep
breathing and guided imagery.

3. Mention the rights of mentally ill patients.


Answer:
Mentally ill patients have several rights, including the right to humane and
dignified treatment, the right to informed consent, confidentiality of their
medical records, protection from abuse, and the right to receive or refuse
treatment unless legally mandated. Nurses must advocate for these rights
and ensure that patients are treated ethically and respectfully.

4. What are the types of admission in a mental health facility?


Answer:
Admissions can be voluntary (where the patient consents to treatment) or
involuntary (when the patient is admitted without consent due to risk to
self or others, under mental health legislation). Emergency admission and
observation admission are also possible. Nurses must document
admission details carefully and assess the patient's mental status.

5. Write the nursing interventions for a suicidal patient.


Answer:
Nursing interventions include ensuring constant supervision and safety,
removing harmful objects from the environment, establishing a
therapeutic relationship, encouraging the patient to express feelings,
monitoring mood and behavior, and informing the healthcare team of any
changes. Involving family and referring to a counselor or psychiatrist are
also critical steps.

Question Paper – Set 2


Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 75

Section A – Long Answer Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

1. Define schizophrenia. Write the signs, symptoms, and nursing


management.
Answer:
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distorted
thinking, perceptions, emotions, language, and behavior. Symptoms are
categorized into positive (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech),
negative (lack of emotion, social withdrawal, poor motivation), and
cognitive symptoms (poor concentration, memory issues).
Nursing management includes administering prescribed antipsychotics,
maintaining a calm and structured environment, using simple and clear
communication, avoiding confrontation during delusions or hallucinations,
and providing social skills training. Family education and rehabilitation are
also important to promote long-term recovery and social integration.

2. Explain the role of a nurse in managing a manic patient.


Answer:
Mania is a state of elevated mood, increased activity, and exaggerated
self-esteem. A nurse caring for a manic patient must prioritize safety due
to the risk of impulsive behavior. The environment should be low-stimulus
to reduce hyperactivity. The nurse should encourage rest and nutrition, as
manic patients often neglect both. Short and firm instructions help
manage behavior. Monitoring for medication side effects, especially mood
stabilizers like lithium, is essential. The nurse should also involve the
family in care planning and provide health education about the illness and
relapse prevention.
3. Describe various defense mechanisms used in mental illness.
Answer:
Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies used to
cope with reality and maintain self-image. Common mechanisms include:

 Denial: Refusing to accept reality (e.g., a patient refusing to believe


they have schizophrenia).

 Projection: Attributing one’s own feelings to others (e.g., saying


others are angry when they themselves are angry).

 Repression: Blocking painful memories from awareness.

 Regression: Reverting to earlier behaviors (e.g., an adult acting


childishly under stress).

 Rationalization: Justifying unacceptable behavior with logical


reasons.
Understanding these helps nurses communicate more effectively
and provide psychological support.

4. What is anxiety disorder? Discuss its classification and nursing


care.
Answer:
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition marked by excessive fear,
worry, and related behavioral disturbances. Types include:

 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive


worry.

 Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear.

 Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations.

 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts and


behaviors.

 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Following traumatic


events.
Nursing care involves assessing the level of anxiety, offering
reassurance, encouraging expression of feelings, teaching relaxation
techniques, administering anxiolytics as prescribed, and providing a
structured routine to promote coping.

5. Explain the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric nursing.


Answer:
A therapeutic relationship is a professional bond between nurse and
patient aimed at promoting mental health. It is based on trust, respect,
empathy, and confidentiality. The phases include:

 Orientation: Establishing rapport and setting goals.

 Working: Implementing care plans and promoting behavior change.

 Termination: Ending the relationship after goals are met.


The nurse must maintain boundaries, listen actively, provide
emotional support, and empower the patient to become more
independent. This relationship is essential for effective psychiatric
care.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 Marks)

1. What is the difference between neurosis and psychosis?


Answer:
Neurosis refers to minor mental disorders without loss of reality, like
anxiety or phobias. Psychosis involves a major mental disturbance with
loss of contact with reality, such as schizophrenia or severe bipolar
disorder. In neurosis, insight is usually present, while in psychosis, insight
is impaired. Nurses should tailor communication and interventions
accordingly, using structured and supportive care for psychotic patients.

2. List the types of hallucinations.


Answer:
Hallucinations are false sensory perceptions without external stimuli.
Types include:

 Auditory (hearing voices – most common in schizophrenia)

 Visual (seeing things not there)

 Olfactory (smelling odors that aren’t present)

 Gustatory (tasting things that aren’t there)

 Tactile (feeling imaginary sensations on the skin)


Nursing care involves acknowledging the patient’s experience
without reinforcing the hallucination and ensuring safety.
3. What is mental retardation? Mention its types.
Answer:
Mental retardation, now termed intellectual disability, is characterized by
significantly below-average intellectual functioning with limitations in
adaptive behaviors. It begins before the age of 18. Types based on IQ
levels include:

 Mild (IQ 50–70)

 Moderate (IQ 35–49)

 Severe (IQ 20–34)

 Profound (IQ below 20)


Care involves special education, skill training, and support to
promote maximum independence.

4. What is group therapy?


Answer:
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a group of patients with
similar problems meet regularly under the guidance of a therapist. It helps
members share experiences, provide mutual support, and learn coping
strategies. The nurse’s role is to observe group dynamics, encourage
participation, and provide feedback. It is effective in treating substance
abuse, depression, and anxiety disorders.

5. Write short note on mental health team.


Answer:
The mental health team is a multidisciplinary group working together to
provide holistic care. It includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical
psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and counselors.
Each team member plays a specific role, such as diagnosis, therapy,
rehabilitation, or social support. Collaboration among them ensures
comprehensive treatment and recovery for the patient.

Question Paper – Set 3


Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 75
Section A – Long Answer Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

1. Define mental health. Discuss its characteristics and


importance.
Answer:
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their
potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and
contribute to society. Key characteristics include emotional balance, self-
esteem, good relationships, stress management, and adaptability.
The importance of mental health lies in its influence on thinking, behavior,
and physical health. Good mental health helps individuals manage
challenges, build relationships, and make sound decisions. In nursing,
promoting mental health is crucial for overall well-being and preventing
mental illness.

2. What is depression? Explain its symptoms, causes, and nursing


management.
Answer:
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of
interest, and a decline in daily functioning. Symptoms include fatigue,
poor concentration, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and feelings of
guilt or worthlessness.
Causes may include genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalance, stressful
life events, and chronic illness.
Nursing management involves providing emotional support, encouraging
verbalization of feelings, monitoring for suicidal tendencies, ensuring
proper nutrition and hygiene, administering antidepressants as
prescribed, and promoting therapeutic activities like counseling and
support groups.

3. Describe the role of the nurse in prevention of mental illness at


different levels.
Answer:
Nurses play a vital role in mental illness prevention at three levels:

 Primary prevention: Educating communities on stress


management, parenting skills, and healthy lifestyles to prevent the
onset of mental illness.

 Secondary prevention: Early identification and intervention


through mental health screening and prompt referral for treatment.
 Tertiary prevention: Rehabilitation and reintegration of mentally ill
patients into society, preventing relapses and promoting
independence through skill development.
Nurses are key agents in mental health promotion and community-
based interventions.

4. Explain the types of admission and discharge in a psychiatric


hospital.
Answer:
Psychiatric admissions can be:

 Voluntary: When the patient agrees to treatment and


hospitalization.

 Involuntary: When the patient poses a danger to themselves or


others and refuses treatment; usually approved by a magistrate.

 Emergency admission: Immediate admission without consent for


patients in acute crises.
Discharge can be on recovery, against medical advice, or through
legal intervention. Nurses assist in legal documentation, patient
preparation, and ensuring post-discharge follow-up for continuity of
care.

5. Define substance abuse. Discuss its types, causes, and nursing


care.
Answer:
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive
substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Types include alcohol
abuse, opioid addiction, cannabis use, stimulant abuse (e.g., cocaine), and
sedative misuse.
Causes include genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, and mental
illness.
Nursing care includes detoxification, counseling, promoting group therapy
like Alcoholics Anonymous, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, educating
the patient and family, and supporting long-term rehabilitation efforts to
prevent relapse.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 Marks)


1. What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Answer:
ECT is a psychiatric treatment where controlled electrical currents are
passed through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. It is mainly used for
severe depression, treatment-resistant schizophrenia, or suicidal patients
when medications fail.
Nurses prepare the patient by ensuring informed consent, fasting before
the procedure, and removing dentures or jewelry. Post-ECT care includes
monitoring vitals, orientation, and watching for side effects like confusion
or memory loss.

2. What are the causes of mental illness?


Answer:
Mental illness has multiple causes:

 Biological: Genetics, brain injury, neurotransmitter imbalance.

 Psychological: Trauma, abuse, low self-esteem.

 Social: Poverty, isolation, stressful life events.

 Substance use: Alcohol or drug addiction.


A holistic understanding of these causes allows for better
prevention, treatment, and support strategies.

3. Mention the characteristics of a therapeutic nurse-patient


relationship.
Answer:
A therapeutic relationship is built on trust, empathy, respect, and
professional boundaries. It is goal-oriented and time-limited. The nurse
maintains confidentiality, listens actively, offers emotional support, and
encourages independence. The relationship helps the patient feel safe and
supported while promoting recovery.

4. Define phobia and give examples.


Answer:
A phobia is an irrational and excessive fear of a specific object, situation,
or activity. Examples include:

 Agoraphobia: Fear of open spaces.

 Acrophobia: Fear of heights.

 Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces.


 Social phobia: Fear of social interaction.
Nursing care involves desensitization therapy, reassurance, and
helping the patient confront their fears gradually under guidance.

5. What is occupational therapy in mental health nursing?


Answer:
Occupational therapy involves engaging patients in meaningful activities
to improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Activities
may include arts, crafts, gardening, and vocational skills. It helps patients
build confidence, develop social skills, and regain functional
independence. Nurses collaborate with occupational therapists to plan and
supervise these activities.

Question Paper – Set 4


Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 75

Section A – Long Answer Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

1. Define schizophrenia. Describe its signs, symptoms, types, and


nursing management.
Answer:
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by
disturbances in thought, perception, emotions, and behavior. Patients
often have difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination.
Signs and symptoms include hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions
(false beliefs), disorganized speech, lack of motivation, social withdrawal,
and emotional flatness.
Types include:

 Paranoid schizophrenia: Dominated by hallucinations and


delusions.

 Disorganized schizophrenia: Involves incoherent speech and


behavior.
 Catatonic schizophrenia: Marked by extreme motor disturbances.
Nursing management includes establishing trust, maintaining
safety, providing reality orientation, administering antipsychotic
medications, involving family in care, and ensuring a structured,
low-stimulus environment.

2. What is therapeutic communication? Explain the techniques


used in mental health nursing.
Answer:
Therapeutic communication is an intentional, goal-directed form of
interaction that promotes the physical and emotional well-being of the
patient. It helps in building rapport and trust with the patient, especially in
mental health settings.
Techniques include active listening, using open-ended questions,
reflecting, paraphrasing, showing empathy, and maintaining silence when
appropriate. Non-verbal cues like eye contact and body language are also
vital. Nurses use therapeutic communication to assess needs, reduce
anxiety, and guide patients toward recovery.

3. Explain the rights of mentally ill patients.


Answer:
Mentally ill patients have the same human rights as others and additional
rights to protect them from abuse and ensure quality care. These include:

 Right to dignity and respect: Regardless of their condition.

 Right to informed consent: For any treatment or procedure.

 Right to confidentiality: Protection of personal and medical


information.

 Right to legal aid: When detained or undergoing involuntary


treatment.

 Right to rehabilitation: Access to therapy, training, and


community reintegration programs.
Nurses must uphold these rights and advocate for the best interests
of the patient.

4. What are the common childhood psychiatric disorders?


Describe the role of the nurse.
Answer:
Common childhood psychiatric disorders include Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Conduct
Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. These conditions affect learning,
behavior, and social interactions.
The nurse plays a key role in early detection, guiding parents,
administering medications, and coordinating with school and therapists.
Nurses also offer behavior modification therapy, encourage structured
routines, and provide emotional support to both children and caregivers.

5. Explain the concept and importance of rehabilitation in mental


health nursing.
Answer:
Rehabilitation in mental health aims to restore the functional abilities of
individuals with mental illness so they can lead independent and
meaningful lives. It involves vocational training, life skill development,
social interaction, and support systems.
Nurses assist in assessing patient strengths, setting rehabilitation goals,
motivating participation, and monitoring progress. The focus is on
promoting self-care, building confidence, and integrating patients back
into the community, thus reducing hospital readmission rates.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 Marks)

1. What is anxiety and how is it managed in nursing care?


Answer:
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear, often about an uncertain
outcome. In nursing care, anxiety is managed through therapeutic
communication, relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive
muscle relaxation, creating a calm environment, and administering anti-
anxiety medications as prescribed. Nurses also reassure the patient and
help them identify coping mechanisms.

2. Define delusion and give two examples.


Answer:
A delusion is a false, fixed belief that is not based on reality and persists
despite evidence to the contrary. Examples include:

 Delusion of persecution: Believing others are plotting harm.

 Delusion of grandeur: Believing oneself to be a famous or


powerful figure.
Nurses handle delusions with empathy, avoid arguing, and provide
reality orientation without reinforcing the false belief.

3. Mention the stages of grief.


Answer:
The stages of grief, according to Kübler-Ross, include:

1. Denial – Refusing to accept reality.

2. Anger – Expressing frustration or blame.

3. Bargaining – Making deals to reverse or delay loss.

4. Depression – Feeling sadness and hopelessness.

5. Acceptance – Coming to terms with the loss.


Nurses help patients by offering support, listening empathetically,
and allowing expression of emotions without judgment.

4. What is mania? List two nursing interventions.


Answer:
Mania is a state of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity, seen
in bipolar disorder. Patients may talk excessively, show poor judgment,
and display impulsive behavior.
Nursing interventions include:

 Providing a low-stimulus environment to reduce agitation.

 Ensuring proper nutrition and sleep by setting structured routines.


Safety precautions are also important to prevent harm.

5. What is group therapy in mental health care?


Answer:
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where multiple patients meet
regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist to share experiences
and support each other. It helps individuals feel less isolated, gain new
perspectives, and learn from others facing similar issues.
Nurses may facilitate or co-lead groups focused on topics like coping skills,
anger management, or addiction recovery.
Question Paper – Set 5
Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 75

Section A – Long Answer Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

1. Define mental health. Explain the characteristics of a mentally


healthy person.
Answer:
Mental health refers to a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-
being in which an individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the
normal stresses of life, works productively, and contributes to their
community. A mentally healthy person is generally balanced, can handle
emotions well, form healthy relationships, make realistic decisions, and
accept responsibilities. Such individuals show self-confidence, adapt to
changes, possess good communication skills, and demonstrate empathy
towards others. Maintaining mental health is essential for overall well-
being and a fulfilling life.

2. What is depression? Describe the signs, symptoms, and


nursing interventions.
Answer:
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of
sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities.
Common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in
appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Nursing interventions focus on providing emotional support, encouraging
verbalization of feelings, ensuring medication compliance, involving the
patient in activities gradually, and monitoring for suicidal tendencies. A
non-judgmental, supportive environment is essential. Nurses also educate
the family and promote social interaction and therapy adherence.

3. Describe the role of a nurse in managing a patient with suicidal


tendencies.
Answer:
Managing a suicidal patient requires the nurse to be observant,
empathetic, and responsive. The nurse must assess the patient’s risk
level, including any past attempts, current plans, or mental disorders.
Ensuring safety is the priority—removing harmful objects, constant
supervision, and providing a secure, calm setting. Nurses should establish
a trusting relationship, encourage the patient to talk, and offer
reassurance without being dismissive. Involving mental health
professionals, informing family, and documenting observations are also
part of responsible care. Educating the patient on coping strategies and
follow-up therapy is critical for long-term support.

4. What are personality disorders? Explain any two types in


detail.
Answer:
Personality disorders are long-standing patterns of behavior and inner
experiences that deviate significantly from cultural expectations, leading
to distress or impaired functioning. These patterns are inflexible and affect
personal and social life.

 Paranoid Personality Disorder: Characterized by pervasive


distrust and suspicion of others. Patients are often hypersensitive
and interpret others’ motives as malicious.

 Borderline Personality Disorder: Marked by emotional instability,


intense interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, and fear of
abandonment.
Nurses play a role in setting consistent limits, providing emotional
support, promoting self-esteem, and ensuring continuity of care.
Building trust and avoiding confrontational approaches are crucial in
managing such patients.

5. Discuss the causes, types, and nursing care of anxiety


disorders.
Answer:
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions marked by excessive fear
or worry that interferes with daily life. Causes include genetic
predisposition, chemical imbalances in the brain, personality traits, stress,
and traumatic experiences.
Types include:

 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive


worry.

 Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear.


 Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
Nursing care includes providing reassurance, encouraging
expression of feelings, administering prescribed medications,
guiding patients through relaxation techniques, and reducing
environmental stimuli. Nurses also educate patients on the nature of
anxiety and coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, positive
thinking, and gradual exposure therapy.

Section B – Short Answer Questions (5 × 5 = 25 Marks)

1. What is the Mental Health Act?


Answer:
The Mental Health Act is a legal framework designed to protect the rights
and dignity of people with mental illnesses while ensuring they receive
appropriate care. It outlines the procedures for admission, treatment, and
discharge from mental health institutions. It emphasizes the patient’s
rights to informed consent, confidentiality, and rehabilitation. The act also
regulates involuntary admissions and ensures legal safeguards. Nurses
must be aware of this act to uphold ethical standards and advocate for
patient rights.

2. Define hallucination and mention types.


Answer:
A hallucination is a false sensory perception without an external stimulus.
The person perceives something that does not exist. Types include:

 Auditory: Hearing voices or sounds (most common in


schizophrenia).

 Visual: Seeing things not present.

 Tactile: Feeling sensations on the skin.

 Olfactory: Smelling non-existent odors.

 Gustatory: Tasting things that are not present.


Nurses support patients by not reinforcing the hallucination,
maintaining calmness, and providing distraction or redirection.

3. What is occupational therapy?


Answer:
Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation approach that helps individuals
regain the skills necessary for daily living and working. In mental health, it
helps patients develop routines, improve concentration, build self-esteem,
and gain independence. Activities may include arts and crafts, cooking,
gardening, or clerical work, depending on the patient’s interests and
abilities. Nurses collaborate with occupational therapists to engage
patients, track progress, and reinforce therapeutic goals.

4. Define electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and mention


indications.
Answer:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment involving the
application of controlled electric currents to the brain under anesthesia to
induce a brief seizure. It is used in cases of severe depression, especially
when unresponsive to medication, suicidal patients, and some cases of
schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Nurses prepare the patient by ensuring informed consent, fasting before
the procedure, and monitoring vital signs. Post-ECT care involves checking
for confusion, reorienting the patient, and observing for side effects like
headache or memory loss.

5. Mention any five signs of mental illness.


Answer:
Signs of mental illness include:

 Persistent sadness or withdrawal.

 Extreme mood changes.

 Confused thinking or problems concentrating.

 Detachment from reality (delusions/hallucinations).

 Changes in sleeping or eating habits.


Nurses should observe for these signs and provide early intervention
by reporting findings to the mental health team and offering
compassionate care.

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