RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | LATEST VERSION 2026 | GRADED A+

RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | LATEST VERSION 2026 | GRADED A+ Common symptoms of depression - answer-Anergia, feelings of worthlessness, lack of self esteem, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anger and irritability, changes in eating patterns, changes in sleeping patterns, insomnia, hyper insomnia, constipation, decreased libido, chronic pain, lack of concentration and indecisiveness. Beck's Cognitive Triad - answer-Believed that people develop depression through psychological predisposition of early life experiences. Even in positive circumstances, Beck believed that depressed people still process things in a negative way. He believed there are three automatic negative thoughts (Becks Cognitive triad). 1. A negative, self depreciating view of self. 2. A pessimistic view of the world. 3. The belief that negative reinforcement will continue. How Cognitive Behavioral therapy works. - answer-Changing the way a patient thinks will help relieve depression syndrome. 1. Identifying and testing negative cognition. 2. Developing alternative thinking patterns. 3. Rehearsing new cognitive and behavioral responses. Risk for suicide- questions to ask - answer-Ask directly-Are you thinking of or have you been thinking of killing yourself?Ask if the person has a plan- When you think about suicide, do you have a way that you might do this? Determine the lethality of the plan- How detailed is the plan? How lethal is the proposed method? Do they have a gun? Gather information about risk factors- age, sex, medical problems, unemployment, lives alone. Is there a history of a suicide attempt? Collaborate with other staff involved and come up with a safety plan? Is there anyone that can stay with patient at home? Does this person know the signs of suicidal ideations? Suicide high risk - answer-Psychiatric disorder, potentially lethal suicide attempt or persistent ideations with strong intent or suicide rehearsal.-Suicide precautions Suicide moderate risk - answer-Multiple risk factors, suicidal ideations with plan but no intent or behavior. -Develop crisis plan and give emergency crisis numbers Suicide low risk - answer-Modified risk factors, thoughts of death, no plan, no intent or behavior.- Outpatient referral, give emergency crisis numbers. Nursing Diagnosis for depression - answer-Risk for suicide Risk for self-mutilation Ineffective coping Hopeless Chronic low self-esteem Impaired social interaction Imbalanced nutrition ConstipationDisturbed sleep pattern Spiritual distress Decisional conflict Social isolation Risk for loneliness Self-neglect Sexual dysfunction Interventions for depression: Communication - answer-1. Help the patient question assumptions and beliefs to reconstruct a healthier and more hopeful attitude about the future. 2.Help the patient identify cognitive distortions that encourage negative self appraisal: overgeneralization (I have....He always), self-blame (blames self for everything perceived as negative), mind reading (assumes other do not like him without any evidence) discounting of positive attributes ( focuses on the negative). 3.Encourage activities that raise self esteem (problem solving skills, coping skills, assertiveness skills). 4. Encourage physical activity- can reduce tension, alleviate depression/anxiety and improve self concept. 5. Encourage formation of supportive relationships- support groups, therapy, peer support. 6. Provide information referrals, when needed, spiritual. Interventions for depression: Physical-Nutrition/Anorexia - answer-1. Offer small, high calorie and high protein snacks and or fluids frequently throughout the day and evening. 2. Encourage family or friends to remain with patient during meals. 3. Ask the patient which food or drink she likes- offer choices, involve dietician 4. Weigh the patient weekly and observe eating patterns.Interventions for depression: Physical- Sleep/Insomnia - answer-1. Provide periods of rest after activities (fatigue can intensify feelings of depression) 2. Encourage the patient to get up and dressed and to stay out of bed during the day. 3. Encourage the use of relaxation measures in the evening. 4. Reduce environmental and physical stimulants in the evening- soft lights, soft music, quiet activities Interventions for depression: Self care deficits - answer-1. Encourage the use of toothbrush, washcloth, soap, makeup, shaving equipment (can increase self esteem) 2. When appropriate give step by step reminders (slowed thinking and difficulty concentrating can make organizing simple tasks difficult). Interventions for depression: Elimination/constipation - answer-1. Monitor I&O- especially BM's (depressed patients are usually constipated -watch for fecal impaction). 2. Offer foods high in fiber and provide periods of exercise -stimulate peristalsis 3. Encourage fluids 4. Evaluate the need for laxatives and enemas Antidepressants: SSRI-Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - answer-Citalopram (Celexa) Lexapro Fluoxetine (Prozac) Luvox Paxil Sertraline (Zoloft) SSRI's information - answer--Most popular- offered first-May cause: sexual dysfunction, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness -Common side effects are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, tremor -"Black Box Warning"- indicating increased risk of suicidal ideations -Should not be taken within 14 days of MAOI's- could cause Serotonin syndrome -Do not abruptly stop, could cause serotonin syndrome -Lower risk of cardiotoxicity than TCA's -Do not drink alcohol Serotonin Syndrome - answer-Abdominal pain Diarrhea Fever Tachycardia High BP Delirium Muscle Spasms Irritability Antidepressants: TCA's-Tricyclic antidepressants - answer-Amitriptyline (Elavil) Clompiramine (Anafranil) Despiramine (Norpramine) Doxepin (Sinequan) Imipramine (Tofranil) Maprotiline (Ludiomil) Protriptyline (Vivactil) Trimipramine (Surmontil)Amoxpine (Asendin) TCA's infromation - answer--First line treatment after SSRI's -Anticholinergic side effects- dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, sexual dysfunction,blurred vision, drowsiness -10-14 days to take effect, 4-8 weeks t take full effect -Has sedative effect- take at night, can be lethal in large doses -Can cause orthostatic hypotension -Can cause cardiac dysrhythmias -Can cause tachycardia and increase risk of MI's -Should not be used in cardiac patients -Start low and go slow -Do not drink alcohol -Slowly taper off drug, do not suddenly stop- nausea, nightmares, altered heartbeat, and cold sweats in 2 to 4 days Antidepressants: MAOI's- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors - answer-Isocarboxazid (Marplan) Phenelzine (Nardil) Trancypromine (Parnate) Selegine (Eldepryl) MAOI's Information - answer--Second line treatment only used in depressions resistant to other medications and treatments. -Can treat other disorders such as: panic disorders, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD and Bulimia.-Adverse reactions: *hypotension, sedation, weakness, fatigue, insomnia, changes in cardiac rhythm, muscle cramps, anorgasmia or sexual impotence, urinary hesitancy, constiption, weight gain. -Avoid foods high in tyramine, can cause a hypertensive crisis: avocados, figs, fermented/smoked/cured meats, sausages: bologna, pepperoni, salami, milk, milk products, fish, pickled hering, smoked salmon, beer, wine, foods with yeast, most vegetables, most fruits (bananas in large amounts). -MAOI's inhibit breakdown of Tyramine in the liver. -Do not take OTC drugs -MAOI's stay in the system 14 days after stopped. Do not start SSRI until 2 weeks after stopping MAOI or TCA Hypertensive crisis from MAOI's - answer--Severe headache, stiff/sore neck, flushing/cold/clammy skin, tachycardia, severe nosebleeds, dilated pupils, chest pain, stroke, coma, death, nausea, vomitting. Reversal meds of hypertensive crisis - answer--chlorpromazine, IV Phentolamine, Nifedipine Electroconvulsive therapy ECT - answer-- For major depression and bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms or life threatening psychiatric conditions (self harm, suicide, extreme agitation or stupor). -Used mostly in people with treatment (meds) resistance (20-30% of depressed people) - 70-90% remission rate in depressed people within 1-2 weeks of treatment. -2-3 treatments per week -NOT for chronic depression, atypical depression, situational depression, personality disorders, or drug dependence -Use general anesthesia and muscle-paralyzing agents for procedure. -TCAs or Lithium may be used as maintenance treatment to prevent relapse of recurrent depressionLight Therapy - answer--First line treatment for seasonal affective disorder with or without medication. Usually Northern hemisphere people. -Full-spectrum wavelength light is the specific type of light used. -Also used as an adjunct to medications for MDD or dysthymia PDD with seasonal exacerbations. - Exposure to light suppresses secretion of nocturnal melatonin.