Mental Health Disorders & Psychiatric Interventions — NCLEX-PN Review | Chapter 62: Saunders

Mental Health Disorders & Psychiatric Interventions — NCLEX-PN Review | Chapter 62: Saunders

Chapter 62 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri provides a detailed review of mental health disorders, diagnostic features, and nursing interventions essential for NCLEX-PN success. This chapter covers anxiety, mood, psychotic, personality, and neurocognitive disorders, with a strong focus on therapeutic communication, safety, and individualized care planning.

Watch the video above for a complete lecture on psychiatric interventions, then explore the breakdown below to reinforce your mental health nursing knowledge.

Saunders NCLEX-PN Examination Review book cover

Anxiety Disorders

  • Types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Interventions vary by severity—from environmental control and reassurance to crisis intervention during panic episodes.
  • Therapeutic communication and calm, nonjudgmental support are key.

Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders

  • Compulsions, rituals, trichotillomania, and hoarding behaviors.
  • Behavioral interventions, gradual exposure, and anxiety management techniques.

Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders

  • Somatic symptom disorder: physical complaints without organic cause.
  • Conversion disorder: neurological-like symptoms linked to psychological conflict.
  • Dissociative disorders: amnesia, depersonalization, identity disruption—often trauma-related.

Mood Disorders

  • Bipolar disorder: manic vs. depressive episodes, safety precautions, activity regulation, nutrition support.
  • Depression: suicide prevention, monitoring for sleep/appetite changes, promoting social engagement.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): preparation, anesthesia, side effects, and post-procedure monitoring.

Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders

  • Positive symptoms: hallucinations, delusions.
  • Negative symptoms: flat affect, withdrawal.
  • Management includes reality orientation, safety-first approach, and minimizing overstimulation.

Personality Disorders

  • Cluster A: paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal.
  • Cluster B: borderline, antisocial, narcissistic, histrionic.
  • Cluster C: avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive.
  • Care focuses on consistency, boundary setting, and addressing maladaptive behaviors.

Neurocognitive Disorders

  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: stage-based interventions, safety for wandering, memory aids, caregiver support.
  • Communication disorders: aphasia, apraxia, agnosia—use of clear, simple communication strategies.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

  • Voluntary and involuntary admissions, informed consent, and client rights.
  • Restraint and seclusion protocols—only when necessary and with strict monitoring.

NCLEX-Priority Nursing Actions

  • Maintain client safety, particularly for suicide risk or psychotic agitation.
  • Use therapeutic communication to de-escalate anxiety and build trust.
  • Recognize early warning signs of relapse in mood or psychotic disorders.

Conclusion

Chapter 62 strengthens the psychiatric nursing foundation by integrating mental health disorder knowledge with therapeutic strategies, safety protocols, and legal considerations. Mastering this content prepares NCLEX-PN candidates to provide safe, ethical, and effective mental health care in diverse clinical settings.

Subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-focused lectures and study resources.

View the complete Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination (7th Edition) playlist here: Complete NCLEX-PN Review Playlist

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 9 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the robust field of behavior therapies, which focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through practical, empirical methods. These approaches, grounded in learning theory and continuous assessment, have become foundational in treating a range of psychological conditions. This expanded summary, based on our podcast-style breakdown of Chapter 9 , highlights the key techniques, theoretical foundations, and clinical applications of behavior therapy. Want a concise video guide? Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more psychology study resources! The Foundations of Behavior Therapy Behavior therapy focuses on observable, measurable changes in behavior rather than probing unconscious processes. Using empirical methods, therapists continuously assess and adjust treatmen...
Read more

Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 10 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the evolution and techniques of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, these therapies target the root of emotional distress by challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns. This in-depth summary, based on our podcast breakdown of Chapter 10 , explains the major concepts, therapeutic techniques, and clinical impact of these cognitive-based approaches. Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for expert textbook guides and psychology study resources! The Foundations of Cognitive Therapy & REBT Cognitive therapies emerged in response to limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, emphasizing the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and behaviors. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy and Albert E...
Read more

Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering

Image
Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering Chapter 8 of Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, Jr. and David G. Rethwisch explores the primary failure modes in engineering materials: fracture, fatigue, and creep. This chapter is essential for anyone interested in the reliability, durability, and safety of materials used in engineering structures and components. By understanding these mechanisms, engineers can design safer, longer-lasting products and infrastructure. Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdowns of foundational STEM topics! Fracture: Ductile vs. Brittle Failure Ductile fracture involves significant plastic deformation and energy absorption prior to failure. It usually provides visual warning signs, making it the preferred mode in most engineering applications. I...
Read more