Psychosocial Care Guide
Mastering Psychosocial Integrity
Psychosocial integrity questions assess your ability to provide emotional support and maintain patient dignity. They cover topics such as therapeutic communication, mental-health disorders, coping mechanisms, grief and loss, and require a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Core Topics:
- • Therapeutic communication techniques
- • Mental health and psychiatric disorders
- • Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
Key Principles:
- • Patient safety and dignity
- • Empathetic, non-judgmental care
- • Cultural sensitivity and respect
1Therapeutic Communication Strategies
Think like a counsellor: use open-ended questions, active listening and empathy. Always prioritize safety (e.g., suicide risk) and apply Maslow's hierarchy. When faced with similar options, pick the most compassionate choice.
Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Effective Techniques:
Open-Ended Questions
"How are you feeling about your diagnosis?"
Encourages patient expression
Active Listening
"I hear you saying that you're worried..."
Shows understanding and validation
Reflection
"It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed."
Mirrors patient's emotions
Non-Therapeutic Responses:
Giving Advice
"You should just think positive thoughts."
Blocks patient autonomy
False Reassurance
"Everything will be fine."
Minimizes patient concerns
Changing Subject
"Let's talk about something else."
Avoids patient's concerns
Crisis Intervention & Safety
Suicide Risk Assessment
- • Direct questioning about suicidal thoughts
- • Assess plan, means, and intent
- • Immediate safety measures
- • Never leave patient alone
De-escalation Techniques
- • Remain calm and non-threatening
- • Use low, slow voice tone
- • Maintain safe physical distance
- • Acknowledge patient's feelings
Grief Support
- • Allow expression of emotions
- • Normalize grief responses
- • Provide presence and support
- • Respect cultural practices
2Mental Health & Coping Mechanisms
Understanding mental health disorders and healthy coping mechanisms is essential for providing comprehensive psychosocial care and answering NCLEX questions correctly.
Common Mental Health Conditions
Depression
- • Persistent sadness and hopelessness
- • Loss of interest in activities
- • Sleep and appetite changes
- • Suicide risk assessment crucial
Anxiety Disorders
- • Excessive worry and fear
- • Physical symptoms (palpitations)
- • Avoidance behaviors
- • Panic attacks and phobias
Bipolar Disorder
- • Alternating mood episodes
- • Manic and depressive phases
- • Medication compliance issues
- • Risk-taking behaviors during mania
Schizophrenia
- • Positive symptoms (hallucinations)
- • Negative symptoms (flat affect)
- • Cognitive impairments
- • Antipsychotic medication effects
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Problem-Focused Coping
- • Seeking information
- • Problem-solving strategies
- • Taking direct action
- • Planning and organization
Emotion-Focused Coping
- • Deep breathing exercises
- • Meditation and mindfulness
- • Progressive muscle relaxation
- • Journaling and expression
Social Support
- • Family and friend networks
- • Support groups
- • Professional counseling
- • Spiritual/religious practices
Excel in Psychosocial Care with NAI
By focusing on therapeutic communication and patient-centred care, you can confidently answer these questions and provide holistic nursing care. NAI prepares students through role-playing, case studies and personalized feedback.
Therapeutic Communication
Master empathetic dialogue techniques
Mental Health Knowledge
Understand psychiatric conditions
Compassionate Care
Patient-centered approach
NCLEX Success
Strategic question approaches
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