50 Quick & Easy Psychiatric Facts to Pass the Next Generation NCLEX

Sources: WEB MD, Saunders NCLEX Review, KAPLAN NCLEX Medication Review, Verywell Mind, Health Line

–

If you’re taking the Next Generation NCLEX soon, then chances are, you’re stressing out! This is understandable; I’ve been there, and I know exactly what you’re feeling right now.

Something that really helped me feel more confident about taking the exam was brushing up on the most important facts I needed to know for the NGN, and doing it quickly.

And today, you and I will be doing the same.

Together, we’ll be going over 50 quick and easy NCLEX psychiatric facts that will hopefully help you feel more prepared for the big test. 

Are you ready for this?

Then keep reading!

50 Psychiatric NCLEX Facts You Need to Know

1. Therapeutic techniques include reflecting, restating, silence, validating, clarifying, and active listening.
2. Nontherapeutic techniques include false reassurance, closed-ended questions, changing the subject, asking “why” questions, and giving advice.
3. Displacement is a defense mechanism in which the feelings regarding a person, object, or situation are placed upon another person, object, or situation that is less threatening.
4. Donepezil and galantamine are medications that are used for cognitive improvement in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. First-generation antipsychotics can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can cause dyspnea, tachycardia, altered level of consciousness, seizures, dysphagia, and autonomic dysfunction. The healthcare provider should be notified as soon as possible if you see these side-effects.
6. Tinnitus, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting are signs and symptoms of moderate lithium toxicity.
7. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) should be taken with food to prevent dizziness. Do not take NSAIDs with SSRIs to avoid bleeding risks.
8. You must report all cases of suspected child or elder abuse to the local or state agency.
9. An infant with shaken baby syndrome must be monitored for decreased level of consciousness and increased intracranial pressure.
10. Atomoxetine and amphetamine are medications administered for ADHD to decrease hyperactive behavior.
11. Do not take diuretics while on lithium therapy.
12. Every restraint requires a written prescription by a healthcare provider and must be renewed, as per policy.
13. A child between the age of two to five may believe that death is reversible. Regression may occur with the child.
14. Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include tachycardia, diaphoresis, dilated pupils, tremors, anxiety, and irritability.
15. Diazepam, lorazepam, and oxazepam are examples of benzodiazepines, which are given for alcohol withdrawal.
16. Signs and symptoms of opioid intoxication include constricted pupils, bradypnea, low blood pressure, and slurred speech.
17. Word salad is abnormal thought process in which incoherent speech or words are jumbled together with no meaning. An example is “Mouse green sleep broom.”
18. Neologisms is an abnormal thought process in which the patient makes up words that have no meaning except to the patient.
19. Safety is the priority for a patient experiencing hallucinations.
20. Vinegar, mouthwashes, and cough medicines should be avoided when on disulfiram therapy because it is essential to avoid alcohol and any substances that contain alcohol.
21. Avoid whispering in front of a patient with paranoia due to paranoia worsening.
22. The priority for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the patient’s safety.
23. The nurse must prioritize establishing trust with patients experiencing an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
24. Withdrawal delirium is considered a medical emergency due to potential complications, such as myocardial infarction, fat emboli, or suicide.
25. Pentobarbital, phenobarbital, zaleplon, and zolpidem are examples of barbiturates, which are given for insomnia treatment or as a sedative for anxiety.
26. Echolalia is repetition of words spoken by another person. This is normally seen in a child learning to talk.
27. During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is performed when antidepressant medications are not effective, a mouth guard is placed to protect the tongue from being bitten. Patients must be NPO after midnight or four hours prior to the treatment, as instructed by the healthcare provider.
28. Interventions for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder include identifying situations and environments that can elicit compulsive behavior.
29. Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed in a patient with a strong focus on physical symptoms that affects thoughts and induces anxiety.
30. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are given for those with depression. It is not the first line of defense due to the potential adverse effects.
31. A psychological traumatic event can cause an individual to have flashbacks and experience the event repeatedly, which is post-traumatic stress disorder. Possible causes can be natural disaster, rape, being in the army, or physical abuse.
32. Phobia is an irrational fear of an object, person, or situation that induces anxiety or fear. An example is hydrophobia, which is fear of water. Another example is monophobia, which is the fear of being alone.
33. The nurse should stay with the patient that is experiencing an anxiety attack and provide a calm environment.
34. Involuntary admission is necessary when the patient is a danger to themself or others. However, the patient still has the right to informed consent and can still refuse treatments.
35. While on lithium therapy, drink six to eight glasses of water daily and maintain an adequate diet with salt.
36. Echopraxia is movement repetition of another person.
37. Milieu therapy is a type of psychotherapy that provides a safe, structured group setting for individuals to learn how to interact and use healthy therapeutic methods.
38. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 ensures that patients have the right to confidential medical information. Information can only be released without the patient’s consent during life-threatening situations.
39. Denial is a defense mechanism in which the individual ignores unpleasant thoughts or the reality of the situation to escape anxiety.
40. With MAOIs administration, watch out for a potential hypertensive crisis by monitoring blood pressure frequently.
41. Regression is a defense mechanism in which the individual returns to an earlier development stage to avoid anxiety.
42. Headache, anxiety, mood changes, and agitation are signs and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.
43. Cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, anemia, and brain damage are potential complications of chronic alcohol use.
44. CAGE screening questionnaire is a screening tool used for drug and alcohol use.
45. When taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), watch out for anticholinergic effects, urinary retention, tachycardia, and seizures.
46. Slurred speech, drowsiness, and hypotension are signs and symptoms of CNS depressant intoxication.
47. Signs of alcohol withdrawal peak after 24 to 48 hours and must be treated to prevent life threatening symptoms.
48. Excessive spending, restlessness, flight of ideas, and grandiose delusions are examples of mania.
49. Lack of energy, suicidal thinking, poor concentration, inability to make decisions, and low self-esteem are examples of depression.
50. Barbiturates should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime for someone with insomnia.