Psychology

Published

Does anyone know of any good books for psychology? I have an exam coming up and I just can't seem to get a good grasp on the practice questions. I have read the chapters twice, studied the tables and graphs. I understand the content pretty good, but the questions regarding reorienting Alzheimer's or schizophrenic patients I seem to keep missing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

OI don't know of any...psych in not my thing....let me see if one of my co-admins have an idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks!! I really appreciate your help :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If it's straight-up psychology class...can't help you there. I took that class almost 10 years ago.

If it's psychiatric nursing class, I can be of some help :) As trivial as this sounds, get the book Psychiatric Nursing Made Incredibly Easy. It breaks down the basics of psych in a very readable format.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If it's straight-up psychology class...can't help you there. I took that class almost 10 years ago.

If it's psychiatric nursing class, I can be of some help :) As trivial as this sounds, get the book Psychiatric Nursing Made Incredibly Easy. It breaks down the basics of psych in a very readable format.

Yes it's psychiatric nursing. Thanks I'll definitely check that one out! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes it's psychiatric nursing. Thanks I'll definitely check that one out! :)

Ok so I did a quick search and there is one that's called psychiatric nursing made incredibly easy and one that is nclex RN psychiatric nursing made incredibly easy. Which one would be best? I'm thinking the nclex one but just want to get the one that will actually be more helpful.

Again thank you so much for your help. I'm really stressing!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Either would be good. The NCLEX book has more questions to practice on and may help with test taking. The non NCLEX one gets somewhat more detailed with less questions, if you want to know more than what's expected on the NCLEX.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

And one key difference about the schizophrenias and Alzheimer's:

Perceptual distortions (e.g., hallucinations) are common with schizophrenia. They are NOT common with Alzheimer's. If they're present in your Alzheimer's patient, it's likely due to an overlying delirium or other condition...start by evaluating for a UTI or dehydration, two very common causes of delirium in the elderly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I have heard that you do not try to re-orient these patients. Merriwhen....Is this true?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I try to reorient everyone. I don't force the issue when it doesn't take, but I'm not going to lie to them about where, when, or who they are. However, my experience working with Alzheimer's is limited--I work with those who are psychotic. Someone who's worked in geripsych would have better info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In geripsych I attempt to reorient once and if it doesn't stay, I follow the clients lead. I do not want to cause harm by reorienting them and agitate them with confusion. If they believe it is 1965 and their husband should be back from a business trip, kids off the bus soon, with dinner in the oven??? I reassure them that the kids are ok, dinner will be in soon and if I hear from the husband ill let them know. I will continue to tell them where they are and they are safe.

Why torture them with the memories they can't remember? It will just confuse and agitate or upset which depending on the situation make things worse or make them relive painful memories if they happen to remember -say the passing of the husband?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion