Taking first Psych exam, Any Advice?

guest042302019, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2012

This is a tough one. Have you had this teacher before? Some programs switch teachers based off of specialty. If so, you've had experience with their testing style. But, I would say study it like any other test. There is a special communication component with psych because a lot of treatment is based off of communication. But, overall, psych diseases have pathophysiology, complications, medical treatment, medications, diagnostics, nursing assessments/diagnoses/planning/interventions/implementation/evaluations like any other disease. If you've been doing well in other sections, why change it up until the first test grade comes back? Wait and see how you do. Do what you've been doing. My teacher was strictly from the class notes. In fact, I heard of people doing worse by reading the book. Odd huh? Anyway, not all teachers are like mine. Good luck!

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · Apr 19, 2012

I really disliked Psych, but one thing usually held true on all of our tests, the longest answer is usually the most therapeutic. Watch out for the questions that easily trip people up, like: The patient is pacing back back and forth cursing and waving his hands wildly in the air, what would you do? Our teacher always told us that if they were making violent gestures or seemed to be a threat we would medicate with a PRN restraint, but counted 90% of us wrong for answering with that answer, she wanted us to try and de-escalate the situation first but ended up giving us credit since she did remember telling us about the gestures signifying violence. Psych is a crap shoot and nothing is super clear, I think that's why I disliked it. Good luck on your test.

A few things we were always told:

The longest answer is usually the most therapeutic.

We don't use the word "WHY" in Psych, it can be offensive, cross out all answers that contain it.

Is it the least restrictive intervention possible?

The answer is always check vital signs if they are in isolation and restraints.

Exclude all closed-ended questions unless you are only looking for a specific answer.

Exclude all questions that seem to lead....

I'm sure there was a lot more, I will post them if I remember later.

elle21 · Apr 19, 2012

Almost all the right answers in therapeutic communication starts with, "Tell me more about...". Study the drug classes. There are a ton of SE. Know the complicatons that can occur with MAOIs and certain drugs, lithium levels and signs of lithium toxicity, and hypertensive crisis signs & interventions. Saunders NCLEX review book does a great review of psych meds. It would only take a couple of hours and you can get the gist of everything you need to know.

AgentBeast, MSN, RN · Apr 19, 2012

Safety is always a priority in psych above all else.

pghnurse527 · Apr 20, 2012

I second the comment about safety. If you have questions about patients with SI/HI make sure you are doing what is best for their well being and the well being of others. Review therapeutic communication and what is appropriate for patients with certain disorders (such as avoiding eye contact with someone who is paranoid).

Ashley6138 · Apr 21, 2012

I'm not sure how your psych test will be, but so far there have been a lot of med questions on mine. So I like to review the different classes of meds used to treat the problem and the side effects. There is usually always a question about MAOIs and diet. I normally read each chapter, take the quizzes on evolve, and cover the meds. Hope this helps.

RADIATION_RN · Apr 21, 2012

Don't forget nurtrition is a key concept for a patient experiencing severe mania. Finger foods are best for these patients because they can eat while on the go!

Most therapeutic response to a patient hearing voices : "I don't hear anything, what are the voices saying?"

Never touch a psych patient without asking.

mursetudent25 · Apr 21, 2012

Don't forget nurtrition is a key concept for a patient experiencing severe mania. Finger foods are best for these patients because they can eat while on the go!
Most therapeutic response to a patient hearing voices : "I don't hear anything, what are the voices saying?"
Never touch a psych patient without asking.

never touch a psych patient without asking? lol, i've noticed the clinical instructors ask me if its ok to touch me (im a student not a psych patient) ***....haha

BlueEyedGuy · Apr 22, 2012

i'm taking mental health also, and i've taken two exams so far. here's some tips, some of these have already been covered:

1. review therapeutic communication: many many psyc questions stem from this.

2. know about drugs, especially uses, mechanisms of action and side effects, at least generally for the major classes of drugs.

3. prioritize safety.

4. know about sundowning: many disorders get worse in the evening, alzheimer's for example. however, my professor threw a 'zebra' question at us: melancholic depression gets worse in the morning. :confused:

5. sometimes in psyc "hypo-" really means hyper, which is very confusing, try to make sure you know these exceptions.

6. deescalate aggression first.

7. least restrictive restraint first

edit:

8. know all the legal stuff backward and forward. especially restaints, and legal holds.

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thawk28 · Apr 23, 2012

THank you very much, this info was very helpful.

thawk28 · Apr 23, 2012

thanks, will do