A mental health technician asks the nurse, How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient? Which of these responses by the nurse would be most accurate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Psychiatrists determine a patient's diagnosis by using pre-established criteria from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for diagnosing mental health disorders, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the identification and classification of various psychiatric conditions. This allows psychiatrists to make informed and evidence-based decisions when assigning diagnoses to patients. Additionally, the DSM-5 helps psychiatrists communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals by using a common language and framework for mental health diagnosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization represents the highest level of human psychological development. It involves achieving personal growth, self-fulfillment, realizing one's full potential, and finding meaning and purpose in life. This level goes beyond basic needs like food, safety, love, or esteem. When a person reaches self-actualization, they are focused on personal growth, creativity, problem-solving, and reaching their fullest potential. Therefore, possessing a feeling of self-fulfillment and realizing full potential would be the highest achievement in terms of mental health according to Maslow's hierarchy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should recognize Generalized anxiety disorder as a DSM-5 disorder. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a widely used classification system for psychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is a specific mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control. It meets the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for diagnosis and classification as a mental disorder. Obesity, hypertension, and grief are not classified as DSM-5 disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In assessing a client experiencing moderate anxiety, the nurse should observe for manifestations that align with anxiety symptoms. Fidgeting is a common physical manifestation of anxiety and restlessness. In this scenario, the correct answer is A because fidgeting often accompanies anxiety as a way for the individual to release excess energy or nervousness. Laughing inappropriately (option B) can be a defense mechanism or a sign of disconnection from reality, typically seen in severe anxiety or other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, not moderate anxiety. Palpitations (option C) are more commonly associated with panic attacks or higher levels of anxiety rather than moderate anxiety, where physical symptoms may not be as pronounced. Nail biting (option D) can be a sign of nervousness, but it is not specific to anxiety and can also occur in various situations unrelated to anxiety. Educationally, understanding the specific manifestations of anxiety at different levels can help nurses accurately assess and intervene appropriately in mental health settings. Recognizing these symptoms aids in providing effective care and support for clients experiencing anxiety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Mahler's developmental theory, the differentiation subphase occurs around 7 to 10 months of age. During this phase, infants begin to differentiate between themselves and their primary caregiver (usually the mother). The fact that the 9-month-old child smiles and reaches for the daycare caregiver when the mother brings them to daycare indicates that the child is starting to recognize and distinguish between different caregivers in their environment. This behavior aligns with the characteristics of the differentiation subphase, where the child starts to show more individuality and separateness from the primary caregiver.