A 28-year-old patient with dissociative identity disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a recent suicide attempt. The patient exhibits frequent switching between alternate personality states, reports flashbacks of severe childhood trauma, and demonstrates impaired reality testing during episodes of high stress. The patient also has comorbid major depressive disorder.When developing a care plan for this patient during the initial inpatient admission, which approach should the psychiatric nurse prioritize?

A client is being evaluated for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Which neurotransmitter-related changes are most likely contributing to the client’s clinical presentation? Select all that apply.

A psychiatric nurse is reviewing the diagnosis of a patient suspected of having bulimia nervosa. Which of the following statements best aligns with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa?

A client with a long-standing psychotic disorder presents to an outpatient mental health clinic with worsening auditory hallucinations, impaired concentration, and increased irritability. The clinician considers increasing the client’s antipsychotic dosage. Which assessment finding would most strongly support prioritizing a comprehensive sleep evaluation before adjusting psychiatric medications?

A psychiatric-mental health nurse reviews a client’s history and notes subtle but progressive changes that preceded the first psychotic hospitalization, including declining academic performance, social withdrawal, vague perceptual disturbances, anxiety, and the client reporting that “something feels off,” without fully formed hallucinations or delusions. Which phase of schizophrenia best accounts for this presentation?

Which statements accurately describe Sullivan’s interpersonal theory and interpersonal therapy? Select all that apply.

A psychiatric-mental health nurse is evaluating whether a 17-year-old client meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Which findings are required to support the diagnosis, according to the criteria outlined?(Select all that apply)

A psychiatric-mental health nurse explains why a newer class of antipsychotic medications is often preferred when long-term treatment is required, particularly when both symptom control and tolerability are considered. Which description best identifies this treatment approach?

A psychiatric-mental health nurse explains that certain psychiatric disorders involve disrupted neural communication across multiple brain systems, arising from developmental deviations, abnormal pruning, and inflammatory or neurotoxic processes, as demonstrated through advanced neuroimaging. Which explanation best captures this phenomenon?

A 45-year-old client with major depressive disorder is scheduled to receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The prescriber explains the procedure, including its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. The client asks questions about potential cognitive side effects and decides to refuse the treatment. Which statement best reflects the principles of informed consent in this scenario?