Caring for Clients With Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders

Unit 10 Lesson 3

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• Identify different types of mental health and substance use
• Describe how to effectively communicate with individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders
• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders

Student Learning Outcomes

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Mental Health Disorders

• Prevalence
• 1 in 5 adults experience mental health disorders
• Severe Disorders
• 9.8 million have severe daily life impact
• Treatment Gap
• 41% receive mental health services

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Categories of Mental Health Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders
• Excessive worry
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Psychotic Disorders
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Example: Schizophrenia

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Categories of Mental Health Disorders continued…

• Depressive Disorders
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest
• Bipolar Disorders
• Mood swings from mania to depression

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Categories of Mental Health Disorders continued…

• Trauma Disorders
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Acute stress disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Borderline personality disorder

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Anxiety Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Constant worry
• Restlessness
• Panic Disorder
• Sudden panic attacks
• Physical symptoms
• Phobias
• Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is feeling overwhelmed about an upcoming family visit. How should the nurse’s aide support the resident?

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Psychotic and Depressive Disorders

• Psychosis
• Loss of reality
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Schizophrenia
• Long-term
• Affects emotions and motivation

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Psychotic and Depressive Disorders continued…

• Depression
• Disrupts daily life
• Risk of suicide

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Communication Strategies

• Build Trust
• Use consistent, clear language
• Active Listening
• Allow expression of concerns
• Non-Verbal Cues
• Observe body language for comfort levels

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with schizophrenia is experiencing hallucinations. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse’s aide to take?

​

A. Explain to the resident that the hallucinations are not real

B. Validate the resident’s feelings and ensure a safe environment

C. Continue with tasks while the resident experiences hallucinations

D. Leave the resident alone to allow them to manage independently

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Routine and Empathy in Care

• Routine
• Consistent schedules reduce anxiety
• Empathy
• Understand different processing of interactions
• Redirect and Reapproach
• Adapt to client's state
• Avoid confrontation

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with bipolar disorder is entering a manic phase. How can the nurse’s aide best support the resident while maintaining their routine?

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Role of Nurse’s Aide

• Support and Assistance
• Provide empathetic care
• Promote Dignity
• Respect privacy and preferences
• Environmental Awareness
• Identify and reduce triggers

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Care Considerations for Specific Disorders

• Anxiety Disorders
• Reassurance
• Discuss fears openly
• Depressive Disorders
• Encourage participation
• Recognize efforts

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Care Considerations for Specific Disorders continued…

• Bipolar Disorders
• Balance rest and activity
• Support during mood shifts
• Schizophrenia
• Safety during hallucinations
• Validate experiences
• PTSD
• Maintain consistent environment
• Avoid triggers

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

Critical Thinking Question

A resident with PTSD becomes visibly distressed when a loud noise is heard nearby. What should the nurse’s aide do to help the resident?

​

A. Suggest the resident focus on something else

B. Encourage the resident to stay in the noisy environment

C. Discuss the noise openly with the resident

D. Reassure the resident and move them to a quieter area

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© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

Substance Use Disorders

• Compulsive use
• Potential for relapse
• Care Approach
• Support recovery
• Encourage healthy decisions
• Understanding Addiction
• Chronic illness with potential for remission

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

Trauma and Personality Disorders

• PTSD and Acute Stress
• Long-lasting effects of trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Managing diverse behaviors
• Promoting stability
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Focus on orderliness, routine

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

Critical Thinking Question

A resident with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is anxious about the order of their personal belongings. How should the nurse’s aide approach this situation?

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.

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© 2013-2025 Nurses International (NI) and the Academic Network. All rights reserved.