Mental Health in Nursing: Case Study & Communication Skills

This assignment provides a comprehensive analysis of a mental health case study, focusing on a 45-year-old patient named Peter experiencing symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. The solution addresses four key questions: differentiating between generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, explaining the importance of empathy in nursing practice, outlining effective communication skills for interacting with a mental health patient, and discussing the potential dangers of medication errors and providing patient education on Paroxetine. The assignment emphasizes key concepts such as active listening, the use of humor, and providing patients with vital information about their medications, including potential side effects and proper discontinuation procedures. The analysis is supported by relevant research and provides a practical guide for nursing students on managing patients with mental health concerns.

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 1
MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING
Name of Student
Institutional Affiliation

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 2
MENTAL HEALTH
Question 1
Anxiety disorders are a prevalent type of mental disorders affecting a large global
population. Generally, the term refers to a collection of mental illnesses affecting the ability of
individuals to carry on with their normal daily activities (Storrie, Ahern & Tuckett, 2010).
Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders.
General anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that causes persistent worrying about the unknown
among individuals. In other words, people affected by this disorder worry nonstop about
common day to day situations and experiences. Many a time, such individuals find themselves
worried yet they cannot explain what is troubling them. On the same note, they may find
themselves endlessly worrying about issues such as school, work, family, money or health
(Zhang, Norton, Carrière, Ritchie, Chaudieu & Ancelin, 2015). This constant worrying may
negatively affect relationships, social activities, school performance or productivity at work.
Scholars have not yet found the exact cause of anxiety disorder; however, available evidence has
linked it with stressful life experiences, family background or biological factors. Some of the
notable symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include difficulty concentrating, irritability,
Insomnia, headache and tiredness (Halldorsson, Draisey, Cooper & Creswell, 2018).
On the other hand, generalized anxiety disorder differs from Panic disorder in multiple
ways. Although the two-conditions have been found to share some common characteristics such
as worrying excessively the two are quite different. Unlike generalized anxiety disorder which
may be characterized by persistent fear or general life issues, panic disorders occur in the form of
a panic attack that may last for a few minutes before subsiding (Elguendy,2019). Additionally,
panic attacks may be categorized as expected or unexpected. Unexpected panic attacks, in this

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 3
case, are those that arise with no particular cause. On the other hand, expected panic attacks are
signaled by external factors. Another notable difference is the fact that panic attacks may arise
from the blues and subside a few moments later while general anxiety develops gradually and
may last for a more extended period.
Similarly, general anxiety disorder makes individuals worry about and anticipate possible
adverse outcomes in the future, causing uneasiness in an individual. On the other hand, panic
disorder occurs abruptly leading to the onset of intense fear (Elguendy, 2019).
In conclusion, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder are examples of mental
problems associated with feelings of fear and uncertainties. Some of the notable differences
among the two is the fact that panic disorder may arise abruptly while generalized anxiety
disorder develops gradually (Elguendy, 2019).
Question Two
Empathy is an essential aspect in the nursing profession.one of the most notable impact
of empathy in the nursing practice is that it enables nurses to adequately care for patients. It
refers to the process of identifying and appreciating the perspectives associated with other
people. It also entails focussing on others as opposed to self. By utilizing empathy principles, a
nurse puts himself or herself in the shoes of the patient (Kornhaber, Walsh, Duff & Walker,
2016). Additionally, it also enables them to empower their patients to better their health and
overall wellbeing.
Therapeutic interpersonal relationships between patients and clinicians are an essential
aspect of healthcare. One of the main advantages of these relationships is the fact that they lead
to positive experiences for both patients and clinicians. Through empathy, I will be in a better
position to understand what the patient may be going through and strive to ensure that I make it

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 4
easy for them to get over their current situation with ease (Kornhaber, Walsh, Duff & Walker,
2016). Putting myself in the shoes of the patient will make easier for me to offer the necessary
help required in the management of the patient’s status. To start with, I will seek to understand
where the patient is coming from by asking. Asking the patient questions related to his current
state and making them able to share their experiences, perceptions, feelings, and thoughts will
show that I have a genuine interest in the patient’s condition. This will help me to establish
positive relationship with Peter. Additionally, it will help to have a better understanding of the
patient’s condition.
Additionally, empathy will help me to pay attention to what is happening to the patient. It
will also help me to listen attentively, and focus on the patients as opposed to focusing on my
interests. Having this attitude will help in the creation of a fellowship and collaboration with the
patient which will significantly facilitate the creation of a therapeutic relationship between Peter
and me.
In conclusion, showing genuine interest, remaining engaged, having a sense of the
feelings facilitate the establishment of rust, comfort and a connection between my patient and I.
Doing this will significantly improve the relationship between the patient and me. Clinical
empathy will, therefore, facilitate the establishment of therapeutic relationship with the patient.
Question 3
Communication is an essential aspect of the nursing profession. In this regard, effective
communication between a patient and a physician is needed to create mutual understanding,
build trust and establish productive relationship between physician and healthcare professionals.
Additionally effective communication makes it possible for the physician to identify and meet

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 5
the needs of a patient with ease. Therefore, communication plays a significant role in the
improvement of the quality of care.
Communication with a mental health patient, such as Peter requires the use of several
communication skills. To start with, active listening would be an essential skill when
interviewing Peter. In his current situation, active listening would significantly help me to gain a
deeper understanding of the condition that is ailing him. Additionally, it would also help me to
have an insight into what could have led to the present situation. By listening attentively, would
also be in a better position of understanding the impact that the condition has had on peter.
Active listening will also make the patient feel heard and respected (Kourkouta &
Papathanasiou,2014).
Additionally, I would also make use of positive humor when communicating with peter.
The use of humor may play a significant role in enhancing care relationships and aid in the
reduction of anxiety. Additionally, this would also help in making the patient able to cope with
his condition. Interviewing a mental health patient with peter’s symptoms may also be
challenging, mainly due to the psychological impact of the disorder. Therefore, the use of humor
during the interview process would also improve my ability to cope (du Plessis, Jordaan & Jali,
2010).
Similarly, I would also ensure that I incorporate kind words in my communication with
Peter.Being compassionate would be necessary for maintaining respect and dignity of the patient.
This would also play a role in ensuring that I empathize with the patient’s condition.
Building a personal relationship with the patient would also be one of the strategies that I
would use during the interview process. I would ensure that I communicate with him in a way

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 6
that shows kindness, compassion, and seek to establish a collaborative relationship and build
trust with the patient (Kourkouta & Papathanasiou,2014).
In conclusion, effective communication during the interview process would
require the use of essential communication skills. I would employ the use of active listening to
understand the patient. Additionally, I would also ensure that I use humor during communication
to minimize anxiety and establish a strong relationship with the patient. The interview process
would also incorporate the use of passionate words to make it possible for the patient to open up.
Question 4
Incorrect use of medication may have detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of a
patient. One of the reasons that would make Patients may make errors about their medication is
the lack of appropriate information related to the use of medicines. Patients should, therefore, be
provided with the relevant information to protect them from potential harm associated with the
inappropriate use of medication (Gaffney, Hatcher,Milligan & Trickey,2016). Having been
prescribed Paroxetine 20mg PO daily, Peter needs to be aware of certain information related to
the use of the drug.
I would first provide him with the information regarding the precautions of using the
drug.one of the central warnings linked to the use of the drug is worsened depression. One of the
possible negative consequences is deterioration in the condition. Some of the potential adverse
outcomes associated with worsened depression include extreme mood swings, aggressiveness,
irritability, and restless. I would, therefore, inform him to report any behavioral changes to the
doctor as soon as he notices them(Healthline, 2019).
The drug may also lead to the onset of a condition referred to as serotine syndrome. This
is a life-threatening syndrome that may lead to agitation, thinking problems, possible challenges

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 7
incoordination, confusion, and hallucinations. The patient needs to be aware of such crucial
information(Healthline, 2019).
Additionally, some modalities need to be followed when terminating the use of the drug.
The patient needs to know this information to avoid any errors that may cause potential harm.
He, therefore, needs to understand that the discontinuation of use of the of the drug should be
done gradually and not abruptly. Additionally, he also needs to know that stopping the use of the
drug may also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, changes in sleep
patterns and irritability. The patient also needs to know that he will be monitored for these
changes upon stopping the use of the drug (Healthline, 2019).
In conclusion, the use of the prescribed drug requires the patient to be provided with
relevant information such as the negative consequences that may be caused by its use. Some of
these include serotine syndrome and extreme depression. Additionally, it is also vital for him to
be informed how he should stop the use of the drug to avoid any errors.

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 8
References
Elguendy, R. (2019). What's the Difference Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic
Disorder? - A Prescription for Healthy Living. Retrieved 13 September 2019, from
https://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/aprescriptionforhealthyliving/2011/09/whats-the-
difference-between-generalized-anxiety-disorder-and-panic-disorder.html
Deligianni, A., Kyriakidou, M., Kaba, E., Kelesi, M., Rovithis, M., Fasoi, G., ... & Stavropoulou,
A. (2017). “Empathy Equals Match”: The Meaning of Empathy as It Is Perceived by
Greek Nurse Students-A Qualitative Study. Global Journal of Health Science, 9(1).
Du Plessis, E., Jordaan, E. J., & Jali, M. N. (2010). Communication in a health care unit. The
principles and practices of nursing and health care Additional information and activities,
136.
Gaffney, T. A., Hatcher, B. J., Milligan, R., & Trickey, A. (2016). Enhancing patient safety:
Factors influencing medical error recovery among medical-surgical nurses. OJIN: The
Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 21(3), 1-13.
Halldorsson, B., Draisey, J., Cooper, P., & Creswell, C. (2018). Symptoms of social anxiety,
depression, and stress in parents of children with a social anxiety disorder. British
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(2), 148-162.
Healthline. (2019). Paroxetine | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More. Retrieved 13 September
2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/paroxetine-oral-tablet
Kourkouta, L., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2014). Communication in nursing practice. Material
socio-medica, 26(1), 65.

MENTAL HEALTH IN NURSING 9
Kornhaber, R., Walsh, K., Duff, J., & Walker, K. (2016). Enhancing adult therapeutic
interpersonal relationships in the acute health care setting: An integrative review. Journal
of multidisciplinary healthcare, 9, 537.
Storrie, K., Ahern, K., & Tuckett, A. (2010). A systematic review: students with mental health
problems—a growing problem. International journal of nursing practice, 16(1), 1-6.
Zhang, X., Norton, J., Carrière, I., Ritchie, K., Chaudieu, I., & Ancelin, M. L. (2015).
Generalized anxiety in community-dwelling elderly: prevalence and clinical
characteristics. Journal of affective disorders, 172, 24-29.