The novice psychiatric-mental health nurse understands the importance of professional and personal qualities when working with patients who have psychiatric conditions

Question

What is the most important personal quality the nurse should have when working with patients with mood disorders?
1. Good recall
2. Self-awareness
3. The ability to sympathize
4. An extroverted personality

Answer 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: Self-awareness is most important because knowledge of self is the first step toward an effective nurse-patient relationship. An extroverted personality is not needed to work effectively with mood-disordered patients. Empathy, rather than sympathy, is important in working with patients with psychiatric illnesses. Good recall does not ensure effective work with patients who have mood disorders.