Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What characterized the care given to the mentally ill in early psychiatric institutions?

1. Emotional support

2. Physical restraint

3. Deplorable living conditions

4. Holistic treatment

The correct answer is: Deplorable living conditions

The care given to the mentally ill in early psychiatric institutions was often characterized by deplorable living conditions. During this time period, facilities for the mentally ill were frequently overcrowded, poorly maintained, and lacked proper sanitation. Patients often lived in squalid environments with inadequate access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and hygiene. Additionally, many patients were subjected to harsh treatments and a lack of compassionate care, illustrating a considerable stigma around mental illness. Treatment methods were rudimentary at best and often failed to address the psychological needs of individuals, focusing instead on containment rather than rehabilitation. This harsh reality reflects the historical context of mental health care, highlighting the significant changes that have occurred in modern practices aimed at treating mental illness with dignity and respect.