Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What historical shift influenced psychiatric nursing practices in Canada?

1. Growth of community health services

2. Increased focus on physical health

3. Integration of alternative therapies

4. Advancements in biomedical treatments

The correct answer is: Growth of community health services

The growth of community health services significantly influenced psychiatric nursing practices in Canada by shifting the focus from institutional care to community-based care. This transition allowed mental health services to become more accessible and integrated into the general healthcare system. As community health services expanded, there was a move towards treating individuals with mental health issues in their own environments, promoting independence and social reintegration. This approach emphasizes the importance of holistic care, where psychiatric nurses work collaboratively not only with patients but also with families and support systems in the community. The ability to provide care in a community setting encourages personalized treatment plans and emphasizes the role of prevention and early intervention in mental health care. This shift contrasts with increased focus on physical health, integration of alternative therapies, and advancements in biomedical treatments, which, while they have their own impacts on healthcare, do not capture the specific historical change in psychiatric nursing practices as community-oriented care does.