Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the goal of respite services in mental health care?

1. Enhancing caregiver skills

2. Preventing unnecessary long-term hospitalizations

3. Providing counseling services

4. Reducing outpatient visits

The correct answer is: Preventing unnecessary long-term hospitalizations

The goal of respite services in mental health care is primarily to prevent unnecessary long-term hospitalizations. Respite services are designed to provide temporary relief to the primary caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions. By offering a short-term break, these services aim to stabilize the individual's mental health needs while ensuring that appropriate support is maintained. This intervention can help prevent a deterioration of the individual's condition that might otherwise lead to a crisis, requiring hospitalization. Providing this respite can enable caregivers to recharge and manage their own health while ensuring that their loved ones receive the necessary care in a more supportive environment. This proactive approach is critical in reducing the burden on inpatient services and avoiding the cycles of hospitalization that can occur when individuals do not receive the appropriate level of community support.