Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term describes repeated hospitalizations due to worsening mental health symptoms exacerbated by substance use?

1. Revolving door

2. Chronic condition

3. Relapse cycle

4. Recurrent episodes

The correct answer is: Revolving door

The term "revolving door" effectively captures the phenomenon of patients experiencing repeated hospitalizations due to worsening mental health symptoms that are exacerbated by substance use. This expression typically describes a situation where individuals cycle in and out of psychiatric care or treatment facilities, often because their mental health deteriorates again after discharge, leading them back to hospitalization. This cycle can be particularly prevalent in cases where substance use complicates mental health conditions, creating a pattern of instability that necessitates frequent hospital admissions. The term highlights systemic challenges such as inadequate outpatient support, insufficient continuity of care, or lack of resources for addressing both mental health and substance use disorders concurrently. In this context, while other terms like "chronic condition" refer to long-term health issues, and "relapse cycle" emphasizes the return of problematic behaviors, they don't specifically denote the repeated hospitalization aspect. "Recurrent episodes" might describe the recurrence of symptoms but doesn't fully encapsulate the flow of hospitalization and discharge. Therefore, "revolving door" is the most precise term for this situation, drawing attention to the continuous cycle that affected individuals often experience.