Describe signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Description should include

• anxiety
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• phobias
• depression
• suicide precautions (e.g., one-on-one supervision)
• safety
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia.

Refer to Unit IX in Nurse Aide Curriculum Links to an external site., Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What coping mechanisms are associated with schizophrenia?
• What is the appropriate CNA response to a patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of mental illness?
• When should a CNA make a report to a charge nurse regarding client/resident/patient who is mentally ill?
• What are one-on-one supervision guidelines for suicide precautions?