LPN exams mental health practice questions, set 11
LPN exams · mental health
LPN exams mental health practice questionsset 11
You choose the therapeutic response, the safety priority, and the cue that means the patient is getting worse. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams practice questions.
Five mental health questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
An adolescent was arrested for prostitution and assault on a parent. The adolescent says, 'I hate my parents. They focus all attention on my brother, who's perfect in their eyes.' Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable?
A. Disturbed personal identity related to acting out as evidenced by prostitution
B. Hopelessness related to achievement of role identity as evidenced by feeling unloved by parents
C. Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out
D. Impaired parenting related to inequitable feelings toward children as evidenced by showing preference for one child over another
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out
The correct answer is C: Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out. This is the most applicable nursing diagnosis because the adolescent is using inappropriate methods (prostitution and assault) to seek attention due to feeling neglected by their parents. The adolescent's behavior is a manifestation of coping with their perceived lack of attention from their parents.
A: Disturbed personal identity is incorrect because the primary issue is not related to personal identity but rather seeking attention.
B: Hopelessness related to achievement of role identity is incorrect because the main issue is not feeling unloved but seeking attention through negative behaviors.
D: Impaired parenting related to inequitable feelings toward children is incorrect as it focuses on the parents' behavior rather than the adolescent's coping mechanism.
Question 2
During a nursing assessment, a child shows signs of fear, withdrawal, and difficulty expressing emotions. Which statement by the child supports the suspicion of emotional abuse?
A. My parents hit me sometimes.
B. I don't feel safe at home.
C. I can't make any friends.
D. Nobody cares about me.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — I don't feel safe at home.
Choice A rationale: 'My parents hit me sometimes.' - Physical abuse is indicated in this statement, not emotional abuse. It's important to differentiate between the two types of abuse. Choice B rationale: 'I don't feel safe at home.' - This statement directly suggests a lack of emotional safety within the child's home environment, which aligns with signs of emotional abuse such as fear and withdrawal. It provides insight into the child's emotional well-being. Choice C rationale: 'I can't make any friends.' - While this could reflect social difficulties, it is not specific enough to confirm emotional abuse. This statement could also arise from various other factors. Choice D rationale: 'Nobody cares about me.' - This statement does suggest emotional distress, but it's not as directly tied to emotional abuse as Choice B. It could potentially indicate other emotional issues or self-esteem problems.
Question 3
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder does not interact with others except when addressed, and then only in monosyllables. The nurse wants to show nonjudgmental acceptance and support for the patient. Which communication technique will be effective?
A. Make observations.
B. Ask the patient direct questions.
C. Phrase questions to require yes or no answers.
D. Frequently reassure the patient to reduce guilt feelings.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Make observations.
The correct answer is A: Make observations. This technique is effective because it allows the nurse to show nonjudgmental acceptance and support without pressuring the patient to engage in lengthy conversations. By making observations, the nurse can acknowledge the patient's behavior without requiring a response, thus respecting the patient's need for space and limited interaction.
Option B: Asking the patient direct questions may feel intrusive and overwhelming for someone with major depressive disorder who is withdrawn.
Option C: Phrasing questions to require yes or no answers limits the patient's ability to express themselves fully and may not promote a sense of support and acceptance.
Option D: Frequently reassuring the patient to reduce guilt feelings may come across as insincere or patronizing, and may not address the patient's need for nonjudgmental acceptance in communication.
Question 4
A homeless client who reports feeling sad and depressed tells the mental health nurse that in the past 2 days she has only had 4 hours of sleep. Which action is most important for the RN to implement within the first 24 hours after treatment is initiated?
A. Allow the client to rest and sleep.
B. Ensure the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression.
C. Begin planning for the client's discharge.
D. Encourage verbalization of feelings.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Allow the client to rest and sleep.
The correct answer is A: Allow the client to rest and sleep. This is the most important action because sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and depression. By prioritizing rest and sleep within the first 24 hours, the nurse can address the immediate physical and emotional needs of the client. This action can help improve the client's overall well-being and mental health.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
- B: Ensuring the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression is important but not the most critical within the first 24 hours. Rest and sleep should be prioritized initially.
- C: Planning for the client's discharge is premature and not a priority when the client is in immediate distress.
- D: Encouraging verbalization of feelings is important for therapeutic communication but addressing sleep deprivation takes precedence in this scenario.
Question 5
A patient with social anxiety disorder is starting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which statement by the nurse best explains the purpose of this therapy?
A. CBT will help you understand and change your thought patterns.
B. CBT will focus on exploring your childhood experiences.
C. CBT will teach you relaxation techniques to use in social situations.
D. CBT will help you avoid situations that cause anxiety.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — CBT will help you understand and change your thought patterns.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, short-term psychotherapy that aims to help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. By understanding and altering these patterns, individuals can learn to manage and alleviate their symptoms effectively. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the purpose of CBT for social anxiety disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is incorrect because while childhood experiences may be explored, the primary focus of CBT is on thought patterns and behaviors in the present. C is incorrect because although relaxation techniques may be a component of CBT, the primary goal is not just to teach relaxation but to address underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns. D is incorrect because the goal of CBT is not avoidance but rather to confront and manage anxiety-provoking situations.
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Question 6
A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behavior best indicates the child's parents are mourning in an effective way? The parents
A. forbid their other children from going swimming.
B. keep a place set for the deceased child at the family dinner table.
C. sealed their child's room exactly as the child left it 2 years ago.
D. throw flowers on the lake at each anniversary date of the accident.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because throwing flowers on the lake at each anniversary date indicates a healthy way of mourning by honoring and remembering the child in a positive and symbolic manner. It shows an active and ongoing effort to pay tribute to the deceased child while also finding closure.
A: Forbidding other children from swimming may indicate overprotectiveness or fear rather than effective mourning.
B: Keeping a place set for the deceased child at the dinner table could be a constant reminder and hinder the mourning process by not allowing for acceptance and moving on.
C: Sealing the child's room exactly as it was could prevent the parents from processing their grief and moving forward in a healthy manner.
In summary, choice D is the most effective way of mourning as it allows for remembrance, closure, and honoring the deceased child without hindering the grieving process.
A client with PTSD is experiencing flashbacks and nightmares. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the client to talk about the flashbacks.
B. Assist the client in developing coping strategies.
C. Discuss relaxation techniques with the client.
D. Refer the client to a PTSD support group.
Correct answer:
Encouraging the client to talk about the flashbacks is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client with PTSD experiencing flashbacks and nightmares. This intervention helps the client express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to the trauma they are going through. It can assist in processing the traumatic events and starting the healing process. Choice B, assisting the client in developing coping strategies, is important but should come after the client has started to verbalize and process their experiences. Choice C, discussing relaxation techniques, may be beneficial later in the treatment process but may not be as effective initially as addressing the traumatic experiences. Choice D, referring the client to a PTSD support group, is also valuable but may not be as immediate as encouraging the client to talk about their flashbacks to begin the therapeutic process.
A client wants to understand the factors that contribute to the development of depression. Which of the following factors are mentioned in the text as potential contributors to depression?
A. Positive life events
B. High income
C. Lack of social support
D. Optimistic thinking
Correct answer:
Positive life events, although beneficial, are not typically considered contributors to the development of depression. Positive events generally have a positive impact on mental health and may even serve as protective factors against depression. High income is not mentioned as a contributor; in fact, higher income can provide access to better resources and opportunities that might contribute to better mental health outcomes. Lack of social support is a well-established factor contributing to the development of depression. Social support plays a crucial role in buffering against stress and providing individuals with a sense of belonging and emotional connection. A lack of strong social ties can lead to feelings of isolation and increase vulnerability to depression. Optimistic thinking is typically considered a protective factor against depression rather than a contributor to its development.
A nurse is assessing a child with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of DSED?
A. Avoidance of all social interactions.
B. Selective attachment to specific caregivers.
C. Excessive familiarity with strangers.
D. Emotional withdrawal from adult caregivers.
Correct answer:
Choice A rationale: Avoidance of all social interactions is not a common clinical manifestation of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). DSED is characterized by an extreme lack of inhibition in approaching and interacting with unfamiliar adults. Choice B rationale: Selective attachment to specific caregivers is not a common manifestation of DSED. This choice contradicts the nature of the disorder, which involves indiscriminate attachment behaviors towards both familiar and unfamiliar adults. Choice C rationale: Children with DSED tend to approach and interact with strangers without the expected caution or wariness, displaying an inappropriate level of familiarity. Choice D rationale: Emotional withdrawal from adult caregivers is not a common manifestation of DSED. Children with DSED typically exhibit the opposite behavior, actively seeking interactions with unfamiliar adults.
A professional football player is seen in the emergency department after losing consciousness from an illegal block. Prior to discharge, the nurse assists the patient to schedule an outpatient computed tomography (CT) scan for the next day. Which strategy should the nurse use to ensure the patient remembers the appointment?
A. Write the appointment day, time, and location on a piece of paper and give it to the player.
B. Log the appointment day, time, and location into the playerâ„¢s cell phone calendar feature.
C. Ask the health care provider to admit the patient to the hospital overnight.
D. Verbally inform the patient of the appointment day, time, and location.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Log the appointment day, time, and location into the player's cell phone calendar feature. This method utilizes technology to set a reminder for the appointment, increasing the likelihood of the patient remembering. By inputting the information directly into the player's cell phone calendar, it serves as a tangible reminder that the patient will frequently access. This strategy leverages the convenience and accessibility of smartphones, enhancing the chances of successful appointment attendance.
Choice A is less effective because a piece of paper can be lost or forgotten easily. Choice C is unnecessary as the patient does not require hospital admission for a routine CT scan appointment. Choice D relies solely on verbal communication which may not be as reliable as a digital reminder in a traumatic situation where the patient may be disoriented or forgetful.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to help the patient manage their condition?
A. Encouraging the patient to follow a balanced diet and monitor blood glucose levels regularly
B. Recommending the patient take medication only when they feel unwell
C. Instructing the patient to avoid exercise to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels
D. Providing the patient with information on how to manage symptoms of diabetes only when they occur
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Encouraging the patient to follow a balanced diet and monitor blood glucose levels regularly. This is the most appropriate intervention because managing diabetes requires a combination of healthy eating habits and monitoring blood sugar levels. By following a balanced diet, the patient can regulate their blood sugar levels effectively. Regular monitoring helps the patient understand how their diet and lifestyle choices impact their condition.
Choice B is incorrect because taking medication only when feeling unwell does not address the need for consistent management of blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect as exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect because managing diabetes is not just about symptom management but also prevention through lifestyle modifications.
During one-to-one session with the nurse, a female client who has been admitted for chronic depression and attempted suicide discloses her experience of sexual promiscuity and prostitution. When the nurse asks the client if she was ever sexually abused as a child, the client says, 'I don't remember, but my mother ran my father off when I was five.' The nurse should recognize that the client may be using which defense mechanism?
A. Repression.
B. Denial.
C. Projection.
D. Rationalization.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Repression. Repression is a defense mechanism where painful or unacceptable memories are pushed into the unconscious mind to avoid conscious awareness. In this scenario, the client's inability to remember potential childhood sexual abuse could be a result of repressing those memories due to the distress they may cause. The client's response of not remembering but mentioning a significant event from childhood (mother running off father) suggests the possibility of repressed memories.
Summary:
- Choice B: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality, which is not evident in this scenario.
- Choice C: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or feelings to others, which is not applicable in this context.
- Choice D: Rationalization involves creating logical explanations to justify behaviors, which is not demonstrated in the client's response.
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive episode intentionally overdoses on sertraline (Zoloft). Family reports that the client has experienced anorexia, insomnia, and recent job loss. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
A. Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness
B. Anxiety: severe R/T hyperactivity
C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements R/T refusal to eat
D. Dysfunctional grieving R/T loss of employment
Correct answer:
The priority nursing diagnosis for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder who intentionally overdoses on sertraline is "A: Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness." This is because the client's actions indicate a high risk for self-harm, which takes precedence over other diagnoses. The client's depressive episode, anorexia, insomnia, and recent job loss all contribute to feelings of hopelessness and can increase the risk of suicide.
Choice B, anxiety related to hyperactivity, is not the priority because the client's intentional overdose is a more immediate concern than anxiety symptoms. Choice C, imbalanced nutrition due to refusal to eat, is not the priority because the risk of suicide is a more urgent and life-threatening issue. Choice D, dysfunctional grieving related to job loss, is not the priority as the client's immediate safety from self-harm takes precedence over grieving.
Adam has antisocial personality disorder. He says to the nurse, 'I'm not crazy. I'm just fun-loving. I believe in looking out for myself. Who cares what anyone thinks? If it feels good, do it!' Which of the following describes the psychoanalytical structure of Adam's personality?
A. Weak id, strong ego, weak superego
B. Strong id, weak ego, weak superego
C. Weak id, weak ego, punitive superego
D. Strong id, weak ego, punitive superego
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Strong id, weak ego, weak superego. This is because Adam's statement reflects characteristics of a person with strong id, prioritizing immediate gratification and pleasure without considering consequences. His lack of concern for societal norms or moral values indicates a weak superego. Additionally, his statement suggests a weak ego, as he lacks the ability to balance the demands of the id and superego, resulting in impulsive and self-centered behavior.
Summary of other choices:
A: Weak id, strong ego, weak superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement reflects a strong id, not a weak one.
C: Weak id, weak ego, punitive superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement does not suggest a punitive superego.
D: Strong id, weak ego, punitive superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement does not indicate a punitive superego but rather a weak one.
A young adult says to the nurse, I go to sleep without any problem, but I often wake up during the night because it feels like there are rubber bands in my legs. Which assessment question should the nurse ask to assess for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
A. What type of birth control do you use?Â
B. How much caffeine do you use every day?Â
C. How much exercise do you get in a typical day?Â
D. Does anyone else in your family have this problem?Â
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: "Does anyone else in your family have this problem?" This question is crucial for assessing restless legs syndrome (RLS) because RLS can have a genetic component. By asking if anyone else in the family has experienced similar symptoms, the nurse can determine if there is a familial pattern of RLS, which can help in diagnosing and managing the condition.
A: "What type of birth control do you use?" This question is unrelated to RLS and does not provide relevant information for assessing the client's symptoms.
B: "How much caffeine do you use every day?" While caffeine consumption can potentially impact sleep, it is not directly related to RLS symptoms involving sensations of rubber bands in the legs.
C: "How much exercise do you get in a typical day?" While exercise can influence sleep patterns, it is not a key assessment question for RLS specifically.
LPN exams mental health practice questions, set 11 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the LPN exams exam guide.
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