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
Which one of the following statements is most accurate regarding the cohesiveness of a group in group therapy?
A. It is commonly present in the first meeting of the group.
B. It is necessary for the group to have maximum cohesiveness, the more the better.
C. Group cohesiveness is the degree to which members think alike and many things are left unspoken.
D. Cohesiveness is a desirable group characteristic that is associated with positive group outcomes.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Cohesiveness is a desirable group characteristic that is associated with positive group outcomes.
Cohesiveness is a desirable group characteristic that is associated with positive group outcomes. It is not common for the group to be cohesive during the first meeting of the group. During the first meeting, or the initial stage, members introduce themselves and the parameters of the group are established. Group members begin to 'check out' one another and the leaders as they determine their levels of comfort in the group setting. Cohesiveness is associated with the working stage of a group that may take two or three sessions in a therapy group because members must develop some level of trust before sharing personal feelings or difficult situations. If a group is 'overly cohesive,' in that uniformity and agreement become the group's implicit goals, there may be a negative effect on the group outcome as members may not offer needed feedback and this may thwart critical thinking and creative problem solving. Group cohesiveness is the degree to which members work together cooperatively to accomplish the purpose.
Question 2
A nurse caring for a patient taking a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) will develop outcome criteria related to:
A. mood improvement
B. logical thought processes
C. reduced levels of motor activity
D. decreased extrapyramidal symptoms
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — mood improvement
The correct answer is A: mood improvement. SSRI medications are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to improved mood. Outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI should focus on monitoring and assessing mood changes to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
B: Logical thought processes is incorrect because SSRI medications do not directly target cognitive processes, so it is not a specific outcome criteria related to SSRI use.
C: Reduced levels of motor activity is incorrect because SSRI medications do not typically cause significant changes in motor activity as a primary effect, so it is not a relevant outcome criteria for monitoring patients on SSRIs.
D: Decreased extrapyramidal symptoms is incorrect because extrapyramidal symptoms are typically associated with antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs. Monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms would not be a relevant outcome criteria for a patient taking an SSRI.
Question 3
An 80-year-old woman is visiting the clinic for a checkup. She states, 'I can't walk as much as I used to.' The nurse is observing for motor dysfunction in her hip and should ask her to:
A. Internally rotate her hip while she is sitting.
B. Abduct her hip while she is lying on her back.
C. Adduct her hip while she is lying on her back.
D. Externally rotate her hip while she is standing.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Abduct her hip while she is lying on her back.
The correct answer is B: Abduct her hip while she is lying on her back. This action tests the strength and range of motion of the hip abductors, which are commonly affected in older adults leading to difficulty in walking. By asking the patient to abduct her hip while lying on her back, the nurse can assess if there is any weakness or limitation in her hip abduction movement, which can indicate underlying motor dysfunction. Additionally, this position minimizes the impact of gravity and stabilizes the pelvis, allowing for a more accurate assessment of hip abduction strength.
Incorrect options:
A: Internally rotate her hip while she is sitting - This does not specifically target the hip abductors, which are more relevant in assessing walking difficulty.
C: Adduct her hip while she is lying on her back - Adduction movement is not as relevant in assessing motor dysfunction related to walking difficulty in this context.
D: Externally rotate her hip while she is standing - Standing position and external
Question 4
Emily is a 28-year-old nurse who works on a psychiatric unit. She is assigned to work with Jenna, a 27-year-old who was admitted with major depressive disorder. Emily and Jenna realize that they graduated from the same high school and each has a 2-year-old daughter. Emily and Jenna discuss getting together for a play date with their daughters after Jenna is discharged. This situation reflects:
A. Successful termination
B. Promoting interdependence
C. Boundary blurring
D. A strong therapeutic relationship
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Boundary blurring
The correct answer is C: Boundary blurring. This situation reflects boundary blurring because Emily, as a nurse, is crossing professional boundaries by engaging in a personal and social relationship with Jenna, her patient. This can lead to ethical concerns, compromised therapeutic effectiveness, and potential harm to both parties. It is important for healthcare professionals to maintain clear boundaries to uphold professionalism, trust, and the therapeutic nature of the nurse-patient relationship.
A: Successful termination is incorrect as it refers to the conclusion of the therapeutic relationship, which is not the case here.
B: Promoting interdependence is incorrect as it involves fostering mutual reliance and support between individuals, which is not the focus of the situation described.
D: A strong therapeutic relationship is incorrect as it describes a positive and therapeutic connection between a healthcare provider and patient, which is not the issue in this scenario due to boundary blurring.
Question 5
A 67-year-old female smoker with a family history of high blood pressure and heart disease presents with acute onset neck pain, headache, and a blood pressure of 175/100 mm Hg. What should the physical therapist do FIRST?
A. Refer the patient for assessment by a physician.
B. Assume that this is a 'white coat' effect and continue with the usual examination.
C. Continue the examination but modify the order and extent of the tests.
D. Modify the examination to avoid manual therapy and offer simple exercises.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Refer the patient for assessment by a physician.
The correct answer is A: Refer the patient for assessment by a physician. Given the patient's age, smoking history, family history, and elevated blood pressure, there is a high likelihood of cardiovascular issues. As a physical therapist, it is crucial to prioritize patient safety and rule out any serious medical conditions before proceeding with any interventions. Referring the patient for immediate medical assessment allows for proper diagnosis and management of potential cardiovascular emergencies. This is the first and most important step to ensure the patient's well-being.
Other choices are incorrect because:
B: Assuming it is a 'white coat' effect overlooks the serious symptoms and risks associated with the patient's presentation.
C: Continuing the examination with modifications may delay necessary medical intervention and put the patient at risk.
D: Modifying the examination and avoiding manual therapy may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and delay appropriate medical care.
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Question 6
Which nursing intervention would help the client to meet desired outcomes when demonstrating behaviors and verbalizations indicating a lack of guilt feelings?
A. Provide external limits on client behavior.
B. Foster discussions of rationales for behavioral change.
C. Implement interventions consistently by only one staff member.
D. Encourage the client to involve self in care.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because providing external limits on client behavior helps establish boundaries and consequences for inappropriate actions, promoting accountability and potentially reducing guilt-inducing behaviors. This intervention can guide the client towards more appropriate behaviors and reinforce the importance of adhering to set limits.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Foster discussions of rationales for behavioral change - While discussing rationales for behavioral change can be beneficial, it may not directly address the lack of guilt feelings in the client.
C: Implement interventions consistently by only one staff member - Consistency in interventions is important, but limiting interventions to one staff member may not be sufficient to address the underlying lack of guilt feelings.
D: Encourage the client to involve self in care - Encouraging client involvement in care is important for empowerment but may not directly address the lack of guilt feelings.
During an assessment of a 32-year-old patient with a recent head injury, the nurse notices that the patient responds to pain by extending, adducting, and internally rotating his arms. His palms pronate, and his lower extremities extend with plantar flexion. Which statement concerning these findings is most accurate? This patient's response:
A. Indicates a lesion of the cerebral cortex.
B. Indicates a completely nonfunctional brainstem.
C. Is normal and will go away in 24 to 48 hours.
D. Is a very ominous sign and may indicate brainstem injury.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D. These decerebrate posturing responses are indicative of dysfunction in the brainstem. Specifically, the abnormal posturing seen in the patient suggests damage to the midbrain or pons. This type of response is considered a more severe sign compared to decorticate posturing, which typically indicates damage to the cerebral cortex. Decerebrate posturing is associated with a poorer prognosis and can be a sign of significant neurological injury. The other choices are incorrect:
A: Indicates a lesion of the cerebral cortex - This is incorrect because the patient's response is indicative of brainstem, not cortical, dysfunction.
B: Indicates a completely nonfunctional brainstem - This is an extreme and inaccurate statement. The patient is exhibiting specific posturing responses, indicating some brainstem function.
C: Is normal and will go away in 24 to 48 hours - This is incorrect as the described response is a pathological sign, not a normal one, and requires medical attention.
A patient has a disorder with the essential feature of disruption or breakdown of memory, identity, or perception. This is an example of which disorder?
A. Dissociative disorder
B. Somatoform disorder
C. Psychotic disorder
D. Anxiety disorder
Correct answer:
Dissociative disorders have the essential feature of disruption or breakdown of memory, identity, or perception. This often interferes with the person's relationships, ability to function in daily life, and ability to cope with the realities of the abusive or traumatic event. Dissociation is a subconscious defense mechanism that helps a person protect his or her emotional self from recognizing the full effects of some horrific or traumatic event by allowing the mind to forget or remove itself from the painful situation or memory. Incorrect: Somatoform disorders can be characterized as the presence of physical symptoms that suggest a medical condition without a demonstrable organic basis for a medical condition. Incorrect: Psychotic disorder, or schizophrenia, causes distorted and bizarre thoughts, perceptions, emotions, movements, and behavior. Incorrect: Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive panic without reason, unwarranted fears or worrying, and apprehension about future uncertainties.
A nursing assistant's responsibility for the resident during discharge ends
A. When the doctor writes the discharge order
B. When the resident's belongings are packed
C. When the resident is seated in the vehicle
D. When the vehicle's doors are closed
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C. A nursing assistant's responsibility for the resident during discharge ends when the resident is safely seated in the vehicle. This is because the nursing assistant's duty is to ensure the safe transfer of the resident from the facility to the vehicle. Once the resident is seated in the vehicle, the nursing assistant's direct responsibility for the resident's well-being ceases as the transportation process has been successfully completed.
Choice A is incorrect because the doctor writing the discharge order does not directly relate to the nursing assistant's responsibility for the resident's discharge process. Choice B is incorrect as the packing of the resident's belongings is not the main focus of the nursing assistant's duty during discharge. Choice D is incorrect because the closing of the vehicle's doors is not the key indicator for the completion of the nursing assistant's responsibilities; ensuring the resident's safe seating in the vehicle is the critical factor.
A patient with anorexia nervosa is resistant to weight gain. What is the rationale for establishing a contract with the patient to participate in measures to produce a specified weekly weight gain?
A. Severe anxiety concerning eating is expected, so objective and subjective data must be routinely collected.
B. Patient involvement in decision making increases sense of control and promotes adherence.
C. Because of risks of physical problems from refeeding, the patient's consent is essential.
D. A team approach to treatment planning ensures that physical and emotional needs are met.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because involving the patient in decision making increases their sense of control and promotes adherence to treatment. By establishing a contract with the patient for a specified weekly weight gain, the patient feels empowered and motivated to actively participate in their recovery process. This sense of control can help the patient overcome resistance to weight gain and improve compliance with treatment recommendations.
Explanation for other choices:
A: While collecting objective and subjective data is important in managing anorexia nervosa, it does not directly address the rationale for establishing a contract with the patient.
C: Consent is indeed essential for treatment, but this choice does not address the importance of patient involvement in decision making for promoting adherence to treatment.
D: While a team approach to treatment planning is crucial, it does not specifically explain the rationale for establishing a contract with the patient for weight gain.
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of Risperidone. When the client walks to the nurse station in a laterally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the prescribed anticholinergic Benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia.
B. Reassure the client that the sensation is temporary.
C. Encourage the client to relax and breathe deeply.
D. Document the client's symptoms and notify the HCP.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Administer the prescribed anticholinergic Benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia. In this scenario, the client's presentation of walking in a laterally contracted position and attributing it to something external causing his body to contort into a monster is indicative of acute dystonia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications like Risperidone. Administering Benztropine, an anticholinergic medication, helps alleviate dystonic symptoms by blocking the effects of excess acetylcholine in the brain. It is important to address dystonic symptoms promptly to prevent further distress and potential complications.
Incorrect choices:
B: Reassuring the client that the sensation is temporary does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and may lead to increased distress.
C: Encouraging the client to relax and breathe deeply may not effectively manage the acute dystonic symptoms and could delay proper treatment.
D: While documenting the client's symptoms and notifying
A nurse is assessing a child with suspected DSED. The child says, 'I like talking to new people and making friends quickly.' What does this statement indicate?
A. The child has a strong attachment to caregivers.
B. The child's social behavior is age-appropriate.
C. The child is showing inhibited behavior.
D. The child's behavior may be indicative of DSED.
Correct answer:
Choice A rationale: The statement does not imply a strong attachment to caregivers. Rather, it suggests a lack of appropriate attachment-related behaviors, which is indicative of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). Choice B rationale: The child's behavior of liking to talk to new people and make friends quickly is not considered age-appropriate. Children typically exhibit cautious behavior around strangers, unlike the behavior described, which could be a sign of DSED. Choice C rationale: The child's behavior does not align with inhibited behavior. Inhibited behavior would involve shyness, reluctance to engage with new people, and hesitancy in forming friendships. Choice D rationale: The child's statement, 'I like talking to new people and making friends quickly,' may be indicative of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). Children with this disorder often show a lack of appropriate wariness around unfamiliar individuals and readily form relationships without discernment.
Shortly after the parents announced that they were divorcing, a 15-year-old became truant from school and assaulted a friend. The adolescent told the school nurse, 'I'd rather stay in my room and listen to music. It's easier than thinking about what is happening in my family.' Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable?
A. Chronic low self-esteem related to role within the family
B. Decisional conflict related to compliance with school requirements
C. Defensive coping related to adjustment to changes in family relationships
D. Disturbed personal identity related to self-perceptions of changing family dynamics
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Defensive coping related to adjustment to changes in family relationships. The adolescent's behavior of truancy and aggression towards a friend indicates they are using defensive coping mechanisms to avoid dealing with the stress of their parents' divorce. This diagnosis focuses on the maladaptive coping strategies being used by the individual.
A: Chronic low self-esteem is not the most applicable diagnosis in this case as the behavior described is more indicative of avoidance and coping mechanisms rather than self-esteem issues.
B: Decisional conflict related to compliance with school requirements does not address the underlying emotional distress the adolescent is experiencing due to the family situation.
D: Disturbed personal identity related to self-perceptions of changing family dynamics is not the most appropriate diagnosis as it does not directly address the defensive coping mechanisms being used by the adolescent in response to the family changes.
Shortly after the parents announced that they were divorcing, a 15-year-old became truant from school and assaulted a friend. The adolescent told the school nurse, 'I'd rather stay in my room and listen to music. It's easier than thinking about what is happening in my family.' Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable?
A. Chronic low self-esteem related to role within the family
B. Decisional conflict related to compliance with school requirements
C. Defensive coping related to adjustment to changes in family relationships
D. Disturbed personal identity related to self-perceptions of changing family dynamics
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Defensive coping related to adjustment to changes in family relationships. The adolescent's behavior of truancy and assault is a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with the stress and turmoil caused by the parents' divorce. This choice addresses the underlying issue of struggling to adjust to the changes in family dynamics and using defensive coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional distress.
A: Chronic low self-esteem is not the most appropriate diagnosis in this case as the behavior exhibited is more related to coping with family changes rather than self-esteem issues.
B: Decisional conflict related to school compliance is not the best choice as the behavior is not primarily driven by conflicts related to school requirements.
D: Disturbed personal identity related to changing family dynamics is not the most suitable diagnosis as the primary issue lies in the coping mechanism and adjustment to family changes rather than personal identity disturbances.
When considering stress, what is the primary goal of making daily entries into a personal journal?
A. Providing a distraction from the daily stress
B. Expressing emotions to manage stress
C. Identifying stress triggers
D. Focusing on one's stress
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Expressing emotions to manage stress. By making daily entries in a personal journal, individuals can effectively express their emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to stress. This process helps in acknowledging and processing these emotions, leading to better stress management. Writing in a journal can serve as a cathartic outlet, allowing individuals to release pent-up emotions and gain clarity on their stressors. This practice promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of control over stressors.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Providing a distraction from the daily stress - Journaling is more about facing and processing stress rather than avoiding it.
C: Identifying stress triggers - While journaling may help in identifying stress triggers, the primary goal is to express emotions rather than solely focusing on triggers.
D: Focusing on one's stress - Journaling aims to manage stress by expressing emotions, not by fixating solely on stress itself.
LPN exams mental health practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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