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 RN exams exam guide or more RN 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
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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — When the resident is seated in the vehicle
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.
Question 2
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.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Is a very ominous sign and may indicate brainstem injury.
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.
Question 3
An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the student to use the alternative coping mechanism of relaxation exercises.
B. Complete the problem-solving process for the client.
C. Work through the problem-solving process with the client.
D. Encourage the client to keep a journal.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Work through the problem-solving process with the client.
The correct answer is C: Work through the problem-solving process with the client. This option promotes empowerment and autonomy by guiding the client to develop their problem-solving skills. It allows the nurse to offer support and guidance without taking over the process entirely, fostering independence and self-efficacy. Encouraging the client to actively participate in finding solutions can help build confidence and improve their ability to handle similar situations in the future.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Encouraging relaxation exercises can be helpful for managing anxiety, but it does not directly address the underlying issue of developing problem-solving skills.
B: Completing the problem-solving process for the client does not empower the client to learn how to address similar challenges independently.
D: Keeping a journal can be a helpful tool for self-reflection and managing emotions, but it does not specifically address the client's difficulty with independent problem-solving.
Question 4
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.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Provide external limits on client behavior.
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.
Question 5
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.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Patient involvement in decision making increases sense of control and promotes adherence.
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.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
A psychiatric nurse documents in a client's chart:"Seems to have no regard for legal or ethical standards. A problem client who needs constant limit setting." Which response by the nurse manager reflects the potential liability related to this entry?
A. "Documenting this breaches the client's right to confidentiality."
B. "Documenting this puts you at risk for malpractice."
C. "Documenting this puts you at risk for defamation of character."
D. "Documenting this breaches the client's right to informed consent."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: "Documenting this puts you at risk for defamation of character." This is because the nurse's statement could harm the client's reputation by implying they have no regard for legal or ethical standards. Defamation of character involves making false statements that harm someone's reputation. The nurse's documentation could be seen as libel if it's in writing.
A: "Documenting this breaches the client's right to confidentiality."
This is incorrect because the issue is not about breaching confidentiality but rather about potentially harming the client's reputation.
B: "Documenting this puts you at risk for malpractice."
This is incorrect because malpractice typically involves a failure to meet the standard of care, not necessarily defamation of character.
D: "Documenting this breaches the client's right to informed consent."
This is incorrect as informed consent relates to the client's understanding and agreement to treatment, not to the nurse's documentation of behavior.
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 client has been prescribed naltrexone (Trexan) for treatment of alcohol dependence. The nurse has explained the drug's purpose to the client. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client identifies which of the following about the drug?
A. Causes itching if alcohol is consumed
B. Produces the euphoria of alcohol
C. Reduces the appeal of alcohol
D. Improves appetite and nutritional status
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Reduces the appeal of alcohol. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol, reducing cravings, and decreasing the desire to drink. By choosing this answer, the client demonstrates an understanding of naltrexone's mechanism of action in treating alcohol dependence.
A: Causes itching if alcohol is consumed - This statement is incorrect. Naltrexone does not cause itching if alcohol is consumed. It works by blocking opioid receptors, not by producing physical side effects like itching.
B: Produces the euphoria of alcohol - This statement is incorrect. Naltrexone actually blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, making it less appealing and reducing the desire to drink.
D: Improves appetite and nutritional status - This statement is incorrect. Naltrexone does not directly affect appetite or nutritional status. Its primary purpose is to help with alcohol dependence by reducing cravings and the pleasure associated with drinking.
Which patient statement supports the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
A. I'm terrified of gaining weight.
B. I wish I had a good friend to talk to.
C. I've been told I drink way too much alcohol.
D. I don't get much pleasure out of life anymore.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because a fear of gaining weight is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa. People with anorexia nervosa often have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, leading to restrictive eating habits. This statement aligns with the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa outlined in the DSM-5.
Choice B is incorrect because it does not directly relate to the typical symptoms of anorexia nervosa. While social isolation and lack of support can be factors in eating disorders, this statement does not specifically support the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
Choice C is incorrect because alcohol abuse is not a primary symptom of anorexia nervosa. While co-occurring substance abuse disorders can sometimes occur with eating disorders, this statement does not directly support the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.
Choice D is incorrect because a lack of pleasure in life is a symptom commonly associated with depression, not specifically anorexia nervosa. While depression can co-
Which interaction is an example of dialogue that would be used in the context of reality therapy?
A. Client:"I'm so anxious I can't sleep." Nurse:"I have a relaxation exercise I can show you."
B. Client:"I was punished frequently by my mother and now can't do anything right." Nurse:"Tell me about your feelings of anger."
C. Client:"I can't sit still; I'm too anxious and jittery." Nurse:"Let's sit for a while and discuss your anxiety."
D. Client:"The stupid doctor revoked my pass for tomorrow." Nurse:"What did you do that showed that you were not ready for a pass?"
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because it reflects the key principles of reality therapy, which focuses on personal responsibility and choices. In this dialogue, the nurse is helping the client explore their behavior and choices that led to the consequence of losing their pass. By asking the client about their actions and readiness for the pass, the nurse is encouraging self-reflection and accountability. This approach aligns with reality therapy's emphasis on helping clients understand how their choices impact their lives.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address personal responsibility and choice. Choice A focuses on offering a relaxation exercise without addressing the client's role in managing their anxiety. Choice B focuses on exploring the client's past experiences with punishment but does not guide the client towards self-reflection on their current behavior. Choice C suggests discussing anxiety without directly addressing the client's choices or accountability.
A 22-year-old patient with schizophrenia is refusing his antipsychotic medication. He states, `I don’t like the dopey way it makes me feel. I feel like I’m walking under water when I take it.? The nurse explains to him, `Your schizophrenia is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain, and this medication helps fix that chemical imbalance. You need to take it so your symptoms will get better.? This conversation reflects a conflict between which two types of ethical principles?
A. Autonomy and justice
B. Paternalism and veracity
C. Justice and nonmaleficence
D. Autonomy and beneficence
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Autonomy and beneficence. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In this case, the patient is refusing medication based on how it makes them feel, which reflects their autonomy. Beneficence refers to the healthcare provider's duty to act in the patient's best interest. The nurse is trying to persuade the patient to take the medication by explaining its benefits for treating the chemical imbalance associated with schizophrenia. This reflects the conflict between respecting the patient's autonomy while also promoting their well-being through beneficence.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect:
A: Autonomy and justice do not directly apply to the conflict in the scenario.
B: Paternalism involves overriding a patient's autonomy for their own good, but veracity (truthfulness) is not a central issue in this scenario.
C: Justice and nonmaleficence are not the primary ethical principles in conflict; the focus is on autonomy and benef
A nurse is demonstrating behaviors that the treatment team is attempting to get the patient to develop. The nurse is integrating which theory?
A. Erikson's model of psychosocial development
B. Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory
C. Skinner's operant conditioning
D. Freud's psychoanalytic model
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory. Bandura's theory emphasizes observational learning, where individuals acquire new behaviors through watching others. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating behaviors for the patient to develop, aligning with Bandura's theory. This theory also emphasizes self-efficacy and the role of cognitive processes in behavior change, which are relevant in healthcare settings.
Choice A (Erikson's model of psychosocial development) focuses on stages of psychosocial development across the lifespan, which is not directly related to the nurse's demonstration of behaviors.
Choice C (Skinner's operant conditioning) emphasizes reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior, which is not the primary mechanism at play in the nurse's demonstration.
Choice D (Freud's psychoanalytic model) emphasizes unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, which are not directly applicable to the nurse's intentional demonstration of behaviors.
A nursing instructor is explaining to a group of nursing students that in addition to facing the stigma associated with being mentally ill, forensic clients who are mentally ill also experience the stigma associated with being a criminal. One of the students asks the instructor how the stigma associated with criminality might influence nursing care. Which response by the instructor would be most appropriate?
A. Nurses may be reluctant to care for mentally ill criminals because of unrealistic fears for their own safety and that of their other clients.
B. Nurses may prefer to care for forensic clients because they do not believe criminals can be mentally ill.
C. An example would be volunteering to work only with forensic clients because of the belief that forensic clients experience only mild mental health problems.
D. An example would be unfounded fear of what such clients might do after they are discharged from treatment.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because it addresses the potential impact of the stigma associated with criminality on nursing care. Nurses may indeed be reluctant to care for mentally ill criminals due to safety concerns, both for themselves and other clients. This response acknowledges the realistic fears that may exist and how they can influence the quality of care provided.
Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect:
B: This choice suggests that nurses may prefer to care for forensic clients because they don't believe criminals can be mentally ill, which is not relevant to the question asked.
C: This choice implies a generalization that forensic clients only experience mild mental health problems, which is not accurate and does not address the impact of stigma associated with criminality on nursing care.
D: This choice mentions unfounded fears about what clients might do post-treatment, which is not directly related to the stigma associated with criminality influencing nursing care.
What statement describes a controversy associated with the practice of psychiatry?
A. the universal agreement on the efficacy of psychiatric medications across all populations
B. the use of involuntary treatment and the potential infringement on personal freedoms
C. the absence of any ethical dilemmas in psychiatric practices
D. the complete alignment of psychiatric diagnoses with physical health conditions
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: the use of involuntary treatment and the potential infringement on personal freedoms. This is because the controversy surrounding psychiatry often involves ethical concerns related to involuntary treatment, such as issues of patient autonomy and civil rights. Involuntary treatment raises questions about the balance between the individual's right to refuse treatment and the need for intervention in cases of severe mental illness.
Choice A is incorrect because there is not universal agreement on the efficacy of psychiatric medications across all populations, with debates about effectiveness, side effects, and long-term outcomes. Choice C is incorrect as ethical dilemmas do exist in psychiatric practices, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and conflicts of interest. Choice D is incorrect as psychiatric diagnoses are not always aligned with physical health conditions, and the distinction between mental and physical health is a key aspect of psychiatric practice.
Within the context of the culture of poverty, which of the following most clearly describes why individuals who are part of this culture become trapped in a downward economic spiral?
A. Unemployment causes poverty; a lack of willpower and motivation can, in turn, cause unemployment in people who do not have a strong work ethic.
B. Individuals lack the finances to pay rent, so they eventually do not have an address to use in filling out job applications.
C. Characteristics of poverty (joblessness and lack of financial independence) can, in turn, contribute to attributes (feelings of powerlessness and low self-esteem) that sustain poverty.
D. Poverty is passed on from generation to generation; individuals learn at an early age that there is no way to escape living in poverty.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C. In the context of the culture of poverty, individuals can become trapped in a downward economic spiral because characteristics of poverty (such as joblessness and lack of financial independence) can lead to feelings of powerlessness and low self-esteem. These attributes can further sustain poverty by affecting individuals' ability to seek and maintain employment, make financial decisions, and access resources for upward mobility. This cyclical nature perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
Choice A is incorrect because it oversimplifies the relationship between unemployment and poverty, neglecting the systemic barriers and social factors that contribute to poverty. Choice B focuses solely on the immediate financial aspect of poverty, overlooking the psychological and social consequences that can perpetuate poverty. Choice D, while acknowledging intergenerational poverty, does not emphasize the psychological and behavioral aspects that contribute to the culture of poverty.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 13 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 RN exams exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
