RN exams mental health practice questions, set 16

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RN exams mental health practice questions set 16

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 female client requests that her husband be allowed to stay in the room during the admission assessment. While interviewing the client, the nurse notes a discrepancy between the client's verbal and nonverbal communication. What action should the nurse take?

  1. A. Pay close attention and document the nonverbal messages.
  2. B. Ask the client's husband to interpret the discrepancy.
  3. C. Ignore the nonverbal behavior and focus on the client's verbal messages.
  4. D. Integrate the verbal and nonverbal messages and interpret them as one.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Pay close attention and document the nonverbal messages.

When a nurse observes a discrepancy between a client's verbal and nonverbal communication, it is essential to pay close attention and document the nonverbal messages. Nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can provide valuable insights into the client's emotional state, feelings, and concerns that may not be expressed verbally. By documenting these nonverbal messages, the nurse can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the client's communication and address any potential underlying issues. Asking the client's husband to interpret the discrepancy (Choice B) may not always provide an accurate understanding of the client's nonverbal cues. Ignoring the nonverbal behavior (Choice C) could lead to missing important cues affecting the client's care. Integrating verbal and nonverbal messages (Choice D) is important, but initially focusing on documenting and understanding the nonverbal cues can enhance the nurse's assessment and communication with the client.

Question 2

Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and looked under chair while stating, ‗I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which analysis is most accurate?

  1. A. The patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques.
  2. B. The nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter.
  3. C. The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.
  4. D. The patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.

The correct answer is C: The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent. This is correct because the patient's statement "I enjoy spending time with you" does not align with their fidgeting, tapping foot, covering face, and looking under the chair - all signs of discomfort or unease. The incongruence between the verbal and nonverbal cues suggests a potential discrepancy between what the patient is saying and how they are truly feeling. A: The patient's behavior does not necessarily indicate positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. B: There is no indication of the nurse misinterpreting the patient's behavior based on cultural differences. D: There is no evidence to suggest that the patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors based on the given information. In summary, the correct answer highlights the importance of recognizing and interpreting both verbal and nonverbal cues to gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient's communication.

Question 3

A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the evolution of mental health care and are discussing the recommendations of the final report of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify that the report recommended an increase in which of the following?

  1. A. Numbers of mental health hospitals
  2. B. State funding for mental health care
  3. C. Clinics supplemented by general hospital units
  4. D. Use of psychotherapy by psychiatrists
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Clinics supplemented by general hospital units

The correct answer is C: Clinics supplemented by general hospital units. The Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health recommended an increase in community-based mental health services, including clinics supplemented by general hospital units, to provide more accessible and comprehensive care for individuals with mental health issues. This shift in focus from institutional care to community-based services aimed to improve overall mental health care delivery and outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Numbers of mental health hospitals - The report actually recommended a decrease in reliance on mental health hospitals. B: State funding for mental health care - While funding is important, the report focused more on the type and delivery of mental health services rather than just funding. D: Use of psychotherapy by psychiatrists - While psychotherapy is a valuable treatment modality, the report focused on broader system-level recommendations rather than specific treatment methods.

Question 4

A female patient was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and in the course of her treatment, it was determined that she was experiencing alcohol dependence because she began experiencing alcohol withdrawal while she was in the hospital. When the psychiatrist who was called in as a consultant documented the patient's mental disorder, he identified her alcohol dependence on which axis?

  1. A. Axis I
  2. B. Axis II
  3. C. Axis III
  4. D. Axis IV
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Axis I

The correct answer is A: Axis I. In the DSM-IV-TR, mental disorders, including substance-related disorders like alcohol dependence, are classified under Axis I. This axis is for clinical disorders and other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention. Alcohol dependence is a primary psychiatric disorder that affects the patient's mental and behavioral functioning, which is why it is categorized under Axis I. Choice B: Axis II is incorrect because Axis II is for personality disorders and mental retardation, not for substance-related disorders like alcohol dependence. Choice C: Axis III is incorrect because Axis III is for general medical conditions that may be relevant to the individual's mental health, not for mental disorders like alcohol dependence. Choice D: Axis IV is incorrect because Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental problems that may influence the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mental disorders, not for the mental disorders themselves.

Question 5

A student nurse is studying for an exam on the recovery process. What is an example of a statement that demonstrates their understanding to their study group?

  1. A. "The majority of people with mental illness or substance use do not recover."
  2. B. "The recovery process is dictated by the health-care team."
  3. C. "Recovery is a nonlinear process based on instilling hope."
  4. D. d. "n recovery, a client needs to advocate for themselves right from the start."
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — "Recovery is a nonlinear process based on instilling hope."

The correct answer is C: "Recovery is a nonlinear process based on instilling hope." This answer demonstrates a deep understanding of the recovery process as it acknowledges that recovery is not a straightforward path and emphasizes the importance of instilling hope in individuals undergoing recovery. Recovery from mental illness or substance use is a complex and individualized journey that may involve setbacks and progress. Instilling hope is crucial in motivating individuals to continue working towards their recovery goals. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a pessimistic view that the majority of people do not recover, which is not aligned with the recovery-oriented approach. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that the healthcare team solely dictates the recovery process, disregarding the individual's autonomy and empowerment. Choice D is incorrect as it overlooks the collaborative nature of the recovery process and places the responsibility solely on the client.

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Question 6

In a postclinical conference, a group of students are engaged in a discussion with their instructor. The instructor repeatedly has the students analyze and evaluate the nursing interventions implemented throughout the clinical experience. The students are engaged in which of the following?

  1. A. Therapeutic use of self
  2. B. Critical thinking
  3. C. Interdisciplinary care
  4. D. Planning care
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Question 7

A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?

  1. A. Computed tomography (CT) scan
  2. B. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  3. C. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
  4. D. Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
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Question 8

A nursing student is reviewing journal articles about major depression. One of the articles describes the number of persons newly diagnosed with the disorder during the past year. The student interprets this as which of the following?

  1. A. Rate
  2. B. Prevalence
  3. C. Point prevalence
  4. D. Incidence
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Question 9

You teach Mr. R’s sister about important precautions associated with a new prescription. Afterward, she accurately summarizes major self-management strategies associated with this drug. Which step of the nursing process applies to her summarization?

  1. A. Assessment
  2. B. Analysis
  3. C. Planning/outcomes identification
  4. D. Evaluation
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Question 10

After delivery, a devoutly religious client is diagnosed with postpartum depression. The client states,"No one can help me. I was an evil teenager and I must pay." Knowing the effects of cultural influences, how would the nurse interpret this statement?

  1. A. The client is having delusions of persecution.
  2. B. The client is depressed and just wants to be left alone.
  3. C. Devoutly religious individuals do not believe in psychiatric help.
  4. D. The client believes that illness is God's punishment for sins.
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Question 11

A nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from a stroke. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate to promote the patient's rehabilitation?

  1. A. Encouraging the patient to perform activities of daily living independently
  2. B. Promoting a high-protein diet to aid recovery
  3. C. Providing support with mobility and communication as needed
  4. D. Focusing on the patient's past abilities to encourage progress
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Question 12

A mother of a 1-month-old infant asks the nurse why it takes so long for infants to learn to roll over. The nurse knows that the reason for this is:

  1. A. A demyelinating process must be occurring with her infant.
  2. B. Myelin is needed to conduct the impulses, and the neurons of a newborn are not yet myelinated.
  3. C. The cerebral cortex is not fully developed; therefore, control over motor function gradually occurs.
  4. D. The spinal cord is controlling the movement because the cerebellum is not yet fully developed.
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Question 13

The nurse reviews a client's record in preparation for client care. This action is one of the tasks that occur in a phase of the nurse-client relationship. What is the purpose of this phase?

  1. A. Getting to know each other and establishing trust.
  2. B. Implementing nursing interventions to achieve outcomes.
  3. C. Achievement of independence and maintenance of health without nursing care.
  4. D. Understanding the client's diagnosis and evaluating the nurse's attitudes.
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Question 14

Allowing the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic is to"broad opening" as the nurse's making self-available and presenting emotional support is to:

  1. A. "Focusing."
  2. B. "Offering self."
  3. C. "Restating."
  4. D. "Giving recognition."
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Question 15

Medical records are considered legal documents. Proper documentation needs to reflect patient condition along with changes. It should also be based on professional standards designated by the state board of nursing, regulatory agencies, and reimbursement requirements. Proper documentation can be enhanced by:

  1. A. Only using objective data
  2. B. Using the nursing process as a guide
  3. C. Using language the specific patient can understand
  4. D. Avoiding legal jargon
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About these RN exams mental health questions

RN exams mental health practice questions, set 16 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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