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 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:
A. A demyelinating process must be occurring with her infant.
B. Myelin is needed to conduct the impulses, and the neurons of a newborn are not yet myelinated.
C. The cerebral cortex is not fully developed; therefore, control over motor function gradually occurs.
D. The spinal cord is controlling the movement because the cerebellum is not yet fully developed.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Myelin is needed to conduct the impulses, and the neurons of a newborn are not yet myelinated.
The correct answer is B: Myelin is needed to conduct the impulses, and the neurons of a newborn are not yet myelinated. Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers, allowing for faster and more efficient transmission of nerve impulses. In newborns, the process of myelination is incomplete, which means that the nerve impulses responsible for coordinating the complex movement required for rolling over are slower and less efficient. This delay in myelination is a normal part of infant development and accounts for the time it takes for infants to learn to roll over.
Choice A is incorrect because demyelination refers to the loss of myelin, which is not the case in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while the cerebral cortex plays a role in motor function, the lack of myelination in newborns is the primary reason for the delay in rolling over. Choice D is incorrect because the cerebellum is not solely responsible for the movement, and the lack of myelination
Question 2
As part of an interdisciplinary team, a nurse is assisting in developing the plan of care for a client with a delusional disorder. Which of the following would the team be least likely to include in the plan?
A. Insight-oriented therapy
B. Psychoeducation
C. Cognitive therapy
D. Support therapy
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Insight-oriented therapy
The correct answer is A: Insight-oriented therapy. This type of therapy focuses on exploring the underlying causes of behavior, emotions, and thoughts, which may not be effective for clients with delusional disorder. Clients with delusional disorder often have fixed false beliefs that are not amenable to insight-oriented therapy.
B: Psychoeducation is important in helping clients and their families understand the disorder, its symptoms, and treatment options.
C: Cognitive therapy helps clients identify and challenge irrational beliefs and thought patterns, which can be beneficial in managing delusions.
D: Support therapy provides emotional support and coping strategies for clients, which is crucial in managing symptoms of delusional disorder.
In summary, insight-oriented therapy may not be as effective for clients with delusional disorder compared to psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, and support therapy, which are more suitable interventions for this population.
Question 3
When preparing a teaching plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder, which information should a healthcare professional include?
A. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants
B. Engaging in regular physical activity
C. Practicing relaxation techniques
D. Keeping a journal of anxiety triggers
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Practicing relaxation techniques
The correct answer is C: Practicing relaxation techniques. This is a crucial aspect of managing generalized anxiety disorder. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can effectively reduce anxiety levels and promote calmness. These techniques provide valuable coping mechanisms to help individuals with generalized anxiety disorder deal with stress and anxiety.\nChoice A, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, can be beneficial but is not as central to managing generalized anxiety disorder as practicing relaxation techniques.\nChoice B, engaging in regular physical activity, is also helpful for managing anxiety, but relaxation techniques are more specific and targeted for addressing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.\nChoice D, keeping a journal of anxiety triggers, may be a useful strategy to identify triggers but does not directly address the immediate management of anxiety symptoms, unlike practicing relaxation techniques.
Question 4
The spouse of a patient recently diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease asks, "Is there anything I can do to help delay the progression of this disease?" Which strategy has the greatest potential for preserving the protective abilities of immune cells related to the disease?
A. Minimize contact with the public during cold and flu season.
B. Enroll the patient in an exercise program that meets regularly.
C. Provide supplements to enhance the patient’s immune system.
D. Identify creative ways to keep the patient mentally challenged.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Enroll the patient in an exercise program that meets regularly.
The correct answer is B: Enroll the patient in an exercise program that meets regularly. Regular exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health, including improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also helps in maintaining a healthy immune system by promoting the circulation of immune cells throughout the body. This can help support the protective abilities of immune cells related to Alzheimer's disease.
Minimizing contact with the public during cold and flu season (Choice A) may reduce the risk of infections but does not directly address immune cell function. Providing supplements to enhance the patient's immune system (Choice C) may not be supported by scientific evidence and can potentially have adverse effects. Identifying creative ways to keep the patient mentally challenged (Choice D) is beneficial for cognitive health but does not directly target immune cell function as effectively as regular exercise.
Question 5
A nurse is working in a community mental health center that provides care to a large population of Asian descent. When developing programs for this community, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to address?
A. Public stigma
B. Self-stigma
C. Label avoidance
D. Negative life events
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Label avoidance
The correct answer is C: Label avoidance. In Asian cultures, there is a strong emphasis on saving face and avoiding labels related to mental health issues. This can lead individuals to avoid seeking help or disclosing their struggles to others. Addressing label avoidance is crucial in order to reduce barriers to accessing mental health services within the Asian community.
Incorrect choices:
A: Public stigma - While public stigma is important to address, the focus should be on understanding and addressing the specific cultural factors that contribute to stigma within the Asian community.
B: Self-stigma - While self-stigma is significant, addressing label avoidance can help individuals overcome internalized stigma by creating a more accepting environment.
D: Negative life events - While negative life events can impact mental health, addressing label avoidance is more essential in this context to ensure individuals feel comfortable seeking help despite these challenges.
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Question 6
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about the various nursing theorists and their application to psychiatric-mental health nursing. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which theorist as responsible for developing the theory of cultural care diversity and universality?
A. Madeleine Leininger
B. Sister Calista Roy
C. Hildegard Peplau
D. Dorothea Orem
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Madeleine Leininger. Leininger is known for developing the theory of cultural care diversity and universality, which emphasizes the importance of cultural factors in nursing care. She introduced the concept of transcultural nursing, highlighting the need for nurses to consider cultural beliefs and practices when providing care. This theory promotes culturally sensitive and competent care to meet the diverse needs of patients.
Choice B: Sister Calista Roy, is known for the adaptation model, which focuses on the individual's response to stressors. Choice C: Hildegard Peplau, is known for the interpersonal relations theory, focusing on the nurse-patient relationship. Choice D: Dorothea Orem, is known for the self-care deficit theory, which emphasizes the patient's ability to meet their own care needs. These theories are valuable in nursing practice but do not specifically address cultural diversity and universality like Leininger's theory does.
A client comes to the emergency department complaining of a severe pounding headache in the temples and a stiff neck. The client is flushed and diaphoretic, and his pulse is racing. The client states that he is being treated for depression with selegiline. Which question by the nurse would be most important to ask at this time?
A. When did you last have blood drawn to check your drug level?
B. What have you had to eat or drink today?
C. Are you having any chest pain?
D. Do you use any herbal remedies?
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: "What have you had to eat or drink today?" This question is important because the client is taking selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which has dietary restrictions. Foods high in tyramine can lead to a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs. The client's symptoms of severe headache, flushing, and diaphoresis are indicative of a potential hypertensive crisis. By asking about the client's recent dietary intake, the nurse can assess for potential tyramine-containing foods that may have triggered the symptoms.
Choice A: "When did you last have blood drawn to check your drug level?" is not as important at this time because the client's symptoms suggest an acute issue that requires immediate intervention, rather than monitoring drug levels.
Choice C: "Are you having any chest pain?" is important for assessing cardiac involvement but is not the most crucial question in this scenario.
Choice D: "Do you use any herbal remedies
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?
A. Computed tomography (CT) scan
B. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
C. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
D. Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Computed tomography (CT) scan. In this scenario, a CT scan would be most appropriate as it can quickly identify signs of multiple infarctions, such as ischemic strokes, which can present similarly to dementia. A CT scan provides detailed images of the brain's structure, allowing for visualization of infarcts and helping differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions.
Reasons why other choices are incorrect:
B: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan - PET scans are used to detect metabolic changes in the brain, which may not be as helpful in distinguishing between Alzheimer's disease and multiple infarctions.
C: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) - fMRI measures brain activity and may not be as effective in identifying structural abnormalities associated with infarctions.
D: Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan - SPECT scans are useful for evaluating blood flow in the brain but may not provide
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?
A. Encouraging the patient to perform activities of daily living independently
B. Promoting a high-protein diet to aid recovery
C. Providing support with mobility and communication as needed
D. Focusing on the patient's past abilities to encourage progress
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Providing support with mobility and communication as needed. This is the most appropriate intervention to promote the patient's rehabilitation after a stroke. Supporting the patient with mobility exercises and communication helps improve physical and cognitive function, which are crucial aspects of stroke recovery. By assisting with mobility, the nurse can help prevent complications such as muscle weakness or contractures. Communication support can aid in language recovery and overall cognitive function.
Incorrect choices:
A: Encouraging independence in activities of daily living may be important, but focusing solely on this aspect may not address the specific needs of stroke recovery.
B: While a high-protein diet can be beneficial for recovery, it is not the most crucial intervention for promoting rehabilitation after a stroke.
D: Focusing on past abilities alone may not address the current limitations and needs of the patient post-stroke.
A nursing instructor is describing the nurse-patient relationship to a group of nursing students. Which of the following would the instructor emphasize as crucial for establishing and maintaining the relationship?
A. Rapport
B. Empathy
C. Self-awareness
D. Values
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Self-awareness. Self-awareness is crucial in the nurse-patient relationship as it involves understanding one's own thoughts, emotions, values, and biases. This awareness helps nurses maintain objectivity, empathy, and effective communication with patients. By being self-aware, nurses can identify and manage their own feelings and reactions, leading to better understanding and connection with patients.
Rationale for other choices:
A: Rapport is important in building relationships, but self-awareness is essential for understanding and managing one's own behaviors and reactions within the relationship.
B: Empathy is crucial for understanding and sharing patients' emotions, but self-awareness is fundamental for ensuring empathy is genuine and not influenced by personal biases.
D: Values are important in guiding ethical decision-making, but self-awareness is necessary for recognizing how personal values may affect the nurse-patient relationship.
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?
A. Assessment
B. Analysis
C. Planning/outcomes identification
D. Evaluation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Evaluation. Evaluation is the step in the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client's response to interventions and determines if the goals and outcomes have been met. In this scenario, the sister's accurate summarization of major self-management strategies shows that she understood the information provided by the nurse, which indicates successful teaching. This aligns with the evaluation step as it involves determining the effectiveness of the teaching intervention.
Choice A: Assessment is incorrect because assessment involves collecting data about the client's health status, which is not demonstrated by the sister's summarization.
Choice B: Analysis is incorrect as it involves interpreting and synthesizing data, which is not the focus of the sister's summarization.
Choice C: Planning/outcomes identification is incorrect as it involves setting goals and outcomes, which have already been done prior to the sister's summarization.
The nurse is caring for a client with complex somatic symptom disorder. When assessing this client, the nurse would be especially alert for symptoms of which of the following?
A. Depression
B. Avoidant personality disorder
C. Delirium
D. Bipolar disorder
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Depression. In complex somatic symptom disorder, individuals experience persistent, distressing physical symptoms without an underlying medical cause. Depression commonly coexists with this disorder due to the significant emotional distress and impact on daily functioning. The nurse would be alert for symptoms of depression such as persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of worthlessness.
Summary:
- A: Depression is correct as it commonly coexists with complex somatic symptom disorder due to emotional distress.
- B: Avoidant personality disorder is incorrect as it is a separate personality disorder characterized by avoidance of social interactions and feelings of inadequacy.
- C: Delirium is incorrect as it is an acute confusional state with altered consciousness and attention.
- D: Bipolar disorder is incorrect as it is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression.
Which nursing action demonstrates the role of the teacher in a therapeutic milieu?
A. The nurse implements a self-affirmation exercise during a one-to-one client interaction.
B. The nurse holds a group meeting to present common side effects of psychiatric medications.
C. The nurse introduces the concept of fair play while playing cards with a group of clients.
D. The nurse models adaptive and effective coping mechanisms with clients on the psychiatric unit.
Correct answer:
The nursing action that demonstrates the role of the teacher in a therapeutic milieu is when the nurse holds a group meeting to present common side effects of psychiatric medications (choice B). In a therapeutic milieu, teaching is an essential aspect of assisting clients in understanding their condition, treatment, and promoting recovery. By providing education on the common side effects of psychiatric medications in a group setting, the nurse is fulfilling the role of a teacher by imparting important information that can help clients make informed decisions about their treatment. This type of education empowers clients to actively participate in their care and promotes collaboration between clients and healthcare providers. Additionally, presenting information in a group setting allows for peer support and the opportunity for clients to learn from one another's experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding within the therapeutic environment.
A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a young adult woman who has a history of depression and who was brought to the hospital by her boyfriend. In response to the nurse's question regarding suicidal ideation, the patient discloses that she is thinking about killing herself. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
A. What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?
B. What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?
C. What will killing yourself accomplish?
D. What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: "What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?" This question is appropriate as it assesses the patient's specific suicidal ideation, providing crucial information for risk assessment and intervention planning. By asking about the method, the nurse can gauge the immediacy and lethality of the patient's suicidal thoughts.
A: "What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?" - This question focuses on the boyfriend's perspective rather than the patient's own thoughts and feelings, not directly addressing the immediate risk.
B: "What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?" - While spiritual beliefs can be important, this question does not directly address the severity or immediacy of the patient's suicidal thoughts.
C: "What will killing yourself accomplish?" - While exploring the patient's reasons for suicidal ideation is important, this question does not address the specific method or immediate risk.
During an interview with a non-English-speaking middle-aged woman recently diagnosed with major depression, the patient's husband states, 'She is happy now and doing very well.' The patient, however, sits motionless, looking at the floor, and wringing her hands. A professional interpreter would provide better information due to the fact that a family member in the interpreter role may: Select all that apply.
A. Be too close to accurately capture the meaning of the patient's mood.
B. Censor the patient's thoughts or words.
C. Avoid interpretation.
D. Leave out unsavory details.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Censor the patient's thoughts or words. This is because a family member in the interpreter role may unintentionally filter or alter the patient's words or emotions to protect the family or maintain harmony. This could lead to crucial information being missed or misinterpreted by the healthcare provider. In a sensitive situation like a mental health assessment, it is important for the interpreter to accurately convey the patient's true thoughts and feelings without bias or censorship.
A: Be too close to accurately capture the meaning of the patient's mood - While this could be a potential concern, the main issue with a family member as an interpreter lies in the risk of censorship.
C: Avoid interpretation - This would defeat the purpose of having an interpreter present in the first place.
D: Leave out unsavory details - While this could also be a risk, the primary concern is the potential censorship of the patient's thoughts or words.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 17 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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