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 nurse is assessing a client who experiences occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How would the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?
A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
B. The client's behaviors are inappropriate, which indicates the presence of mental illness.
C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.
Rationale for Correct Answer (D): The client experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet, with no changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or daily routine, does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. **Occasional Feelings of Sadness**: It is normal for individuals to experience feelings of sadness following a significant loss, such as the death of a beloved pet.
2. **No Changes in Appetite, Sleep Patterns, or Daily Routine**: The client's lack of changes in these areas suggests that their functioning is not significantly impaired.
3. **No Persistent or Severe Symptoms**: The client's behaviors do not indicate the presence of a major depressive episode, as there are no persistent or severe symptoms such as significant weight loss/gain, insomnia/hypersomnia, or psychomotor agitation/retardation.
4. **No Impairment in Functioning**: Since the client's behaviors
Question 2
Which nursing intervention is best for facilitating communication with a psychiatric client who speaks a foreign language?
A. Rely on nonverbal communication.
B. Select symbolic pictures as aids.
C. Speak in universal phrases.
D. Use the services of an interpreter.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Use the services of an interpreter.
The correct answer is D: Use the services of an interpreter. This is the best nursing intervention because it ensures accurate communication and understanding between the nurse and the psychiatric client who speaks a foreign language. Using an interpreter helps convey complex and nuanced information effectively, promotes trust and rapport, and ensures the client's needs are accurately addressed.
Rationale for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Relying on nonverbal communication may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, especially in a psychiatric setting where verbal communication is crucial.
B: Selecting symbolic pictures as aids may be helpful to some extent, but it may not fully address the client's communication needs and may limit the depth of conversation.
C: Speaking in universal phrases may be too simplistic and may not capture the complexity of the client's thoughts and emotions when addressing mental health issues.
Question 3
A bright student confides in the school nurse about conflicts related to attending college or working to add needed financial support to the family. Which coping strategy is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend to the student at this time?
A. Meditation
B. Problem-solving training
C. Relaxation
D. Journaling
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Problem-solving training
Given the situation where the student is facing conflicts related to attending college or working to support their family financially, recommending problem-solving training would be the most appropriate coping strategy. Problem-solving training involves teaching individuals how to identify and assess problems, generate possible solutions, evaluate those solutions, and implement the best course of action. This training can help the student develop practical skills to address the conflicting demands they are facing. It allows them to approach their challenges in a systematic and structured way, potentially leading to more effective decision-making and problem resolution. Meditation, relaxation, and journaling are valuable coping strategies for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being, but in this particular context of conflicting responsibilities, problem-solving training would offer more targeted support for the student's specific situation.
Question 4
What is the most appropriate intervention for the school nurse to implement to promote a healthy school environment?
A. Advocate for nutritious school lunch programs
B. Provide care for children with asthma
C. Develop individualized health plans
D. Educate students and families about screening for scoliosis
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Advocate for nutritious school lunch programs
The correct answer is A: Advocate for nutritious school lunch programs. This intervention promotes a healthy school environment by ensuring students have access to nutritious meals, which are essential for their overall health and well-being. By advocating for nutritious school lunch programs, the school nurse can help improve students' physical health, cognitive functioning, and overall academic performance. This intervention also aligns with the school nurse's role in promoting preventive health measures.
Summary:
B: Providing care for children with asthma is important but does not address the broader goal of promoting a healthy school environment.
C: Developing individualized health plans is beneficial for specific students but may not impact the overall school environment.
D: Educating students and families about screening for scoliosis is important for early detection but does not directly contribute to creating a healthy school environment.
Question 5
A client has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric facility as part of a court-ordered program. The client was arrested numerous times over the past several months for exposing his genitals and masturbating in public in front of an elementary school. The nurse interprets this behavior as reflecting which of the following?
A. Frotteurism
B. Exhibitionism
C. Sexual masochism
D. Voyeurism
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Exhibitionism
The correct answer is B: Exhibitionism. Exhibitionism involves the intense and recurrent sexual arousal from exposing one's genitals to an unsuspecting person. In this case, the client's behavior of exposing his genitals and masturbating in public in front of an elementary school aligns with the characteristics of exhibitionism. The behavior is deliberate and aimed at shocking or surprising others for sexual gratification.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Frotteurism - Involves touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person for sexual gratification. This behavior is different from what the client in the scenario is exhibiting.
C: Sexual masochism - Involves deriving sexual pleasure from receiving pain or humiliation. This is not applicable to the behavior described in the scenario.
D: Voyeurism - Involves observing an unsuspecting person who is naked or engaged in sexual activity. This does not match the client's behavior of exposing himself in public.
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Question 6
Which statement reflects the ethical principle of utilitarianism?
A. "The end justifies the means."
B. "If you mean well, you will be justified."
C. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
D. "What is right is what is best for me."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: "The end justifies the means." This statement aligns with the ethical principle of utilitarianism, which focuses on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In utilitarianism, the consequences of an action determine its morality, and if the end result benefits the majority, then the means used to achieve it are justified.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: "If you mean well, you will be justified." - This statement reflects more of an intention-based ethical principle rather than utilitarianism that prioritizes outcomes over intentions.
C: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - This reflects the Golden Rule principle of reciprocity, not utilitarianism which emphasizes maximizing overall happiness.
D: "What is right is what is best for me." - This choice is more aligned with ethical egoism, which prioritizes self-interest rather than the greater good for the majority.
A client who is being treated for chronic kidney disease complains to the health-care provider that he does not like the food available to him while hospitalized. The health-care provider insists that the client strictly adhere to the diet plan. What action can be expected if the client uses the defense mechanism of displacement?
A. The client assertively confronts the health-care provider.
B. The client insists on being discharged and goes for a long, brisk walk.
C. The client snaps at the nurse and criticizes the nursing care provided.
D. The client hides his anger by explaining the logical reasoning for the diet to his spouse.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: The client snaps at the nurse and criticizes the nursing care provided. Displacement is a defense mechanism where emotions are redirected from the original source to a less threatening target. In this case, the client's frustration towards the healthcare provider's diet plan is displaced onto the nurse, leading to snapping and criticizing the nursing care. This behavior allows the client to express their anger indirectly.
Incorrect choices:
A: The client assertively confronts the health-care provider. This is not an example of displacement; it is direct confrontation.
B: The client insists on being discharged and goes for a long, brisk walk. This choice does not demonstrate displacement but rather avoidance of the situation.
D: The client hides his anger by explaining the logical reasoning for the diet to his spouse. This choice does not involve displacement but rather rationalizing the situation to cope with anger.
Some lifetime habits and hobbies affect postoperative respiratory function. If your client smokes 3 packs of cigarettes a day for the past 10 years, you will anticipate increased risk for:
A. perioperative anxiety and stress
B. delayed coagulation time
C. delayed wound healing
D. postoperative respiratory function
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: postoperative respiratory function. Smoking 3 packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years can lead to respiratory issues such as decreased lung function, increased risk of respiratory infections, and impaired wound healing due to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This will negatively impact postoperative respiratory function, making it harder for the client to recover and potentially leading to complications like pneumonia.
A: Perioperative anxiety and stress are not directly related to smoking habits but can be influenced by various factors such as fear of surgery or anesthesia.
B: Delayed coagulation time is more related to factors like medication use or underlying medical conditions affecting blood clotting, not smoking habit.
C: Delayed wound healing can be affected by smoking due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery, but it is not the primary concern in this scenario compared to postoperative respiratory function.
A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
A. Implement suicide precautions.
B. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently
C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
D. Observe the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Implement suicide precautions. This is the highest priority because the patient has a plan for suicide, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. Implementing suicide precautions involves ensuring the patient's environment is safe, removing any potential means of self-harm, and closely monitoring the patient to prevent any suicide attempts.
Choice B is incorrect because offering high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently addresses the physical aspect of weight loss but does not address the immediate safety concern of suicide.
Choice C is incorrect because assisting the patient to identify personal strengths is important for building self-esteem but is not the highest priority when the patient is at risk for suicide.
Choice D is incorrect because observing the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication is important but not as urgent as ensuring the patient's safety in the case of suicidal ideation.
The parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tells the nurse that the child does not follow directions well. What strategy would be best for the nurse to recommend?
A. Consider developing a daily schedule plan with the child.
B. Try having the child repeat the instructions before starting the task.
C. Teaching the child to be assertive and not resist instructions by those in authority.
D. Place the child in time out for at least 20-30 minutes.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Try having the child repeat the instructions before starting the task. This strategy, known as "active listening," can help children with ADHD improve their focus and understanding of directions. By repeating the instructions, the child reinforces the information in their memory and clarifies any confusion. This approach promotes better compliance with tasks.
Incorrect choices:
A: Developing a daily schedule plan may be helpful, but it doesn't specifically address improving the child's ability to follow directions.
C: Teaching assertiveness is not directly related to addressing the difficulty in following directions. It may not necessarily improve the child's compliance with instructions.
D: Placing the child in time out is a punitive measure and does not address the underlying issue of difficulty following directions. It may worsen the child's behavior and does not teach them how to improve their listening skills.
A nurse is developing a presentation for a local community group of young and middle-aged adults about common psychosocial problems. Which of the following would be least appropriate for the nurse to integrate into the presentation?
A. The age range for individuals in this category is from 18 to 65 years of age.
B. These categories are specific to Western culture secondary to a lengthened lifespan.
C. Longer periods of development for this group have become the norm throughout the world.
D. These categories apply primarily in the United States because of superior technologic advances.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because it is the least appropriate statement to integrate into the presentation. The presentation is about common psychosocial problems in young and middle-aged adults, and the statement about superior technologic advances primarily applying in the United States is not directly relevant to the topic.
Step 1: Identify the topic of the presentation - common psychosocial problems in young and middle-aged adults.
Step 2: Evaluate each choice based on relevance to the topic.
Step 3: D is least appropriate as it focuses on technological advances rather than psychosocial problems.
Step 4: A, B, and C are more relevant as they discuss age range, cultural aspects, and global norms related to the target audience.
In summary, D is the least appropriate choice as it deviates from the main focus of the presentation on psychosocial problems in young and middle-aged adults. Choices A, B, and C are more relevant to the topic at hand.
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has taken lithium carbonate (Lithane) for 1 year; this client presents in an emergency department with severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus. The nurse should interpret these symptoms to be indicative of which of the following?
A. Consumption of foods high in tyramine
B. Common side effects of lithium carbonate
C. Lithium carbonate tolerance
D. Lithium carbonate toxicity
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Lithium carbonate toxicity. The symptoms of severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus are indicative of lithium toxicity. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate lithium toxicity. Blurred vision and tinnitus are neurological symptoms associated with lithium toxicity. It is important for the nurse to recognize these symptoms as signs of lithium toxicity and take appropriate action.
A: Consumption of foods high in tyramine is not related to the symptoms described. Tyramine is not known to cause severe diarrhea, blurred vision, or tinnitus.
B: Common side effects of lithium carbonate typically include mild gastrointestinal upset, tremors, and increased thirst, not the severe symptoms described in the question.
C: Lithium carbonate tolerance refers to the body's ability to withstand higher doses of lithium over time. It does not present with the acute, severe symptoms described in the question.
A pregnant woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:
A. Maternal stress
B. Parental nurturing
C. Appropriate stress responses in the brain
D. Memories of the abuse
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Maternal stress. Maternal stress during pregnancy can affect the unborn child's development, potentially leading to high-risk behavior in the future. Research shows that exposure to abuse and stress during pregnancy can impact the child's neurological and hormonal development, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors as a teenager. This is because stress hormones can cross the placenta, affecting the baby's brain development.
Summary:
- Choice B (Parental nurturing) is incorrect because the question specifically mentions abuse, which is not nurturing behavior.
- Choice C (Appropriate stress responses in the brain) is incorrect as it does not address the negative impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on the child's behavior.
- Choice D (Memories of the abuse) is incorrect as the unborn child does not have memories of the abuse, but rather experiences the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy.
During the first interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident, the nurse feels empathic and reaches out to take the patient's han Select the correct analysis of the nurse's behavior.
A. It shows empathy and compassion. It will encourage the patient to continue to express feelings.
B. The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown.
C. The patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive and overstepping boundaries.
D. The action is inappropriate. Psychiatric patients should not be touche
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because during the first interview with a grieving parent, it is crucial to be sensitive to the patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch. By reaching out to take the patient's hand, the nurse may unintentionally make the patient uncomfortable or feel intruded upon. It is important to establish trust and rapport first before physical touch is initiated. This approach respects the patient's boundaries and preferences, promoting a more effective therapeutic relationship.
Incorrect answers:
A: While empathy and compassion are important, premature physical touch may not always be well-received by the patient.
C: Assuming the patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive is a generalization. However, it is important to be cautious and respect the patient's boundaries.
D: This answer is not relevant to the scenario provided and does not address the cultural sensitivity and individual interpretation of touch.
A nurse is assessing a client who experiences occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How would the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?
A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
B. The client's behaviors are inappropriate, which indicates the presence of mental illness.
C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer (D): The client experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet, with no changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or daily routine, does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. **Occasional Feelings of Sadness**: It is normal for individuals to experience feelings of sadness following a significant loss, such as the death of a beloved pet.
2. **No Changes in Appetite, Sleep Patterns, or Daily Routine**: The client's lack of changes in these areas suggests that their functioning is not significantly impaired.
3. **No Persistent or Severe Symptoms**: The client's behaviors do not indicate the presence of a major depressive episode, as there are no persistent or severe symptoms such as significant weight loss/gain, insomnia/hypersomnia, or psychomotor agitation/retardation.
4. **No Impairment in Functioning**: Since the client's behaviors
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 21 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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