RN exams mental health practice questions, set 29

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RN exams mental health practice questions set 29

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 78-year-old man has a history of a cerebrovascular accident. The nurse notes that when he walks, his left arm is immobile against the body with flexion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers and adduction of the shoulder. His left leg is stiff and extended and circumducts with each step. What type of gait disturbance is this individual experiencing?

  1. A. Scissors gait
  2. B. Cerebellar ataxia
  3. C. Parkinsonian gait
  4. D. Spastic hemiparesis
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Spastic hemiparesis

The correct answer is D: Spastic hemiparesis. This individual is displaying classic signs of spastic hemiparesis, a type of gait disturbance commonly seen after a cerebrovascular accident. The immobile left arm with flexion and adduction, along with the stiff and extended left leg that circumducts, are indicative of upper motor neuron damage affecting the corticospinal tract. This results in increased muscle tone, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, and weakness on one side of the body. Scissors gait (choice A) is characterized by legs crossing over each other during walking and is typically seen in spastic diplegia. Cerebellar ataxia (choice B) presents with uncoordinated movements, wide-based staggering gait, and intention tremors, which are not present in this case. Parkinsonian gait (choice C) is characterized by shuffling steps, decreased arm swing, and festination, which do not match the symptoms described

Question 2

When a novice nurse asks why the unit has a multidisciplinary approach to therapeutic activities, the nurse should explain that multidisciplinary collaboration:

  1. A. Reduces the incidence of aggressive behavior by patients
  2. B. Produces quicker results and earlier discharge to the community
  3. C. Produces better outcomes than when only one perspective is used
  4. D. Helps to improve staffing efficiency and resource allocation.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Produces better outcomes than when only one perspective is used

Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Multidisciplinary collaboration in therapeutic activities involves the input of professionals from various disciplines, leading to a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a patient's condition. This approach is more likely to result in better outcomes because it combines diverse perspectives, expertise, and skills to address complex patient needs comprehensively. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Reducing aggressive behavior is not the primary goal of multidisciplinary collaboration in therapeutic activities. B: While multidisciplinary collaboration may lead to efficient care, the primary focus is on achieving better outcomes rather than quicker discharge. D: Although improving staffing efficiency and resource allocation may be benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration, the main purpose is to enhance patient care outcomes through diverse perspectives and expertise.

Question 3

A 78-year-old man has a history of a cerebrovascular accident. The nurse notes that when he walks, his left arm is immobile against the body with flexion of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers and adduction of the shoulder. His left leg is stiff and extended and circumducts with each step. What type of gait disturbance is this individual experiencing?

  1. A. Scissors gait
  2. B. Cerebellar ataxia
  3. C. Parkinsonian gait
  4. D. Spastic hemiparesis
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Spastic hemiparesis

The correct answer is D: Spastic hemiparesis. This individual is displaying classic signs of spastic hemiparesis, a type of gait disturbance commonly seen after a cerebrovascular accident. The immobile left arm with flexion and adduction, along with the stiff and extended left leg that circumducts, are indicative of upper motor neuron damage affecting the corticospinal tract. This results in increased muscle tone, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, and weakness on one side of the body. Scissors gait (choice A) is characterized by legs crossing over each other during walking and is typically seen in spastic diplegia. Cerebellar ataxia (choice B) presents with uncoordinated movements, wide-based staggering gait, and intention tremors, which are not present in this case. Parkinsonian gait (choice C) is characterized by shuffling steps, decreased arm swing, and festination, which do not match the symptoms described

Question 4

Assessment of a client with schizophrenia reveals that he is hearing voices that tell him that people are staring at him and illusions. When developing the plan of care for this client, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?

  1. A. Disturbed thought processes
  2. B. Risk for self-directed violence
  3. C. Disturbed sensory perception
  4. D. Ineffective coping
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Disturbed sensory perception

The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with schizophrenia experiencing auditory hallucinations and illusions is "Disturbed sensory perception" (C). This diagnosis reflects the client's altered sensory experiences, such as hearing voices and experiencing illusions. It focuses on the client's perception of reality, which is impaired in this case. Choice A (Disturbed thought processes) is incorrect because it primarily focuses on cognitive processes rather than sensory experiences. Choice B (Risk for self-directed violence) is not the most appropriate because the client's symptoms do not directly indicate a risk of self-harm. Choice D (Ineffective coping) is also not as relevant in this case as the primary issue is related to sensory perception rather than coping mechanisms. Therefore, the correct diagnosis is "Disturbed sensory perception" as it addresses the client's altered sensory experiences.

Question 5

A nurse wants to find information about environmental threats that are present in the community. Which of the following would be the best source of data for the nurse?

  1. A. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) database
  2. B. National Library of Medicine
  3. C. State health department
  4. D. Closest local library
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — State health department

The correct answer is C: State health department. This is the best source of data for the nurse as it provides accurate and up-to-date information on environmental threats specific to the community. The state health department collects data from various sources, conducts surveillance, and monitors environmental factors that may pose a risk to public health. They have the expertise and resources to analyze and report on environmental threats, making them a reliable source for the nurse. A: The CINAHL database is more focused on nursing and allied health research, not specifically on community environmental threats. B: The National Library of Medicine is a valuable resource for medical information but may not have community-specific environmental threat data. D: The closest local library may not have the specialized information needed on community environmental threats compared to the state health department.

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Question 6

A client with a mental disorder is being discharged from the inpatient unit. During the client's stay in the hospital, the client eventually was able to get an adequate night's sleep even though the client had experienced chronic insomnia over the years. The client's spouse asks the nurse what the family can do in the client's home environment to promote healthy sleep. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

  1. A. It is basically up to your husband to focus on promoting his own sleep.'
  2. B. You might consider a glass of wine about 30 minutes before he is ready to go to bed.'
  3. C. Remember to keep stimulating activities at a minimum before he goes to bed.'
  4. D. Give him a spicy snack with a warm cup of tea at night before bedtime.'
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Question 7

What personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of by others?

  1. A. Dependent personality disorder (DPD)
  2. B. Histrionic personality disorder
  3. C. Narcissistic personality disorder
  4. D. Avoidant personality disorder
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Question 8

A client tells the RN that he has an IQ of 400+ and is a genius and an inventor. He also reports that he is married to a female movie star and thinks that his brother wants a sexual relationship with her. What is the priority nursing problem for admission to the psychiatric unit?

  1. A. Ineffective sexual patterns.
  2. B. Impaired environmental interpretation.
  3. C. Disturbed sensory perception.
  4. D. Compromised family coping.
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Question 9

What intervention is likely to be most effective in returning a middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder who suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and amotivation to a normal level of functioning?

  1. A. Encourage the client to exercise.
  2. B. Suggest that the client develop a list of pleasurable activities.
  3. C. Provide education on methods to enhance sleep.
  4. D. Teach the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities.
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Question 10

Donald, a 49-year-old male, is admitted for inpatient alcohol detoxification. He is cachexic, has multiple scabs on his arms and legs, and has lower extremity edema. An appropriate nursing diagnosis for Donald along with an expected outcome is:

  1. A. Risk for injury/Remains free from injury
  2. B. Ineffective denial/Accepts responsibility for behavior
  3. C. Nutrition: Less than body requirements/Maintains nutrient intake for metabolic needs
  4. D. Risk for suicide/Expresses feelings, plans for the future
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Question 11

Distinguish between necessary, sufficient, and contributory causes of abnormal behavior.

  1. A. Necessary causes are required for a disorder to develop but do not guarantee it.
  2. B. Sufficient causes guarantee a disorder will develop, but they are not required.
  3. C. Contributory causes increase the likelihood of a disorder but are neither necessary nor sufficient.
  4. D. Contributory causes are conditions that guarantee the occurrence of a disorder.
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Question 12

A patient previously hospitalized for 2 weeks committed suicide the day after discharge. Which initial nursing measure will be most important regarding this event?

  1. A. Request the information technology manager to verify the patient's medical record is secure in the hospital information system.
  2. B. Hold a meeting for staff to provide support, express feelings, and identify overlooked clues or faulty judgments.
  3. C. Consult the hospital's legal department regarding potential consequences of the event.
  4. D. Document a report of a sentinel event in the patient's medical record.
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Question 13

A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare professional expect?

  1. A. Grandiose sense of self-importance
  2. B. Lack of empathy
  3. C. Need for excessive admiration
  4. D. Envy of others
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Question 14

Which theorist most influenced the professional practice of psychiatric nursing?

  1. A. Harry Stack Sullivan
  2. B. Hildegard Peplau
  3. C. Erik Erikson
  4. D. Ivan Pavlov
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Question 15

A group of nursing students are reviewing information about spirituality and religiousness. The group demonstrates understanding of these concepts when they identify religiousness as which of the following?

  1. A. Feeling of connectedness
  2. B. Way of interpreting life events
  3. C. Relationship with a unifying force
  4. D. Community participation in common worship
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About these RN exams mental health questions

RN exams mental health practice questions, set 29 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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