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
Planning safety interventions for a teenager with a history of self-injurious behavior is based on what research-based information?
A. Teenagers rarely entertain the idea of suicide.
B. Self-injury is always viewed as a risk factor for future suicidal attempts.
C. Assessment for suicidal ideations is a vital component of this child's care.
D. Suicides can occur accidentally as a result of self-injurious behaviors.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Suicides can occur accidentally as a result of self-injurious behaviors.
The correct answer is D because research indicates that suicides can occur accidentally as a result of self-injurious behaviors. This is known as an unintentional suicide, where the individual did not intend to die but died due to the severity of their self-injurious behavior. This information is crucial for planning safety interventions for the teenager, as it highlights the potential seriousness of self-injury.
Choice A is incorrect because research shows that suicidal ideation is not uncommon among teenagers, so it cannot be assumed that they rarely entertain the idea of suicide. Choice B is also incorrect because while self-injury can be a risk factor for future suicidal attempts, it is not always the case. Choice C is relevant but not the most specific to the scenario presented in the question, as it focuses solely on suicidal ideations rather than the potential accidental outcomes of self-injury.
Question 2
A teenage boy has lost his best friend as a result of a hunting accident. His parents report that he is eating and sleeping very little and expresses little interest in school. They are concerned that he talks about the accident repeatedly. These behaviors are generally seen as:
A. Expressing responsibility for his friends death
B. Attempts to avoid dealing with his pain
C. Expressions of a normal grief reaction
D. Indications of a risk for self-harm
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Expressions of a normal grief reaction
The correct answer is C: Expressions of a normal grief reaction. The teenage boy's behaviors of poor appetite, insomnia, lack of interest in school, and repetitive discussions about the accident are common manifestations of grief. This grief reaction is a normal response to losing a close friend in a traumatic manner like a hunting accident. It is important to acknowledge and validate his emotions during this difficult time.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Expressing responsibility for his friend's death - This choice suggests guilt or blame on the part of the boy, which is not evident in the scenario.
B: Attempts to avoid dealing with his pain - The boy's behaviors indicate he is processing his grief rather than avoiding it.
D: Indications of a risk for self-harm - While it is important to monitor for signs of self-harm, the behaviors described are more indicative of grief rather than immediate self-harm risk.
Question 3
During a routine health screening, a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness, a loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger at her dead husband. The nurse suggests bereavement counseling. The widow is most likely suffering from:
A. Major depression
B. Normal grieving
C. Adjustment disorder
D. Posttraumatic stress disorder
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Major depression
The correct answer is A: Major depression. This is because the widow is experiencing symptoms such as emptiness, loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger, which are characteristic of major depression. These symptoms have persisted for an extended period (15 months) and are impacting her daily functioning.
Summary of other choices:
B: Normal grieving typically involves feelings of sadness, loss, and emotional pain, but usually does not last for as long as 15 months and does not usually cause significant impairment in daily life.
C: Adjustment disorder involves an excessive response to a stressful event, but the widow's symptoms are more indicative of major depression due to their severity and duration.
D: Posttraumatic stress disorder typically involves flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance related to a traumatic event, but these symptoms are not present in the widow's case.
Question 4
A patient is engaged in bibliotherapy and begins to express his feelings because he closely associates his experience with that provided by the reading material. The nurse interprets this as which of the following?
A. Insight
B. Catharsis
C. Anxiety reduction
D. Problem solving
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Catharsis
The correct answer is B: Catharsis. Catharsis refers to the process of emotional release and purification through expressing feelings and emotions. In this scenario, the patient is engaging in bibliotherapy and expressing his feelings, indicating a release of pent-up emotions. This is a therapeutic process that allows the patient to process and cope with their emotions in a healthy way.
Choice A: Insight is incorrect as it refers to gaining a deeper understanding or awareness, which is not explicitly mentioned in the scenario.
Choice C: Anxiety reduction is incorrect as the scenario does not specify that the patient's goal is to reduce anxiety, but rather to express feelings associated with the reading material.
Choice D: Problem solving is incorrect as the scenario does not involve the patient actively working through a specific problem, but rather expressing emotions related to the reading material.
Question 5
The nurse is assessing a client who is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which client statement indicates the client is at risk for self-injurious behavior?
A. I have felt so down lately. I don't enjoy doing anything anymore.
B. I do what I do because others tell me to do so.
C. When I feel extremely anxious, it is like my mind goes somewhere else.
D. It is almost as if as soon as I think of doing something, I immediately do it.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — It is almost as if as soon as I think of doing something, I immediately do it.
The correct answer is D because impulsivity is a common characteristic of borderline personality disorder and can lead to self-injurious behaviors. The statement "It is almost as if as soon as I think of doing something, I immediately do it" indicates a lack of impulse control and potential for engaging in harmful behaviors without considering consequences.
A: This statement expresses feelings of depression but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
B: This statement suggests a lack of autonomy but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
C: This statement describes dissociation, which is common in borderline personality disorder but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
In summary, choice D is the correct answer as it directly implies impulsivity and potential for self-injurious behavior, while the other choices do not clearly indicate this risk.
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Question 6
Nurse Jon is caring for a client with severe anxiety. Their anxiety has recently increased so much that the client is unable to go to work. Identify the category of the continuum of mental health to mental wellness that applies to Nurse Jon's client.
A. emotional problems or concerns
B. well-being
C. mental illness
D. between well-being and emotional problems
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: mental illness. Severe anxiety that impacts daily functioning is indicative of a mental illness. Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. In this case, the client's inability to work due to increased anxiety indicates a significant impairment in their mental health. This falls within the category of mental illness on the continuum of mental health to mental wellness.
Summary:
A: Emotional problems or concerns typically refer to temporary issues such as stress or relationship difficulties, not as severe as a mental illness.
B: Well-being signifies a positive state of overall health and happiness, which is not the case when a person is unable to function due to severe anxiety.
D: Between well-being and emotional problems does not accurately capture the severity of the client's condition, which is indicative of a mental illness.
Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas's nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:
A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
C. Anxiety and depression.
D. The ability to express his needs.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Anxiety and depression. Schizophrenia is often accompanied by co-occurring anxiety and depression. This is because individuals with schizophrenia may experience significant levels of stress, fear, and sadness due to their symptoms. Alcohol is commonly used as a form of self-medication to cope with these negative emotions.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Generally good health despite the mental illness - This is incorrect because individuals with schizophrenia often have physical health issues due to poor self-care and lifestyle choices.
B: An aversion to drinking fluids - This is incorrect as there is no direct correlation between schizophrenia and aversion to drinking fluids.
D: The ability to express his needs - This is incorrect as individuals with schizophrenia may struggle to express their needs effectively due to communication difficulties associated with the disorder.
What is the purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? Select all that apply.
A. Ensuring that an individual's health information is protected.
B. Providing third-party players with access to patient's medical records.
C. Facilitating the movement of a patient's medical information to the interested parties.
D. Guaranteeing that all those in need of healthcare coverage have options to obtain it.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Ensuring that an individual's health information is protected. HIPAA aims to safeguard individuals' health information by setting standards for its privacy and security. It restricts unauthorized access and disclosure of this sensitive data.
B: Providing third-party players with access to patient's medical records - This is incorrect because HIPAA is designed to limit access to patient information to authorized individuals only.
C: Facilitating the movement of a patient's medical information to the interested parties - This is incorrect as HIPAA focuses on protecting the privacy of medical information, not necessarily facilitating its movement.
D: Guaranteeing that all those in need of healthcare coverage have options to obtain it - This is incorrect as HIPAA's primary focus is on privacy and security of health information, not on ensuring healthcare coverage options.
A female patient, who is in her late 30s, is describing her home life to the nurse. The nurse determines that the patient is a member of the sandwich generation based on which of the following?
A. She has a young adult child at home and an elderly parent to care for at the same time.
B. She has a young adult child who is married and currently living away from home.
C. She has a young adult child away at college and without any living parents.
D. She has no responsibilities associated with her young adult children or her parents.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the term "sandwich generation" refers to individuals who are simultaneously caring for their own young children and aging parents. In this scenario, the patient has a young adult child at home and an elderly parent to care for, indicating that she fits the definition of the sandwich generation.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not meet the criteria for being part of the sandwich generation. Choice B states that the young adult child is married and living away from home, which means the patient is not actively caring for the child. Choice C mentions that the patient's young adult child is away at college and without living parents, which also does not align with the sandwich generation definition. Choice D indicates that the patient has no responsibilities regarding her children or parents, which would not qualify her as part of the sandwich generation.
A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit has a nursing diagnosis of nonadherence R/T antipsychotic medications. In which role is the nurse functioning when checking for"cheeking"?
A. Advocate.
B. Educator.
C. Medication manager.
D. Counselor.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Medication manager. Checking for "cheeking" refers to the nurse's role in ensuring that the client is not hiding or storing their medications in their mouth instead of swallowing them, which could lead to nonadherence. As a medication manager, the nurse is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the client's medication administration to promote adherence and safety. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Advocate - Advocacy involves supporting the client's rights and preferences, which is important but not directly related to checking for "cheeking".
B: Educator - While educating the client about the importance of taking medications as prescribed is crucial, it does not specifically address the task of checking for "cheeking".
D: Counselor - Counseling focuses on addressing emotional and psychological issues, which is not the primary concern when checking for "cheeking".
A 15-year-old was placed in a residential program after truancy, running away, and an arrest for theft. At the program, the adolescent refused to join in planned activities and pushed a staff member, causing a fall. Which approach by nursing staff will be most therapeutic?
A. Planned ignoring
B. Establish firm limits
C. Neutrally permit refusals
D. Coaxing to gain compliance
Correct answer:
The correct approach, establishing firm limits (B), is the most therapeutic because it provides structure and consistency for the adolescent's behavior. By setting clear boundaries, the nursing staff creates a safe environment and helps the adolescent understand the consequences of their actions. This approach also promotes accountability and teaches appropriate behavior.
Planned ignoring (A) would not be effective in this situation as the behavior exhibited by the adolescent, such as pushing a staff member, requires immediate attention and intervention. Neutrally permitting refusals (C) may result in the adolescent feeling enabled to continue displaying disruptive behavior. Coaxing to gain compliance (D) may not address the underlying issues and could potentially reinforce negative behavior patterns. Thus, establishing firm limits is the most appropriate and therapeutic approach in this scenario.
Which standardized rating scale will the nurse specifically include in the assessment of a newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Body Attitude Test
C. Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF)
D. Beck Inventory
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Beck Inventory. This is because the Beck Inventory is a standardized rating scale specifically designed to assess the severity of depression symptoms. It includes questions related to mood, cognition, and physical symptoms commonly seen in major depressive disorder.
A: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is used to assess cognitive function, not depression symptoms.
B: The Body Attitude Test is used to assess body image and attitudes, not depression symptoms.
C: The Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) is used to assess overall functioning, but it does not specifically focus on depression symptoms like the Beck Inventory does.
In summary, the Beck Inventory is the most appropriate choice as it is specifically tailored to assess depression symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder, making it the ideal standardized rating scale for this scenario.
A patient previously hospitalized for 2 weeks committed suicide the day after discharge. Which initial nursing measure will be most important regarding this event?
A. Request the information technology manager to verify the patient's medical record is secure in the hospital information system.
B. Hold a meeting for staff to provide support, express feelings, and identify overlooked clues or faulty judgments.
C. Consult the hospital's legal department regarding potential consequences of the event.
D. Document a report of a sentinel event in the patient's medical record.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because holding a meeting for staff to provide support, express feelings, and identify overlooked clues or faulty judgments is crucial in addressing the emotional impact of the patient's suicide and identifying any potential errors in care. This measure promotes teamwork, communication, and a culture of learning from adverse events to prevent future occurrences.
Option A is incorrect because verifying the security of the patient's medical record does not directly address the emotional impact on staff or the need for reflection on care provided.
Option C is incorrect as consulting the legal department focuses on potential legal consequences rather than immediate emotional and clinical considerations.
Option D is incorrect because documenting a report of a sentinel event is necessary but does not address the immediate need for staff support and reflection on care provided.
A female nurse is caring for a traditional Arab American male client. When planning effective care for this client, the nurse should be aware of which of the following cultural considerations? Select all that apply.
A. Limited touch is acceptable only between members of the same sex.
B. Conversing individuals of this culture stand far apart and do not make eye contact.
C. Devout Muslim men may not shake hands with women.
D. The man is the head of the household and women take on a subordinate role.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. In traditional Arab American culture, limited touch is acceptable only between members of the same sex due to modesty and respect for personal boundaries.
2. This cultural consideration is important for the nurse to provide appropriate care that respects the client's cultural beliefs and preferences.
3. Understanding this aspect helps the nurse establish trust and build rapport with the male client while upholding cultural sensitivity and respect.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect as Arab American individuals may stand close and make eye contact during conversations.
- Choice C is incorrect as devout Muslim men may opt for not shaking hands with women due to religious beliefs, not solely based on gender.
- Choice D is incorrect as gender roles in traditional Arab American culture can vary and may not always follow a strict hierarchical structure.
A client is hospitalized on a psychiatric unit secondary to a suicide attempt. He has been diagnosed with depression. He has been consistently depressed. When assessing the client, which of the following would alert the nurse that the client's suicidal risk has worsened?
A. He tells the nurse that he feels more depressed than ever.
B. He is lethargic, remaining isolated from other clients.
C. He says he feels better as he interacts more with other clients.
D. His energy level and degree of depression remain the same.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the client stating that he feels better as he interacts more with other clients is a significant indicator of worsening suicidal risk. This change in behavior, from being consistently depressed to feeling better with social interaction, could indicate a sudden shift in mood, which may signal a potential spike in impulsivity and risk-taking behavior, including suicidal ideation.
A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Expressing feeling more depressed can be a sign of deteriorating mental health, but it doesn't necessarily indicate an immediate increase in suicidal risk.
B: Lethargy and isolation are common symptoms of depression and may not directly correlate with a sudden increase in suicidal risk.
D: If the energy level and degree of depression remain the same, it may not indicate a worsening of suicidal risk unless other significant changes in behavior or mood are observed.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 30 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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