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
Which theorist most influenced the professional practice of psychiatric nursing?
A. Harry Stack Sullivan
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Erik Erikson
D. Ivan Pavlov
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Hildegard Peplau
The correct answer is B: Hildegard Peplau. Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations emphasized the therapeutic nurse-client relationship, which greatly influenced psychiatric nursing practice. Her framework focused on nurse-patient communication, understanding patient behavior, and promoting patient growth and development. This approach revolutionized how psychiatric nurses engage with and care for patients.
A: Harry Stack Sullivan was a psychiatrist known for interpersonal theory, which has relevance in psychiatric nursing but not as impactful as Peplau's work.
C: Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist whose stages of psychosocial development are relevant to understanding patients in psychiatric nursing, but Peplau's theory directly informs nursing practice.
D: Ivan Pavlov was a physiologist known for classical conditioning, which is not directly related to psychiatric nursing practice.
Question 2
A client with a long history of alcohol use disorder has been diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. With which member of the mental health-care team would the nurse collaborate to meet this client's described need?
A. The psychiatrist to obtain an order for neurocognitive disorder medications.
B. The psychologist to set up counseling sessions to explore stressors.
C. The dietitian to help the client increase consumption of thiamine-rich foods.
D. The social worker to plan transportation to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — The dietitian to help the client increase consumption of thiamine-rich foods.
The correct answer is C: The dietitian to help the client increase consumption of thiamine-rich foods. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, commonly seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Thiamine supplementation is essential in managing this condition. Collaborating with a dietitian can ensure the client receives proper education and guidance on increasing thiamine intake through diet.
Incorrect choices:
A: The psychiatrist for neurocognitive disorder medications - While medications may be prescribed for symptoms, addressing the underlying thiamine deficiency is crucial.
B: The psychologist for counseling sessions - Counseling can be beneficial, but addressing the nutritional deficiency is a priority.
D: The social worker for transportation to AA - Important for ongoing support, but addressing the nutritional needs comes first to manage Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Question 3
During assessment, a patient tells the nurse that he follows Buddhist beliefs. The nurse would integrate understanding of which of the following when developing the patient’s plan of care?
A. Desire is the cause of all human suffering and misery.
B. Self-indulgence is necessary to reach nirvana.
C. Present behavior is based on current unhappiness.
D. Salvation is achieved through faith and humility.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Desire is the cause of all human suffering and misery.
The correct answer is A: Desire is the cause of all human suffering and misery. In Buddhism, it is believed that desire and attachment lead to suffering. By understanding this principle, the nurse can develop a plan of care that focuses on helping the patient let go of attachments and desires that may be causing distress. This approach aligns with Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and non-attachment, promoting overall well-being.
Choice B is incorrect because self-indulgence is not a concept in Buddhism, and nirvana is achieved through the cessation of desires, not indulging in them. Choice C is incorrect as Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence of all things, including happiness and unhappiness, rather than basing present behavior solely on current unhappiness. Choice D is incorrect because salvation in Buddhism is attained through one's own efforts, not through faith or humility in a higher power.
Question 4
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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Establish firm limits
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.
Question 5
A 14-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease reports painful swelling just below the knee for the past 5 months. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
A. If these symptoms persist, you may need arthroscopic surgery.'
B. You are experiencing degeneration of your knee, which may not resolve.'
C. Your disease is due to repeated stress on the patellar tendon. It is usually self-limited, and your symptoms should resolve with rest.'
D. Increasing your activity and performing knee-strengthening exercises will help decrease the inflammation and maintain mobility in the knee.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Your disease is due to repeated stress on the patellar tendon. It is usually self-limited, and your symptoms should resolve with rest.'
The correct answer is C. Osgood-Schlatter disease is caused by repeated stress on the patellar tendon during periods of rapid growth. It is usually self-limited and resolves with rest. Here is a step-by-step rationale for why this answer is correct:
1. Osgood-Schlatter disease is commonly seen in adolescents during growth spurts.
2. The pain and swelling just below the knee in this 14-year-old boy are typical symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease.
3. Rest is the mainstay of treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease as it allows the inflamed area to heal.
4. The symptoms should improve once the growth spurt is over and the stress on the patellar tendon decreases.
5. Surgery is rarely needed for Osgood-Schlatter disease unless conservative measures fail.
In summary, choice C is correct because it addresses the self-limiting nature of Osgood-Schlatter disease and emphasizes the importance of rest
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
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
Correct answer:
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.
An experienced psychiatric nurse plans to begin a new job in a community-based medication clinic. The clinic sees culturally diverse patients. Which action should the nurse take first to prepare for this position?
A. Investigate cultural differences in patients' responses to psychotropic medications.
B. Contact the clinical nurse specialist for guidelines regarding cultural competence.
C. Examine the literature on various health beliefs of members of diverse cultures.
D. Complete an online continuing education offering about psychopharmacology.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Investigate cultural differences in patients' responses to psychotropic medications. This is the first step the nurse should take to prepare for the new position. Understanding cultural differences in medication responses is crucial for providing safe and effective care. By researching this information, the nurse can tailor treatment plans to individual patients, minimizing risks of adverse reactions and improving outcomes.
The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Contacting the clinical nurse specialist for guidelines is helpful but not the first step. It is important to have a foundational understanding of cultural differences first.
C: Examining literature on health beliefs is valuable but may not directly address medication responses.
D: Completing an online course on psychopharmacology is beneficial but does not specifically focus on cultural considerations.
A nurse assesses an older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member. The patient was wandering outside saying, "I can't find my way home." The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. Select the nurse's best action.
A. Record the patient's answers to questions on the nursing assessment form.
B. Ask an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview.
C. Call for a mental health advocate to maintain the patient's rights.
D. Obtain important information from the family member.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Obtain important information from the family member. The rationale for this is that the patient is confused and unable to provide accurate information about themselves. By obtaining information from the family member, the nurse can gather important details about the patient's medical history, current medications, recent events, and any pre-existing conditions that may be contributing to the confusion. This information is crucial for the nurse to appropriately assess and provide care for the patient.
Option A is incorrect as recording the patient's answers on the assessment form would not be reliable due to the patient's confusion. Option B is not necessary as the nurse can gather relevant information from the family member. Option C is not the best course of action as the patient's confusion does not necessarily indicate a need for a mental health advocate at this point.
A client in treatment for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is experiencing extreme anxiety after their therapy session. What is a good technique for de-escalating the client?
A. immediately taking the client by the arm and directing them to a quiet place where they can decompress
B. holding steady eye contact to establish empathy and trust
C. employing active listening as a strategy
D. taking control of the situation and instructing the client what to do next
Correct answer:
The correct technique for de-escalating a client with OCPD experiencing extreme anxiety is employing active listening. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the client is saying. This technique can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which can reduce their anxiety. It also allows the client to express their thoughts and feelings, promoting a sense of control and autonomy. This approach is client-centered and respectful, aligning with the principles of effective therapy for OCPD.
Summary:
A: Physically directing the client may increase their anxiety and worsen the situation.
B: Holding steady eye contact may be perceived as confrontational and intrusive, escalating the client's anxiety.
D: Taking control and instructing the client may trigger resistance and exacerbate feelings of lack of control, which are common in OCPD.
An adolescent was arrested for prostitution and assault on a parent. The adolescent says, 'I hate my parents. They focus all attention on my brother, who's perfect in their eyes.' Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable?
A. Disturbed personal identity related to acting out as evidenced by prostitution
B. Hopelessness related to achievement of role identity as evidenced by feeling unloved by parents
C. Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out
D. Impaired parenting related to inequitable feelings toward children as evidenced by showing preference for one child over another
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out. This is the most applicable nursing diagnosis because the adolescent is using inappropriate methods (prostitution and assault) to seek attention due to feeling neglected by their parents. The adolescent's behavior is a manifestation of coping with their perceived lack of attention from their parents.
A: Disturbed personal identity is incorrect because the primary issue is not related to personal identity but rather seeking attention.
B: Hopelessness related to achievement of role identity is incorrect because the main issue is not feeling unloved but seeking attention through negative behaviors.
D: Impaired parenting related to inequitable feelings toward children is incorrect as it focuses on the parents' behavior rather than the adolescent's coping mechanism.
A patient is talking to the nurse about her friendship with another person. She comments, 'That person is always there for me, and I am always there for her. We help each other out; sometimes she's helping me, and sometimes I am helping her.' The nurse interprets the patient's statements about her social network as reflecting which of the following?
A. Denseness
B. Reciprocity
C. Social support
D. Constraints
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Reciprocity. The patient's statements indicate a mutual exchange of support and assistance between her and her friend. Reciprocity in social networks refers to the give-and-take dynamic where both parties provide help and support to each other. This is evident in the patient's description of their friendship.
Incorrect choices:
A: Denseness refers to the degree to which individuals within a social network are connected to each other. The patient's statements do not specifically indicate a high level of interconnectedness.
C: Social support involves the provision of assistance or emotional support within a social network, but the key aspect of reciprocity is missing in this choice.
D: Constraints refer to the limitations or restrictions within a social network that may hinder relationships or interactions. There is no indication of constraints in the patient's statements.
A patient with a psychiatric disorder is considering joining a clubhouse with other patients who have mental disorders. The patient asks the nurse to explain what services the clubhouses provide. Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?
A. They are open 24 hours a day to provide care and support for the clubhouse members.'
B. They are run entirely by psychiatric mental health nurses.'
C. Their primary focus is on providing ongoing intensive psychotherapy for patients in a group setting.'
D. They are predominately run by psychiatric patients with minimal assistance from mental health staff.'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because clubhouse programs are known for being primarily run by psychiatric patients with minimal assistance from mental health staff. This model emphasizes empowerment, peer support, and self-help. It promotes a sense of community and belonging among members, allowing individuals to take an active role in their recovery.
Choice A is incorrect because clubhouses are not typically open 24 hours a day. They usually operate during standard business hours.
Choice B is incorrect because clubhouses are not run entirely by psychiatric mental health nurses. While mental health staff may be present, the focus is on peer support and collaboration among members.
Choice C is incorrect because the primary focus of clubhouses is not on providing ongoing intensive psychotherapy. Instead, they emphasize socialization, skill-building, and vocational support in a non-clinical setting.
A client with major depression visits the mental health clinic and tells the nurse that he has recently started using marijuana quite frequently. The nurse determines that the manifestation of the client's co-occurring disorder reflects which of the following?
A. Primary mental illness with subsequent substance use
B. Primary substance abuse disorder with psychopathologic sequelae
C. Dual primary diagnoses
D. A common etiology
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Primary mental illness with subsequent substance use. In this scenario, the client's major depression is the primary mental illness, and the use of marijuana is a secondary behavior or coping mechanism. The client is using marijuana as a way to self-medicate or alleviate symptoms of depression. It is important to address the underlying mental health issue (major depression) as the primary concern.
Choice B is incorrect because it suggests that substance abuse is the primary disorder with subsequent psychopathologic consequences, which is not the case in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as it implies that both major depression and substance use are primary diagnoses, which is not the most accurate interpretation of the situation presented. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests a common cause for both conditions, which is not supported by the information provided.
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 nurse in an outpatient clinic is assessing a child, and the nurse will interview the child and the child's parents separately. Which of the following comments would the nurse anticipate the child making during the upcoming interview?
A. I can't get along with my parents.
B. I yell at my parents a lot.
C. I'm sad a lot, and I have trouble sleeping.
D. I refuse to do what my parents tell me to.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the child expressing sadness and having trouble sleeping may indicate underlying emotional or mental health issues. This information can help the nurse assess the child's well-being and provide appropriate support.
Incorrect Answers:
A: "I can't get along with my parents" - This statement may suggest conflict in the parent-child relationship but does not directly indicate the child's emotional state.
B: "I yell at my parents a lot" - This statement implies behavioral issues rather than emotional distress.
D: "I refuse to do what my parents tell me to" - This statement indicates defiance or disobedience but does not necessarily reflect the child's emotional well-being.
In summary, choice C is correct as it provides valuable insight into the child's emotional state, whereas the other choices focus on different aspects of the parent-child relationship or behavior.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 31 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
