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 patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder does not interact with others except when addressed, and then only in monosyllables. The nurse wants to show nonjudgmental acceptance and support for the patient. Which communication technique will be effective?
A. Make observations.
B. Ask the patient direct questions.
C. Phrase questions to require yes or no answers.
D. Frequently reassure the patient to reduce guilt feelings.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Make observations.
The correct answer is A: Make observations. This technique is effective because it allows the nurse to show nonjudgmental acceptance and support without pressuring the patient to engage in lengthy conversations. By making observations, the nurse can acknowledge the patient's behavior without requiring a response, thus respecting the patient's need for space and limited interaction.
Option B: Asking the patient direct questions may feel intrusive and overwhelming for someone with major depressive disorder who is withdrawn.
Option C: Phrasing questions to require yes or no answers limits the patient's ability to express themselves fully and may not promote a sense of support and acceptance.
Option D: Frequently reassuring the patient to reduce guilt feelings may come across as insincere or patronizing, and may not address the patient's need for nonjudgmental acceptance in communication.
Question 2
Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind when establishing the nurse-patient relationship with a client with schizophrenia to promote recovery?
A. The relationship typically develops over a short period of time.
B. Decisions about care are the responsibility of interdisciplinary team.
C. Short, time-limited interactions are best for the client experiencing psychosis.
D. Typically, clients with schizophrenia readily engage in a therapeutic relationship.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Short, time-limited interactions are best for the client experiencing psychosis.
The correct answer is C because short, time-limited interactions are best for clients experiencing psychosis due to their limited attention span and potential for increased anxiety. Lengthy interactions may overwhelm the client and hinder the development of trust and rapport.
A: The relationship typically develops over a short period of time - Incorrect. Building a therapeutic relationship with a client with schizophrenia takes time due to trust issues and symptom severity.
B: Decisions about care are the responsibility of interdisciplinary team - Incorrect. While involving the interdisciplinary team is important, the nurse-patient relationship is crucial in promoting recovery.
D: Typically, clients with schizophrenia readily engage in a therapeutic relationship - Incorrect. Clients with schizophrenia may have difficulties in engaging due to symptoms such as paranoia and disorganized thinking.
Question 3
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
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Beck Inventory
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.
Question 4
A homeless client who reports feeling sad and depressed tells the mental health nurse that in the past 2 days she has only had 4 hours of sleep. Which action is most important for the RN to implement within the first 24 hours after treatment is initiated?
A. Allow the client to rest and sleep.
B. Ensure the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression.
C. Begin planning for the client's discharge.
D. Encourage verbalization of feelings.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Allow the client to rest and sleep.
The correct answer is A: Allow the client to rest and sleep. This is the most important action because sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and depression. By prioritizing rest and sleep within the first 24 hours, the nurse can address the immediate physical and emotional needs of the client. This action can help improve the client's overall well-being and mental health.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
- B: Ensuring the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression is important but not the most critical within the first 24 hours. Rest and sleep should be prioritized initially.
- C: Planning for the client's discharge is premature and not a priority when the client is in immediate distress.
- D: Encouraging verbalization of feelings is important for therapeutic communication but addressing sleep deprivation takes precedence in this scenario.
Question 5
A nurse is working for a mobile homeless treatment program. Which method would the nurse most likely use to provide follow-up care to clients?
A. Seeing them by appointment at a clinic office
B. Riding a bicycle to wherever the client happens to be
C. Meeting the client in a public place easily accessible by taxi
D. Using the telephone to determine how well the clients are doing
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Riding a bicycle to wherever the client happens to be
The correct answer is B, riding a bicycle to wherever the client happens to be. This method is most likely used for follow-up care in a mobile homeless treatment program because it allows the nurse to reach clients who may not have consistent access to transportation or a fixed address. By being mobile, the nurse can ensure continuity of care and provide services directly to clients in their own environment.
Option A, seeing them by appointment at a clinic office, may not be feasible for homeless clients due to transportation and scheduling challenges. Option C, meeting the client in a public place easily accessible by taxi, may not be practical if the client's location changes frequently. Option D, using the telephone to determine how well the clients are doing, lacks the personal connection and hands-on assessment that may be necessary for providing effective follow-up care in this setting.
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Question 6
A student nurse has been asked by the mental health nursing instructor to plan educational interventions for a forensic client with whom the student has been working. Which of the following would be most important for the student nurse to include in the plan?
A. Explanation of the genetic and neurologic factors associated with criminal behavior
B. Description of information about pertinent legal and court proceedings that are pending
C. Explanation of how nutrition and exercise can promote physical and mental well-being
D. A list of community providers the client's family members can contact for assistance and support
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Description of information about pertinent legal and court proceedings that are pending.
Rationale: Understanding legal and court proceedings is crucial for a forensic client as it directly impacts their current situation and future outcomes. Providing this information can empower the client to make informed decisions and actively participate in their legal process, promoting autonomy and self-advocacy.
Summary:
A: While genetic and neurologic factors can contribute to criminal behavior, focusing solely on these aspects may not be the most immediate concern for the client's current needs.
C: Nutrition and exercise are important for overall well-being but may not be the top priority when dealing with legal matters.
D: Connecting the client's family to community providers is beneficial, but understanding legal proceedings is more urgent for the client's immediate needs.
A nurse is planning care for a child who has increased intracranial pressure with a decreased level of consciousness. Which of the following intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Perform active range of motion exercises.
B. Perform neurological checks every 4 hours.
C. Suction the airway frequently.
D. Maintain the head at a midline position.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Maintain the head at a midline position. This intervention helps to optimize cerebral perfusion and reduce the risk of further increasing intracranial pressure. Placing the head at a midline position promotes proper alignment of the brain structures and facilitates adequate blood flow to the brain.
A: Performing active range of motion exercises can increase intracranial pressure and should be avoided in this situation.
B: Neurological checks every 4 hours are important but do not directly address the issue of maintaining intracranial pressure.
C: Suctioning the airway frequently can also increase intracranial pressure and should be done only when necessary to maintain airway patency.
In summary, maintaining the head at a midline position is the most appropriate intervention to manage increased intracranial pressure in a child with a decreased level of consciousness.
A nurse on an acute med-surgical unit is performing assessments on a group of clients. Which is the highest priority?
A. The client has surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign.
B. A client who has Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea
C. A client who is experiencing acute kidney injury and has urine with a low specific gravity
D. The client who has oral cancer and reports a sore on his gums
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign indicates a potential life-threatening condition due to hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures and tetany. This client needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B is incorrect because while Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea requires prompt treatment, it is not as immediately life-threatening as hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as well, as although acute kidney injury is serious, a low specific gravity alone does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's life. Choice D is also incorrect as oral cancer with a sore on the gums, while concerning, is not an immediate priority compared to the potential life-threatening complications of hypocalcemia.
A nurse wants to teach alternative coping strategies to a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Verify the patient's learning style.
B. Lower the patient's current anxiety.
C. Create outcomes and a teaching plan.
D. Assess how the patient uses defense mechanisms.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Lower the patient's current anxiety. This is the first step because a patient experiencing severe anxiety may not be able to focus on learning coping strategies until their anxiety is reduced. It is essential to address the immediate issue of anxiety to create a conducive environment for learning.
Incorrect choices:
A: Verify the patient's learning style - While understanding the patient's learning style is important, it is not the priority when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety.
C: Create outcomes and a teaching plan - Developing outcomes and a teaching plan should come after addressing the immediate anxiety to ensure the patient can engage effectively in the learning process.
D: Assess how the patient uses defense mechanisms - While understanding defense mechanisms is relevant, it is not the primary concern when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety.
Which statement about crisis theory will provide a basis for nursing intervention?
A. A crisis is an acute time-limited phenomenon experienced as an overwhelming emotional reaction to a problem perceived as unsolvable.
B. A person in crisis has always had adjustment problems and has coped inadequately in the usual life situations.
C. Crisis is precipitated by an event that enhances a person's self-concept and self-esteem.
D. Nursing intervention in crisis situations rarely has the effect of stopping the crisis.
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer (A):
1. A crisis is defined as an acute time-limited phenomenon: This is true according to crisis theory, as crises are temporary and time-bound.
2. Experienced as an overwhelming emotional reaction: Crises often lead to intense emotional responses due to the perceived threat or problem.
3. To a problem perceived as unsolvable: The crucial aspect of a crisis is the perception that the problem is insurmountable, leading to feelings of helplessness.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: This choice implies a pre-existing maladaptive coping pattern, which is not a universal characteristic of individuals in crisis.
C: Crisis typically arises from negative events that challenge an individual's well-being, not events that boost self-esteem.
D: Nursing intervention is essential in crisis situations to help individuals cope and resolve the crisis, making this choice incorrect.
The nurse is assessing a group of patients on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient's history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?
A. Panic disorder
B. Problematic anxiety
C. Somatoform disorder
D. Violent behavior
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, violent behavior. This is the strongest indicator of risk for violence because past behavior is a significant predictor of future behavior. Patients with a history of violent behavior are more likely to exhibit violent tendencies in the future. Assessing for this history allows the nurse to implement appropriate interventions to prevent harm to self or others.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Panic disorder - Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and is not directly associated with an increased risk of violence.
B: Problematic anxiety - While anxiety can contribute to agitation and irritability, it is not as strong of an indicator for violence compared to a history of violent behavior.
C: Somatoform disorder - Somatoform disorder involves physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause and is not typically associated with an increased risk of violence.
What is the primary reason the nurse should include the family of a patient with a serious mental illness in treatment planning?
A. They know the patient better than anyone.
B. The patient is likely willing to listen to them.
C. They are likely the patient's support system.
D. The patient will turn to them first when needing help.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because family members are often the primary support system for individuals with serious mental illness. In treatment planning, involving the family can provide crucial insights into the patient's social and emotional needs, enhance communication between the patient and healthcare providers, and increase the likelihood of treatment adherence. Family support can also help in crisis situations and promote better outcomes for the patient.
Choice A is incorrect because while family members may have valuable insights, they may not always know the patient's struggles comprehensively. Choice B is incorrect as willingness to listen is not a guarantee, especially in cases where mental illness may affect the patient's judgment. Choice D is incorrect as the patient may not always turn to family first, especially if the relationship is strained or if the family is not supportive.
A client who has a 10 a.m. appointment at an outpatient psychiatric clinic arrives at noon, stating,"I was visiting with my mother." How should the nurse interpret the client's failure to arrive on time?
A. The client is a member of a cultural group that is present oriented.
B. The client is being passive-aggressive by arriving late.
C. The client is a member of a cultural group that rejects traditional medicine.
D. This is the client's way of defying authority.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: The client is a member of a cultural group that is present oriented. In some cultures, being present-oriented means focusing more on the current moment rather than adhering strictly to schedules or appointments. This cultural perspective values interpersonal relationships and may prioritize spending time with family over punctuality. In this scenario, the client's delay in arriving may be due to cultural norms rather than intentional disrespect or defiance. It is important for healthcare providers to be culturally competent and understanding of different cultural perspectives to provide effective care.
Summary:
B: The client being passive-aggressive is not supported by the information given.
C: The client rejecting traditional medicine is not relevant to the situation described.
D: There is no evidence to suggest that the client is defying authority by arriving late.
An instructor is preparing a class discussion on the various theoretical models used in psychiatric-mental health nursing. When describing cognitive theories, which statement would the instructor include?
A. `The theories attempt to explain the mental processes development and effects on behavior.?
B. `The theories attempt to describe how people learn and act.?
C. `The theories attempt to link internal thought processes with behavior.?
D. `The theories attempt to explain normal human growth and development.?
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: `The theories attempt to link internal thought processes with behavior. Cognitive theories in psychiatric-mental health nursing focus on how internal thought processes, such as perceptions, beliefs, and interpretations, influence behavior. They emphasize the role of cognition in shaping emotions and actions. This statement accurately reflects the core focus of cognitive theories.
Choice A is incorrect because it refers more to psychological theories that explain mental processes' development and effects on behavior in general, not specifically focusing on cognitive processes. Choice B is incorrect as it describes behavioral theories that emphasize learning and actions rather than internal thought processes. Choice D is incorrect as it pertains to developmental theories that explain normal human growth and maturation, not specifically cognitive processes and behavior.
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.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 32 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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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.
