RN exams mental health practice questions, set 36

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RN exams mental health practice questions set 36

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 young adult says to the nurse, I go to sleep without any problem, but I often wake up during the night because it feels like there are rubber bands in my legs. Which assessment question should the nurse ask to assess for restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

  1. A. What type of birth control do you use?
  2. B. How much caffeine do you use every day?
  3. C. How much exercise do you get in a typical day?
  4. D. Does anyone else in your family have this problem?
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Does anyone else in your family have this problem?

The correct answer is D: "Does anyone else in your family have this problem?" This question is crucial for assessing restless legs syndrome (RLS) because RLS can have a genetic component. By asking if anyone else in the family has experienced similar symptoms, the nurse can determine if there is a familial pattern of RLS, which can help in diagnosing and managing the condition. A: "What type of birth control do you use?" This question is unrelated to RLS and does not provide relevant information for assessing the client's symptoms. B: "How much caffeine do you use every day?" While caffeine consumption can potentially impact sleep, it is not directly related to RLS symptoms involving sensations of rubber bands in the legs. C: "How much exercise do you get in a typical day?" While exercise can influence sleep patterns, it is not a key assessment question for RLS specifically.

Question 2

Adam has antisocial personality disorder. He says to the nurse, 'I'm not crazy. I'm just fun-loving. I believe in looking out for myself. Who cares what anyone thinks? If it feels good, do it!' Which of the following describes the psychoanalytical structure of Adam's personality?

  1. A. Weak id, strong ego, weak superego
  2. B. Strong id, weak ego, weak superego
  3. C. Weak id, weak ego, punitive superego
  4. D. Strong id, weak ego, punitive superego
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Strong id, weak ego, weak superego

The correct answer is B: Strong id, weak ego, weak superego. This is because Adam's statement reflects characteristics of a person with strong id, prioritizing immediate gratification and pleasure without considering consequences. His lack of concern for societal norms or moral values indicates a weak superego. Additionally, his statement suggests a weak ego, as he lacks the ability to balance the demands of the id and superego, resulting in impulsive and self-centered behavior. Summary of other choices: A: Weak id, strong ego, weak superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement reflects a strong id, not a weak one. C: Weak id, weak ego, punitive superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement does not suggest a punitive superego. D: Strong id, weak ego, punitive superego - This is incorrect as Adam's statement does not indicate a punitive superego but rather a weak one.

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Orders from the physician include 100 mg chlorpromazine IM STAT and then 50 mg PO bid; 2 mg benztropine PO bid prn. Because benztropine was ordered on a prn basis, which of the following assessments by the nurse would convey a need for this medication?

  1. A. The client's level of agitation increases.
  2. B. The client complains of a sore throat.
  3. C. The client's skin has a yellowish cast.
  4. D. The client develops tremors and a shuffling gait.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The client develops tremors and a shuffling gait.

The correct answer is D: The client develops tremors and a shuffling gait. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors and shuffling gait that can occur as side effects of antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine. Therefore, the presence of these symptoms indicates a need for benztropine to manage the EPS. A: The client's level of agitation increasing does not directly relate to the need for benztropine. B: The client complaining of a sore throat is not a typical indication for benztropine. C: The client's skin having a yellowish cast is not associated with EPS or a need for benztropine in this context. In summary, the development of tremors and a shuffling gait in the client with schizophrenia receiving chlorpromazine is a clear indication of EPS and the need for benztropine as a treatment option

Question 4

A patient is experiencing moderate anxiety. The nurse encourages the patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention?

  1. A. Offering hope allays and defuses the patient's anxiety.
  2. B. Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving begin.
  3. C. Anxiety is reduced by focusing on and validating what is occurring in the environment.
  4. D. Encouraging patients to explore alternatives increases the sense of control and lessens anxiety.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving begin.

The correct answer is B because verbalizing feelings and concerns can help the patient process and understand their emotions, making them feel less overwhelming. This can facilitate problem-solving by breaking down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. By talking about their concerns, the patient can also receive support and feedback from the nurse, leading to a sense of relief and empowerment. Incorrect answer explanations: A: Offering hope may be comforting but does not directly address the patient's current anxiety by helping them process and verbalize their feelings. C: Focusing on the environment may not necessarily address the patient's internal feelings and concerns, which are key in managing anxiety. D: While exploring alternatives can increase a sense of control, it may not directly address the immediate need to process and verbalize emotions to reduce anxiety.

Question 5

A client with depression remains in bed most of the day and declines activities. Which nursing problem has the greatest priority for this client?

  1. A. Loss of interest in diversional activity.
  2. B. Social isolation.
  3. C. Refusal to address nutritional needs.
  4. D. Low self-esteem.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Refusal to address nutritional needs.

The correct answer is C: 'Refusal to address nutritional needs.' When a client with depression remains in bed and declines activities, addressing their refusal to address nutritional needs is of utmost priority. Nutritional needs are essential for physical health and overall well-being. Inadequate nutrition can worsen the client's physical health, impact their mood, and hinder the effectiveness of treatment. Option A, 'Loss of interest in diversional activity,' while important, is not as critical as addressing nutritional needs for immediate physical well-being. Option B, 'Social isolation,' is a significant concern but addressing nutritional needs takes precedence due to its direct impact on physical health. Option D, 'Low self-esteem,' is a valid concern but does not take priority over addressing the client's refusal to meet their nutritional needs for immediate health benefits.

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Question 6

Epidemiological studies contribute to improvements in care for individuals with mental disorders by:

  1. A. Providing information about effective nursing techniques.
  2. B. Identifying risk factors that contribute to the development of a disorder.
  3. C. Identifying individuals in the general population who will develop a specific disorder
  4. D. Identifying which individuals will respond favorably to a specific treatment.
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Question 7

To plan care for a patient with a psychiatric disorder, the nurse keeps in mind that the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is:

  1. A. Assisting the patient in accomplishing the activity
  2. B. Ensuring that the patient will comply with the rules of the activity
  3. C. Ensuring that the patient can accomplish the activity in a timely manner
  4. D. Directing and controlling the activities to minimize patient anxiety and confusion
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Question 8

A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive episode intentionally overdoses on sertraline (Zoloft). Family reports that the client has experienced anorexia, insomnia, and recent job loss. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?

  1. A. Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness
  2. B. Anxiety: severe R/T hyperactivity
  3. C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements R/T refusal to eat
  4. D. Dysfunctional grieving R/T loss of employment
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Question 9

Nursing behaviors associated with the implementation phase of nursing process are concerned with

  1. A. participating in mutual identification of patient outcomes.
  2. B. gathering accurate and sufficient patient-centered dat
  3. C. comparing patient responses and expected outcomes.
  4. D. carrying out interventions and coordinating care.
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Question 10

The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

  1. A. The need to dominate others
  2. B. Inventing traumatic events
  3. C. A need to develop close relationships
  4. D. A potential symptom of traumatization
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Question 11

Ling works as a registered nurse in an Alzheimer's care home. Ling has a specialized rapport-building technique she uses called reminiscence. She uses this technique by:

  1. A. Telling the residents stories about her grandparents' lives.
  2. B. Playing music from the residents' formative years.
  3. C. Reviewing movies that the residents enjoy.
  4. D. Encouraging the residents to talk about pleasurable past events.
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Question 12

A patient is being treated for prostate cancer; his prognosis is very poor. The patient has a strong faith, and he has been active in his church for many years. He is concerned about his health and the challenges he faces as his cancer progresses. Which comment by the nurse reflects the most appropriate spiritual nursing intervention for the patient?

  1. A. I'll take you to visit my church if you can get a pass.'
  2. B. You have to belong to the same church I do if you're going to go to heaven.'
  3. C. Would you like me to bring you a guided imagery audiotape?'
  4. D. We can pray together if you'd like.'
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Question 13

A patient reports good results from taking an herb to manage migraine headache pain. The nurse confirms there are no hazardous interactions between the herb and the patient’s current prescription drugs. Select the nurse’s best comment to the patient.

  1. A. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll make a note in your medical record that you take it.”
  2. B. "You are experiencing a placebo effect. When we believe something will help, it usually does.”
  3. C. "Self-management of health problems can be dangerous. You should have notified me sooner.”
  4. D. "Research studies show that herbals actually increase migraine pain by inflaming nerve cells in the brain.”
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Question 14

A patient is taking tranylcypromine sulfate for depression. What advice should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this medication?

  1. A. Warn the patient about severe hypotension.
  2. B. Instruct the patient to avoid beer and cheddar cheese.
  3. C. Encourage the patient to take ginseng and ephedra.
  4. D. Encourage the patient to eat fruit such as bananas.
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Question 15

During one-to-one session with the nurse, a female client who has been admitted for chronic depression and attempted suicide discloses her experience of sexual promiscuity and prostitution. When the nurse asks the client if she was ever sexually abused as a child, the client says, 'I don't remember, but my mother ran my father off when I was five.' The nurse should recognize that the client may be using which defense mechanism?

  1. A. Repression.
  2. B. Denial.
  3. C. Projection.
  4. D. Rationalization.
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About these RN exams mental health questions

RN exams mental health practice questions, set 36 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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