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
The spouse of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, 'I don't understand how events from childhood have anything to do with this disabling illness.' Which response by the nurse will best help the spouse understand the cause of this disorder?
A. Psychological stress is the basis of most mental disorders.
B. This illness results from developmental factors rather than stress.
C. Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis.
D. It must be frustrating for you that your spouse is sick so much of the time.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis.
The correct answer is C: Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis. Schizophrenia is a complex disorder with strong evidence pointing to a biological origin, such as genetics and brain structure abnormalities. By emphasizing the biological basis, the nurse can help the spouse understand that it is not solely related to childhood events.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Psychological stress is the basis of most mental disorders - This statement is too general and not specific to schizophrenia.
B: This illness results from developmental factors rather than stress - While developmental factors may play a role, research indicates a strong biological component in schizophrenia.
D: It must be frustrating for you that your spouse is sick so much of the time - This response does not address the cause of schizophrenia and focuses on the spouse's feelings instead.
Question 2
A female client who is wearing dirty clothes and has foul body odor comes to the clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most important for the RN to take?
A. Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
B. Ask the client to describe why she is being stalked.
C. Recommend that the client talk with a social worker.
D. Assure the client that the HCP will see her today.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
The correct answer is A: Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her. This is important because the client is feeling scared and may be in a vulnerable state. Providing a safe and comfortable environment first helps establish trust and rapport with the client, allowing her to feel more at ease to discuss her concerns. It also shows empathy and understanding towards her current situation.
Choice B is incorrect because asking the client to describe why she is being stalked may not be appropriate at this initial stage and could further distress her. Choice C is incorrect as recommending the client talk with a social worker may be premature without understanding the full scope of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as assuring the client that the healthcare provider will see her today does not address her immediate need for a safe and calming environment.
Question 3
Which individual in the emergency department should be considered at highest risk for completing suicide?
A. An adolescent Asian American girl with superior athletic and academic skills who has asthma.
B. A 38-year-old single, African American female church member with fibrocystic breast disease.
C. A 60-year-old married Hispanic man with 12 grandchildren who has type 2 diabetes.
D. A 79-year-old single, white male diagnosed recently with terminal cancer of the prostate.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — A 79-year-old single, white male diagnosed recently with terminal cancer of the prostate.
The correct answer is D because the 79-year-old single, white male diagnosed with terminal cancer of the prostate is at the highest risk for completing suicide. This individual is facing a terminal illness, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide. The other choices do not present such high-risk factors for suicide.
A: While the adolescent Asian American girl may face pressures from high achievements and asthma, these factors do not inherently place her at the highest risk for suicide.
B: The 38-year-old single, African American female church member with fibrocystic breast disease may face challenges, but they do not indicate a high risk for suicide.
C: The 60-year-old married Hispanic man with 12 grandchildren who has type 2 diabetes has family support and does not have as severe risk factors as the individual in choice D.
Question 4
A new patient at the sleep disorders clinic tells the nurse, I have not slept well in a year, so I never feel good. I do not expect things will ever improve or be any different. Interventions the nurse should consider include (Select all that apply)
A. suggesting use of alcohol as a sedative.
B. providing instruction in relaxation techniques.
C. counseling the patient to address cognitive distortions.
D. health teaching regarding factors that influence sleep.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — providing instruction in relaxation techniques.
The correct answer is B: providing instruction in relaxation techniques. This is the most appropriate intervention because teaching relaxation techniques can help the patient manage stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to sleep disturbances. By learning to relax, the patient may improve their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Choice A is incorrect because suggesting the use of alcohol as a sedative can lead to dependence, disrupt sleep patterns, and worsen the patient's overall health.
Choice C is incorrect because while addressing cognitive distortions may be beneficial, it is not the most immediate intervention for improving sleep quality.
Choice D is incorrect because providing health teaching on factors that influence sleep is important, but focusing solely on this aspect may not directly address the patient's immediate need for better sleep.
Question 5
A young adult male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a recent suicide attempt. His wife filed for divorce 6 months ago, he lost his job 3 months ago, and his best friend moved to another city 2 weeks ago. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
A. Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment.
B. Provide constant supervision to prevent another suicide attempt.
C. Limit the client's interactions with other clients.
D. Administer PRN sedative medications.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment.
The correct answer is A: Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment. This intervention empowers the client, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy, which can help improve his mental health. By engaging in activities that provide a sense of control, the client may feel more motivated and hopeful.
Incorrect choices:
B: Providing constant supervision may be necessary in acute situations but does not address the underlying issues of lack of control and self-esteem.
C: Limiting interactions with other clients may lead to social isolation, which is not beneficial for the client's recovery and may exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
D: Administering sedative medications may address symptoms temporarily but does not address the root causes of the client's distress. It does not promote empowerment or coping skills development.
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Question 6
In the treatment of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which specific type of CBT is most effective?
A. Dialectical behavior therapy
B. Exposure and response prevention
C. Interpersonal therapy
D. Supportive therapy
Correct answer:
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT that is considered the most effective treatment for OCD. ERP involves exposing the individual to anxiety-provoking stimuli and preventing the usual compulsive responses, leading to a decreased anxiety response over time. This type of therapy helps individuals learn to tolerate the anxiety triggered by obsessions without engaging in compulsions, ultimately reducing OCD symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Dialectical behavior therapy (Choice A) is more commonly used for treating conditions like borderline personality disorder, not OCD. Interpersonal therapy (Choice C) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which is not the primary approach for OCD. Supportive therapy (Choice D) provides emotional support and guidance but is not as effective as ERP in treating OCD.
Sigmund Freud, Karl Menninger, and Aaron Beck theorized that hopelessness was an integral part of why a person commits suicide. A more recent theory suggest suicide results from:
A. Elevated serotonin levels
B. The diathesis-stress model
C. Outward aggression turned inward
D. A lack of perfectionism
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: The diathesis-stress model. This model suggests that individuals have a predisposition (diathesis) towards a certain mental health condition, such as depression, and this predisposition interacts with environmental stressors to trigger the condition. Suicide can result from the combination of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and stressful life events (stressors). Elevated serotonin levels (choice A) are more associated with mood disorders like depression, not directly linked to suicide. Outward aggression turned inward (choice C) is more related to internalizing behaviors like self-harm, but not necessarily suicide. A lack of perfectionism (choice D) is not a widely recognized factor in suicide risk. The diathesis-stress model provides a comprehensive explanation for the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors leading to suicide.
An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which term best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?
A. Regeneration
B. Reuptake
C. Recycling
D. Retransmission
Correct answer:
Reuptake is the term that best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron. After neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit signals between neurons, they need to be removed from the cleft to allow for new signals to be transmitted. Reuptake is the process by which the presynaptic neuron reabsorbs the neurotransmitters that were released into the synaptic cleft, recycling them for later use. This process helps in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, ensuring proper signaling between neurons. Regeneration, on the other hand, refers to the process of growing new neurons or nerve fibers. Recycling is a general term that may not specifically apply to the reabsorption of neurotransmitters, while retransmission is not a recognized term in this context.
A child diagnosed with autism is hospitalized in an inpatient mental health unit. When developing the plan of care for this child, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?
A. Ensuring that a variety of caregivers are available for the child
B. Providing a consistent, structured environment with predictable routines
C. Allowing the child frequent visits off the unit to provide stimulation
D. Sending the child to the 'time out' area if the child repeats phrases continually
Correct answer:
Correct Answer: B - Providing a consistent, structured environment with predictable routines
Rationale: Children with autism thrive in structured environments with predictable routines. Consistency helps reduce anxiety and promote feelings of safety and security. By providing a structured environment, the child's behavior can be better managed, leading to improved outcomes.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Ensuring that a variety of caregivers are available for the child - This may disrupt the child's routine and cause further distress.
C: Allowing the child frequent visits off the unit to provide stimulation - This can overwhelm a child with autism due to sensory sensitivities.
D: Sending the child to the 'time out' area if the child repeats phrases continually - Time-outs are not effective for children with autism and may increase their anxiety and self-stimulatory behaviors.
A man who has had gout for several years comes to the clinic with a problem with his toe. On examination, the nurse notices the presence of hard, painless nodules over the great toe; one has burst open with a chalky discharge. This finding is known as:
A. Callus.
B. Plantar wart.
C. Bunion.
D. Tophi.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Tophi. Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals that accumulate in the joints of individuals with chronic gout. The presence of hard, painless nodules over the great toe that burst open with a chalky discharge is a classic presentation of tophi in a patient with gout. Tophi are not painful but can cause joint deformities and damage if left untreated.
A: Callus is a thickened and hardened area of skin that forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. Calluses are not associated with gout or chalky discharge.
B: Plantar wart is a benign growth on the sole of the foot caused by a viral infection. Plantar warts do not typically present with chalky discharge or nodules.
C: Bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions are not associated with gout or chalky discharge.
In summary, the presence of
The RN documents the mental status of a female client who has been hospitalized for several days by court order. The client states, 'I don't need to be here' and tells the RN that she believes the television talks to her. The RN should document these assessment findings in which section of the mental status exam?
A. Level of concentration.
B. Insight and judgement.
C. Remote memory.
D. Mood and affect.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Insight and judgement. In this scenario, the client's statement "I don't need to be here" reflects insight, the ability to recognize one's own condition. Additionally, the belief that the television talks to her indicates impaired judgement, as it is a sign of a psychotic symptom. Both insight and judgement are crucial components of mental status evaluation, as they provide important information about the client's awareness and decision-making abilities.
A: Level of concentration is not directly related to the client's statements about her need to be hospitalized or the belief about the television.
C: Remote memory refers to the ability to recall past events, which is not being assessed by the client's current statements.
D: Mood and affect pertain to emotional state, which is not the primary focus of the client's statements in this case.
Which of the following is one way that a bariatric bed may differ from a regular bed?
A. The bed may be lower to the floor.
B. The bed may be narrower.
C. The bed may not be able to be used.
D. The bed is made for people who weigh less than average.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: The bed may be lower to the floor. Bariatric beds are designed to support heavier individuals, so they are often lower to the ground for easier access and stability. This feature helps prevent falls and injuries.
Explanation:
1. Bariatric beds are specifically designed for individuals who are obese or have a higher weight capacity.
2. Lower height reduces the risk of falls when getting in and out of bed, making it safer for patients.
3. Regular beds may not have the same weight capacity or stability features as bariatric beds.
4. Narrower beds (choice B) would not be suitable for bariatric patients who require more space and support.
5. Choice C does not provide a specific difference between a bariatric bed and a regular bed.
6. Choice D is incorrect as bariatric beds are designed for individuals who weigh more than average, not less.
You are called to assist an adult female with a possible allergic reaction. You arrive to find a 22-year-old patient who is just beginning to have difficulty breathing. She has itching, urticaria, and hives after a bee-sting. During the possible allergic reaction, what is occurring at the cellular level?
A. The mast cells are retaining the vasoactive amines, resulting in a localized response to the sting
B. The cells begin a hypermetabolic state associated with the patient's increased activity level after the sting
C. An anaerobic metabolism has begun at the local level and is now moving into the vasculature
D. The mast cells have degranulated, releasing serotonin and histamines into the general circulation
Correct answer:
Rationale:
1. Mast cells play a key role in allergic reactions by releasing histamines and other inflammatory mediators.
2. When triggered by an allergen like a bee-sting, mast cells degranulate, releasing histamines and serotonin.
3. Histamines cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to itching, hives, and urticaria.
4. Serotonin contributes to smooth muscle contraction and bronchoconstriction, leading to difficulty breathing.
5. Therefore, choice D is correct as it accurately describes the cellular events in an allergic reaction.
Summary:
A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately depict the cellular processes involved in an allergic reaction. A does not mention degranulation, B focuses on a hypermetabolic state unrelated to allergies, and C refers to anaerobic metabolism which is not the primary mechanism in allergic reactions.
The nurse practitioner plans to use a psychoanalytical framework when treating a client diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Which would be the focus of this nursing intervention?
A. Correcting inappropriate learning patterns
B. Changing a dysfunctional social environment
C. Exploring the here and now with the client and family
D. Exploring behaviors and defense mechanisms associated with the superego.
Correct answer:
The focus of using a psychoanalytical framework when treating a client diagnosed with an anxiety disorder would involve exploring behaviors and defense mechanisms associated with the superego. In psychoanalytic theory, the superego represents internalized moral standards and values. By exploring the client's behaviors and defense mechanisms related to the superego, the nurse practitioner can gain insight into the client's unconscious conflicts and how these may be contributing to the anxiety disorder. This approach involves delving into the client's past experiences, childhood upbringing, and psychosexual development to identify underlying issues affecting their current mental state. It allows for a deeper understanding of the client's psychological dynamics and enables the nurse practitioner to tailor interventions that address the root causes of the anxiety disorder.
A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit states,"My mother hates me. My father is a drunk. Right now, I am homeless." The nurse responds,"Let's talk more about your feelings toward your mother." Which is a description of the technique used by the nurse?
A. The nurse uses questions or statements to help a client expand on a topic of importance.
B. The nurse encourages a client to select a topic for discussion.
C. The nurse delves further into a subject or idea.
D. The nurse is persistent with the questioning of a client.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because the nurse is using questions or statements to help the client expand on a topic of importance, which in this case is the client's feelings towards their mother. By encouraging the client to talk more about their feelings, the nurse is facilitating a deeper exploration of the client's emotions and thoughts. This technique fosters trust, empathy, and a therapeutic relationship.
Incorrect Choices:
B: The nurse is not asking the client to select a topic for discussion but rather guiding the conversation based on the client's initial statement.
C: While the nurse is delving further into the client's feelings about their mother, the focus is on the client's emotions rather than a subject or idea.
D: The nurse is not being persistent with questioning but rather offering a supportive and open-ended approach to exploring the client's feelings.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 38 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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