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
Complete this analogy. NANDA: clinical judgment: NIC:
A. patient outcomes.
B. nursing actions.
C. diagnosis.
D. symptoms.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — nursing actions.
The correct answer is B: nursing actions. NANDA provides nursing diagnoses, which guide clinical judgment in determining appropriate nursing interventions. Similarly, NIC (Nursing Interventions Classification) provides a standardized language for identifying nursing actions to achieve patient outcomes based on the identified nursing diagnoses. Therefore, the analogy between NANDA and clinical judgment is parallel to NIC and nursing actions.
Summary:
A: Patient outcomes - Incorrect. While patient outcomes are the ultimate goal of nursing care, NIC specifically focuses on the actions taken to achieve these outcomes.
C: Diagnosis - Incorrect. NANDA provides nursing diagnoses, while NIC focuses on interventions rather than diagnoses.
D: Symptoms - Incorrect. NIC is not focused on symptoms but rather on the actions nurses take to address the identified nursing diagnoses.
Question 2
A 76-year-old man tells the nurse at the sleep disorder clinic, I awaken almost nightly in the midst of violent dreams in which I am defending myself against multiple attackers. Then I realize I have been hitting and kicking my wife. She has bruises. Which health problem is most likely?
A. Sleep paralysis
B. Night terror disorder
C. Sleep-related bruxism
D. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
The correct answer is D: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. This disorder is characterized by vivid, violent dreams during REM sleep leading to physical movements or behaviors, such as hitting or kicking. In this case, the man's description of defending himself against attackers and then realizing he has been hitting his wife aligns with the symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. This disorder typically occurs in older adults and can result in harm to the individual or their sleep partner.
- A: Sleep paralysis involves the inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking up, not violent behaviors.
- B: Night terror disorder involves sudden awakenings with intense fear or terror, not typically involving physical harm to others.
- C: Sleep-related bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, not associated with violent dreams or behaviors.
Question 3
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client newly diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Which of the following would the nurse expect to implement in conjunction with pharmacologic therapy?
A. Behavioral therapy
B. Cognitive behavioral therapy
C. Interpersonal therapy
D. Family therapy
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Cognitive behavioral therapy
The correct answer is B: Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy is commonly used in conjunction with pharmacologic therapy for bulimia nervosa. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the client identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to eating and body image. It also teaches coping strategies and techniques to manage triggers. Behavioral therapy (A) focuses on changing specific behaviors, while cognitive behavioral therapy (B) combines changing behaviors with addressing thoughts and emotions. Interpersonal therapy (C) focuses on improving relationships and communication skills, which may be beneficial but is not the primary treatment for bulimia nervosa. Family therapy (D) involves the client's family in the treatment process, which can be helpful but is not as directly focused on individual behavior change as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Question 4
The nurse is counseling a family whose 4-year-old child has mild mental retardation. The nurse is working with the family on realistic long-term goals. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
A. Locating suitable residential placement for the child
B. Finding a foster home for the child
C. Achieving independent functioning of the child as an adult
D. Preventing the onset of psychiatric disorders in the child
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Achieving independent functioning of the child as an adult
The correct answer is C: Achieving independent functioning of the child as an adult. This is the most appropriate long-term goal as it focuses on empowering the child to lead a fulfilling and independent life despite their condition. It emphasizes working towards maximizing the child's potential and enhancing their quality of life.
A: Locating suitable residential placement for the child is not the most appropriate long-term goal as it does not focus on the child's independence and potential growth.
B: Finding a foster home for the child is not suitable as it does not address the child's long-term development and independence.
D: Preventing the onset of psychiatric disorders in the child is important but may not be the most relevant long-term goal as it does not directly address the child's mental retardation or focus on their independent functioning as an adult.
Question 5
A client is being released from the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. After teaching the client and family about managing the disorder, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they state which of the following should be reported immediately?
A. Elevated temperature
B. Tremor
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Weight gain
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Elevated temperature
The correct answer is A: Elevated temperature. This should be reported immediately because it could indicate a serious side effect known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) associated with antipsychotic medications. NMS is a life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications.
Option B: Tremor is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications but does not typically require immediate reporting unless severe or persistent. Option C: Decreased blood pressure may occur with certain antipsychotics, but it is not usually an emergency unless symptomatic. Option D: Weight gain is a common side effect of some antipsychotic medications and should be monitored over time but does not necessitate immediate reporting unless excessive or sudden.
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Question 6
A patient needs supportive care for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. The new nurse demonstrates an understanding of the services provided by the various members of the patient's mental healthcare team when he makes which statement:
A. Your social worker will help you learn to budget your money effectively.'
B. Your counselor asked me to remind you of the group session on critical thinking at 2:00 today.'
C. The mental health technician on staff today will administer the medication that you require.'
D. Remember to ask the occupational therapist about sources of financial help that you are qualified for.'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because the nurse is acknowledging the role of the counselor in organizing group sessions, which is a key aspect of supportive care for bipolar disorder. The counselor plays a crucial role in providing therapy and psychoeducation to patients.
A is incorrect because budgeting assistance typically falls under the purview of a financial counselor or advisor, not a social worker.
C is incorrect because medication administration is usually the responsibility of a nurse or a healthcare provider, not a mental health technician.
D is incorrect because financial assistance inquiries are typically addressed by a financial counselor or a social worker, not an occupational therapist.
Therefore, answer B is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the counselor's role in providing therapeutic support for the patient's bipolar disorder.
A school nurse is teaching a class of adolescents about healthy behaviors. Which of the following activities include as a means for preventing anxiety and depression when they are middle-aged adults?
A. Restricting their sugar and fat intake
B. Refraining from smoking or doing drugs
C. Engaging in physical activity and exercise
D. Becoming active in local church activities
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Engaging in physical activity and exercise. Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reducing the risk of anxiety and depression. Exercise helps release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Additionally, staying physically active can improve self-esteem and cognitive function, both of which are important for overall mental well-being.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important for overall health, they do not specifically target anxiety and depression prevention in middle-aged adults. Restricting sugar and fat intake, refraining from smoking or doing drugs, and becoming active in local church activities may have their own health benefits, but they are not as directly linked to preventing anxiety and depression as engaging in physical activity and exercise.
A 62-year-old man experienced the loss of his 87-year-old father a week ago. The hospice nurse is making a follow-up visit to determine how he is handling his father's death. Which of the following statements made indicates to the hospice nurse that the patient is in the acute mourning stage of bereavement?
A. I keep thinking about my father; I have trouble believing he's dead. I feel guilty because I didn't go to the nursing home to visit him last week!
B. I've been grieving my father; losing him is a tremendous loss, but I have to get on with my life.
C. My father was a saint. I am so angry at God for taking him away! I'm crying all the time; I haven't been able to work for days.
D. I'm going to spend the weekend with my children; they understand what I've been going through, and I can relax around them.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the statement reflects characteristics of the acute mourning stage, which includes intense emotions such as anger and sadness. The patient expressing anger towards God and crying all the time aligns with the typical reactions seen in the acute mourning stage. This stage is characterized by emotional outbursts and difficulty functioning in daily life.
Choice A is incorrect because feeling guilty for not visiting the father and having trouble accepting the death are signs of denial, a stage that typically precedes acute mourning.
Choice B is incorrect as it indicates acceptance and readiness to move on, which is not reflective of the acute mourning stage.
Choice D is incorrect as it shows a focus on spending time with family and seeking support, which are more indicative of the later stages of mourning rather than the acute phase.
An 80-year-old client visits the mental health clinic with her daughter. During the assessment process, the client tells the nurse that she is taking an antidepressant, an antibiotic, and an occasional aspirin. Which question would be most important for the nurse to ask?
A. How much grapefruit juice do you drink on a daily basis?'
B. How much orange juice do you drink on a daily basis?'
C. How much tomato juice do you drink on a daily basis?'
D. How much grape juice do you drink on a daily basis?'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: "How much grapefruit juice do you drink on a daily basis?" This is because grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and aspirin, leading to potentially serious side effects. Grapefruit juice inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, which can increase the concentration of these medications in the bloodstream, causing adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to ask about grapefruit juice consumption to assess the risk of drug interactions.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because orange juice, tomato juice, and grape juice do not have significant interactions with the mentioned medications. While it is important to consider overall dietary habits, grapefruit juice specifically has a known interaction with many medications, making it the most critical question to ask in this scenario.
The nurse is helping a 56-year-old homeless woman develop a plan for after discharge. Which of the following would be most appropriate to include?
A. Contacting the woman's daughter as a possible source of support after the client's discharge
B. Contacting the woman's parents as a possible source of support after the client's discharge
C. Providing the woman with a three-ring binder full of resources that will promote independent living
D. Providing the woman with telephone numbers of various local health care insurance companies
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Contacting the woman's daughter as a possible source of support after the client's discharge. This is the most appropriate choice because involving family members can provide emotional and practical support for the client. It is important to leverage existing relationships and support systems to enhance the client's post-discharge plan.
Summary of other choices:
B: Contacting the woman's parents may not be appropriate as the client's relationship with her parents is not specified and involving them without consent may not be beneficial.
C: Providing resources in a three-ring binder is not as personal or tailored to the client's specific needs and may not address the emotional support aspect.
D: Providing telephone numbers of health insurance companies is important but not as crucial as establishing a support system through family members.
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.
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.
Correct answer:
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.
A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder makes no eye contact, does not respond to verbal directions from the staff members, and constantly twists, spins, and headbangs. Which of the following would be the best nursing action?
A. Instructing the child to follow directions from the staff.
B. Ensuring the child does not receive an injury from body movements.
C. Place the child in seclusion as the behavior is unacceptable.
D. Showing the child how to maintain eye contact.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B. Ensuring the child does not receive an injury from body movements is the best nursing action because safety is the top priority when dealing with a child exhibiting self-injurious behaviors like headbanging and spinning. By preventing injuries, the child's well-being is prioritized.
Choice A is incorrect because instructing the child to follow directions may not be effective if the child is non-responsive due to their autism spectrum disorder.
Choice C is incorrect as placing the child in seclusion is not recommended for managing behaviors related to autism spectrum disorder. It does not address the underlying cause and can lead to further distress.
Choice D is incorrect as showing the child how to maintain eye contact may not be feasible or effective at that moment, especially if the child is exhibiting self-injurious behaviors.
A 76-year-old man tells the nurse at the sleep disorder clinic, I awaken almost nightly in the midst of violent dreams in which I am defending myself against multiple attackers. Then I realize I have been hitting and kicking my wife. She has bruises. Which health problem is most likely?
A. Sleep paralysis
B. Night terror disorder
C. Sleep-related bruxism
D. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. This disorder is characterized by vivid, violent dreams during REM sleep leading to physical movements or behaviors, such as hitting or kicking. In this case, the man's description of defending himself against attackers and then realizing he has been hitting his wife aligns with the symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. This disorder typically occurs in older adults and can result in harm to the individual or their sleep partner.
- A: Sleep paralysis involves the inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking up, not violent behaviors.
- B: Night terror disorder involves sudden awakenings with intense fear or terror, not typically involving physical harm to others.
- C: Sleep-related bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, not associated with violent dreams or behaviors.
What personality disorder is characterized by magical thinking, or the idea that one can influence the outcome of specific events by doing something that has no bearing on the circumstances?
A. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
B. schizoid personality disorder
C. schizotypal personality disorder
D. avoidant personality disorder
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: schizotypal personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by magical thinking, where individuals believe they can influence events through unrelated actions. This is a key feature of schizotypal personality disorder, along with other symptoms such as odd beliefs or behaviors, social anxiety, and eccentricity.
A: Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by perfectionism, rigidity, and control, not magical thinking.
B: Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by social detachment and limited emotional expression, not magical thinking.
D: Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by extreme shyness and fear of rejection, not magical thinking.
In summary, schizotypal personality disorder is the correct answer due to its specific association with magical thinking, distinguishing it from the other options.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 39 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.