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 nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperkalemia.
B. Hypermagnesemia.
C. Hyponatremia.
D. Hypocalcemia.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Hyponatremia.
The correct answer is C: 'Hyponatremia.' Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly a loss of sodium (hyponatremia) due to the loss of fluids containing sodium. Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose sodium and water, leading to a decrease in sodium levels. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is an elevated level of potassium, which is less likely in this scenario. Hypermagnesemia (choice B) is an elevated level of magnesium, which is not typically associated with vomiting and diarrhea. Hypocalcemia (choice D) is a decrease in calcium levels, which is less likely to occur primarily due to vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, the nurse should expect to see hyponatremia in this client's laboratory results due to the electrolyte imbalance caused by the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a sterile dressing change. The nurse should recognize that the surgical field has been contaminated if which of the following actions occur?
A. The sterile solution is poured with the bottle held over the field
B. A pair of sterile forceps is allowed to rest in a container of sterile water on the field
C. The handle of a pair of sterile scissors is resting 5 cm (2 in) from the field’s edge
D. Unnecessary sterile items are placed on the field
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — The sterile solution is poured with the bottle held over the field
The correct answer is A because pouring sterile solution with the bottle held over the sterile field can lead to contamination by allowing the solution to drip onto the field. This action compromises the sterility of the field by introducing microorganisms. It is important to pour solutions away from the field to prevent contamination. Option B is incorrect because allowing forceps to rest in sterile water on the field does not necessarily contaminate the field unless the forceps are no longer sterile. Option C is incorrect as the handle of sterile scissors resting near the field's edge is not a significant contamination risk. Option D is incorrect as long as the sterile items placed on the field are necessary for the procedure, they do not automatically indicate contamination.
Question 3
An adolescent with anorexia nervosa is undergoing nutritional therapy. Which finding best indicates that the client is making progress in treatment?
A. Client gains 2 pounds in a week.
B. Client describes a positive body image.
C. Client engages in recreational activities.
D. Client begins to talk about future goals.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Client gains 2 pounds in a week.
The correct answer is A. Weight gain is a crucial indicator of progress in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. In individuals with anorexia, restoring and maintaining a healthy weight is a primary goal to address the underlying nutritional deficiencies and health complications associated with the disorder. While choices B, C, and D are positive developments in the client's overall well-being and recovery journey, they are not as directly linked to the core issue of nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia nervosa. Describing a positive body image, engaging in recreational activities, and talking about future goals are important aspects of psychological and emotional recovery, but weight gain is a more immediate and objective measure of progress in treating anorexia nervosa.
Question 4
A client with postpartum depression receives a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft). What information is most important to include in client teaching?
A. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as processed meats, red wine, and Swiss cheese.
B. Contact the healthcare provider immediately if suicidal thoughts occur.
C. Increase activity level to include regular exercise.
D. Contact the healthcare provider immediately if muscle stiffness occurs.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Contact the healthcare provider immediately if suicidal thoughts occur.
The most critical information to include in client teaching for a client with postpartum depression starting sertraline (Zoloft) is to contact the healthcare provider immediately if suicidal thoughts occur. This is vital for the client's safety as antidepressants, including sertraline, can sometimes increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially at the start of treatment. Choices A, C, and D are not the most crucial information in this scenario. Choice A about avoiding foods high in tyramine is not directly related to sertraline use. Choice C about increasing activity level is important but not as critical as addressing suicidal ideation. Choice D about muscle stiffness is a potential side effect of sertraline but is not as urgent as monitoring for suicidal thoughts.
Question 5
What medication education should the nurse provide to a patient who has expressed an interest in taking St. John's wort?
A. Allergic reactions to this herb are common.
B. Due to liver toxicity, regular liver function test should be conducted while taking it.
C. St. John's wort should not be taken in combination with antidepressants.
D. This medication results in gastrointestinal symptoms including bleeding.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — St. John's wort should not be taken in combination with antidepressants.
Rationale for Correct Answer C:
1. St. John's wort can interact with antidepressants, reducing their effectiveness.
2. This herb can also lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants.
3. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the patient to avoid combining St. John's wort with antidepressants to prevent harmful interactions.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Allergic reactions are not common with St. John's wort, so this information is not relevant to the patient's education.
B: While liver toxicity is a concern with St. John's wort, regular liver function tests are not typically required for patients taking this herb.
D: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bleeding are not commonly associated with St. John's wort, making this choice incorrect.
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Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
Of the 33 vertebrae in the spinal column, there are:
A. 5 lumbar.
B. 5 thoracic.
C. 7 sacral.
D. 12 cervical.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: 5 lumbar vertebrae. The spinal column has 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. The lumbar region is located in the lower back and consists of 5 vertebrae. This is supported by anatomical knowledge and textbook references.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: 5 thoracic vertebrae - This is incorrect as there are actually 12 thoracic vertebrae.
C: 7 sacral vertebrae - This is incorrect as there are only 5 sacral vertebrae.
D: 12 cervical vertebrae - This is incorrect as there are 7 cervical vertebrae.
In summary, the correct answer is A because the lumbar region of the spinal column consists of 5 vertebrae, while the other choices provided inaccurate numbers of vertebrae for their respective
What intervention should the nurse include as a nonpharmacologic pain-relief intervention for chronic pain?
A. referring the client for hypnosis
B. administering pain medication as prescribed
C. removing all glaring lights and excessive noise
D. using over-the-counter transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: referring the client for hypnosis. Hypnosis is an evidence-based nonpharmacologic intervention for chronic pain that can help manage pain perception and improve coping mechanisms. It is safe and effective for long-term pain management. Referring for hypnosis aligns with the holistic approach to chronic pain management.
Choice B: administering pain medication as prescribed is a pharmacologic intervention, not nonpharmacologic.
Choice C: removing all glaring lights and excessive noise can help create a comfortable environment but may not directly address chronic pain relief.
Choice D: using over-the-counter transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation is a nonpharmacologic intervention, but it may not be as effective for chronic pain as hypnosis.
A patient was brought to the emergency department for an injury he received while working as a migrant worker. It soon becomes evident that the patient cannot speak English. A nurse on duty offers to find an interpreter so the patient can communicate with the medical staff. The nurse's offer is an example of which type of nursing intervention?
A. Milieu therapy
B. Conflict resolution
C. Cultural brokering
D. Structured interaction
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Cultural brokering. In this scenario, the nurse offering to find an interpreter for the patient demonstrates cultural brokering by facilitating communication between the patient and the medical staff despite the language barrier. Cultural brokering involves bridging the gap between different cultures to ensure effective communication and understanding in healthcare settings. Milieu therapy (A) focuses on creating a therapeutic environment, conflict resolution (B) involves resolving conflicts between individuals or groups, and structured interaction (D) refers to planned interactions with a specific purpose. In this case, the nurse's intervention goes beyond these options by directly addressing the cultural and communication needs of the patient.
A community mental health nurse has worked for months to establish a relationship with a delusional, suspicious patient. The patient recently lost employment and could no longer afford prescribed medications. The patient says, "Only a traitor would make me go to the hospital." Select the nurse's best initial intervention.
A. With the patient's consent, contact resources to provide medications without charge temporarily.
B. Arrange a bed in a local homeless shelter with nightly on-site supervision.
C. Hospitalize the patient until the symptoms have stabilize
D. Ask the patient, "Do you feel like I am a traitor?"
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and builds trust in the nurse-patient relationship. By contacting resources to provide medications without charge, the nurse addresses the patient's financial constraint while honoring their wishes to avoid the hospital. This intervention promotes continuity of care and supports the patient's well-being.
Option B is incorrect because it does not address the patient's immediate need for medications and may not align with the patient's preferences. Option C is inappropriate as hospitalization should be a last resort and may not be necessary in this case. Option D is not the best initial intervention as it does not directly address the patient's concerns about being perceived as a traitor.
A nurse wants to find information on current evidence-based research, programs, and practices regarding mental illness and addictions. Which resource should the nurse consult?
A. American Psychiatric Association
B. American Psychological Association (APA)
C. Clinician's Quick Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy
D. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is a government agency that provides the most up-to-date evidence-based research, programs, and practices related to mental illness and addictions. They offer resources for healthcare professionals to access reliable information and guidelines for treatment and interventions. SAMHSA is specifically focused on mental health and substance abuse issues, making it the most appropriate choice for the nurse to consult. The other options, such as the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and Clinician's Quick Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy, may have relevant information but do not specialize in mental illness and addictions like SAMHSA does.
A nurse is providing care to a client with antisocial personality disorder. As part of the plan of care, the client is to participate in a problem-solving group. The nurse understands that this intervention is effective based on which rationale?
A. It requires the client to develop attachments.
B. It sets up specific boundaries for the client.
C. It helps reinforce self-responsibility.
D. It avoids confrontation about dysfunctional patterns.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because participating in a problem-solving group helps reinforce self-responsibility in clients with antisocial personality disorder. By actively engaging in the group and contributing to solving problems, the client learns to take ownership of their actions and decisions. This can lead to increased accountability and self-awareness.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Developing attachments is not the primary goal of a problem-solving group for clients with antisocial personality disorder.
B: While setting boundaries is important, it is not the main focus of a problem-solving group.
D: Avoiding confrontation about dysfunctional patterns does not promote growth and self-responsibility, which is the main goal of the intervention.
A patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder was treated several times for substance abuse, but each time the patient relapsed. Which treatment approach is most appropriate?
A. 1-week detoxification program.
B. Long-term outpatient therapy.
C. 12-step self-help program.
D. Residential program.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, a residential program. This option is the most appropriate for a patient with antisocial personality disorder and recurring substance abuse issues because it offers a structured and intensive environment for long-term treatment and monitoring. The patient can benefit from 24/7 supervision, therapy, and support to address underlying issues contributing to relapse. In contrast, A (1-week detox) is too short and doesn't address underlying psychological factors. B (outpatient therapy) may not provide enough support and monitoring for this patient. C (12-step program) can be helpful but may not offer the level of structure and supervision needed for someone with antisocial personality disorder. Therefore, D is the best choice for this specific case.
Bobby is a seven-year-old who attends second grade in a public school. His teacher notices that Bobby doesn't volunteer to answer questions or talk with the other children. When he does talk, he sometimes stutters, especially if he gets nervous or thinks the other children are looking at him. What is one type of treatment that might make Bobby feel more comfortable talking in class?
A. scheduling a conference with his mother
B. psychodrama
C. singing
D. having a hearing assessment
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: singing. Singing can help Bobby feel more comfortable talking in class by promoting relaxation, breath control, and confidence in his voice. Singing can also improve his speech fluency and rhythm, which may reduce his stuttering when talking. Additionally, singing can be a fun and engaging way for Bobby to express himself without feeling self-conscious.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: scheduling a conference with his mother may not directly address Bobby's communication difficulties in class.
B: psychodrama focuses on exploring emotions and thoughts through dramatic expression, which may not specifically target Bobby's speech issues.
D: having a hearing assessment is not relevant to Bobby's stuttering and difficulty talking in class.
The central sulcus separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe. This boundary is crucial for the organization of motor and sensory functions in the brain. The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions and motor activities, while the parietal lobe processes sensory information such as touch and spatial awareness. Therefore, the central sulcus plays a key role in coordinating motor and sensory functions.
Incorrect Choices:
A: The temporal and occipital lobes are separated by the lateral sulcus, not the central sulcus.
C: Complex motor activities are primarily controlled by the frontal lobe, not the central sulcus.
D: Alertness to the environment is regulated by brainstem structures and the reticular activating system, not the central sulcus.
A patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder was treated several times for substance abuse, but each time the patient relapsed. Which treatment approach is most appropriate?
A. 1-week detoxification program.
B. Long-term outpatient therapy.
C. 12-step self-help program.
D. Residential program.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, a residential program. This option is the most appropriate for a patient with antisocial personality disorder and recurring substance abuse issues because it offers a structured and intensive environment for long-term treatment and monitoring. The patient can benefit from 24/7 supervision, therapy, and support to address underlying issues contributing to relapse. In contrast, A (1-week detox) is too short and doesn't address underlying psychological factors. B (outpatient therapy) may not provide enough support and monitoring for this patient. C (12-step program) can be helpful but may not offer the level of structure and supervision needed for someone with antisocial personality disorder. Therefore, D is the best choice for this specific case.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 40 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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Keep going past these 15 questions
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