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
According to Peplau, treatment of client symptoms should involve which nursing action?
A. Using the technique of desensitization
B. Challenging clients negative thoughts
C. Uncovering clients past experiences
D. Establishing a therapeutic nurseclient relationship
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Using the technique of desensitization
According to Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations, the foundation of effective nursing care is the establishment of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. This relationship is essential for addressing client symptoms because it provides a supportive and trusting environment for the client to open up, express their feelings, and work collaboratively with the nurse towards healing and resolution. By establishing a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, trust, and understanding, the nurse can better assess the client's needs, provide appropriate care, and assist the client in managing their symptoms effectively. This approach also enhances communication, promotes client engagement in their own care, and fosters a sense of empowerment and well-being.
Question 2
The nurse is engaged in crisis intervention with a patient reporting, 'I have no reason to keep on living.' What is the nurse's initial intervention?
A. Advise the patient about the services available to help them.
B. Ask the patient, 'Have you ever been this depressed before?'
C. Ask the patient, 'Do you have any plan to hurt yourself or anyone else?'
D. Assure the patient that he or she is in a safe place and will be well cared for.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Ask the patient, 'Do you have any plan to hurt yourself or anyone else?'
The correct answer is C: Ask the patient, 'Do you have any plan to hurt yourself or anyone else?' This is the initial intervention because it assesses the patient's risk of harm. It is crucial to determine if the patient has any suicidal ideation or intent. This question helps gauge the level of risk and informs the appropriate level of intervention.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Advising the patient about available services is important but not the initial step when assessing immediate risk.
B: Asking about past experiences with depression is not as critical as assessing the current risk of harm.
D: Assuring the patient of safety is important, but directly addressing the possibility of harm is more urgent in crisis intervention.
Question 3
A healthcare professional is caring for a patient with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a manic episode. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage group activities to increase socialization.
B. Provide a structured environment with limited stimuli.
C. Allow the patient to engage in physical activities freely.
D. Give the patient detailed and complex tasks to complete.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Provide a structured environment with limited stimuli.
During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may have heightened sensitivity to stimuli and may struggle with organization and decision-making. Providing a structured environment with limited stimuli can help reduce triggers and maintain a sense of control for the patient. It is essential to create a calm and predictable setting to support the individual in managing their symptoms effectively. Choice A is incorrect as group activities may overwhelm the patient due to increased stimuli. Choice C is not the most appropriate because unstructured physical activities may exacerbate the manic symptoms. Choice D is not recommended as detailed and complex tasks can be overwhelming and may contribute to increased stress and agitation in a manic episode.
Question 4
A patient has been voluntarily admitted to a mental health facility after an unsuccessful attempt to harm himself. Which statement demonstrates a need to better educate the patient on his patient's rights?
A. I understand why I was restrained when I was out of control.'
B. You can't tell my boss about the suicide attempt without my permission.'
C. I have a right to know what all of you are planning to do to me.'
D. I can hurt myself if I want to. It's none of your business.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — I can hurt myself if I want to. It's none of your business.'
The correct answer is D because it indicates a lack of understanding about the patient's rights and safety. By stating "I can hurt myself if I want to. It's none of your business," the patient is dismissing the facility's duty to ensure their safety and well-being. This statement demonstrates a need for education on the restriction of self-harm behaviors in a mental health facility.
A: This statement shows the patient understanding the reason for being restrained, which indicates awareness of the consequences of their actions.
B: This statement acknowledges the patient's right to confidentiality regarding their medical information.
C: This statement indicates the patient's right to be informed about their treatment plan and decisions involving their care.
Question 5
A client has been prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro) for depression. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
A. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness.
B. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
C. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
D. Discontinue the medication if you start feeling better.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching is to advise the client to avoid consuming alcohol while taking escitalopram (Lexapro). Alcohol can potentiate side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness when combined with this medication. Choice A is incorrect because escitalopram is usually taken in the morning due to its potential to cause insomnia if taken at bedtime. Choice C is incorrect because taking the medication with or without food does not significantly affect its absorption or side effects. Choice D is incorrect because it is essential for the client to continue taking the medication even if they start feeling better, as abruptly stopping an antidepressant can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a relapse of depression.
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.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
The patient you are assigned unexpectedly suffers a cardiac arrest. During this emergency situation, your body will produce a large amount of:
A. carbon dioxide.
B. growth hormone.
C. epinephrine
D. aldosterone
Correct answer:
Rationale: During a cardiac arrest, the body will produce a large amount of epinephrine. Epinephrine is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress and helps to increase heart rate and blood flow to vital organs, aiding in the body's fight-or-flight response to the emergency. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and oxygen delivery during a cardiac arrest.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Carbon dioxide is not produced in large amounts during a cardiac arrest.
B: Growth hormone is not directly involved in the body's immediate response to a cardiac arrest.
D: Aldosterone is a hormone that primarily regulates electrolyte balance and blood pressure, but it is not the main hormone released during a cardiac arrest emergency.
Nursing theorists identify the nurse-client relationship as central to nursing practice. After studying these concepts, the nursing student understands that Peplau is to the phases of the nurse-client relationship as Watson is to:
A. Seven assumptions about the science of caring.
B. Cultural care diversity and universality.
C. Modeling and role modeling.
D. Human energy fields.
Correct answer:
Rationale:
1. Peplau focuses on phases of nurse-client relationship, emphasizing therapeutic communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Watson is known for her Theory of Human Caring, which includes the seven assumptions about the science of caring.
3. Both theories highlight the importance of the nurse-client relationship in nursing practice.
4. Therefore, the correct answer is A (Seven assumptions about the science of caring).
Summary:
B: Cultural care diversity and universality is associated with Leininger's Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality.
C: Modeling and role modeling is associated with Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain's Theory of Modeling and Role Modeling.
D: Human energy fields is associated with Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings.
A client who recently experienced the death of a significant other arrives at the mental health center. The client reports loss of interest in usual activities, expresses a wish to be with the deceased significant other, has been eating very little, and has not slept in several days. Which client statement is most important for the RN to explore at this time?
A. Not sleeping for several days.
B. Wishing to be with the deceased spouse.
C. Lack of interest in usual activities.
D. Eating very little.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Wishing to be with the deceased spouse. This statement indicates a desire for death or suicidal ideation, which is a critical concern that requires immediate exploration and intervention. The client may be at risk for self-harm or suicide. It is essential for the RN to assess the severity of this statement and ensure the client's safety.
A: Not sleeping for several days - While important, this symptom may be related to grief and depression. However, it is not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation.
C: Lack of interest in usual activities - Common in grief and depression, but does not indicate immediate risk of harm.
D: Eating very little - Also common in grief, but not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching about beginning an exercise program with an older adult client who is at risk for osteoporosis. Which of the following activities should the nurse recommend?
A. Passive range-of-motion exercise
B. Walking
C. Bowling
D. Jogging
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Walking. Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is beneficial for older adults at risk for osteoporosis. It helps to improve bone density, strengthen muscles, and improve overall balance and coordination, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Passive range-of-motion exercises are more suitable for individuals with limited mobility or recovering from injury. Bowling can be a fun recreational activity but may not provide the same level of cardiovascular benefits as walking. Jogging, being a high-impact activity, may not be suitable for older adults at risk for osteoporosis as it could increase the risk of fractures. Therefore, walking is the most appropriate recommendation for this client.
A nurse is assisting a client who is 4hr postoperative to get out of bed. The client states, “Do not touch me! I can get up by myself.†Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. I will be next to you and will help if you need to
B. I think you need some pain medication before getting out of bed
C. We can talk about this after you have gotten out of bed
D. Why don’t you want to be touched?
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: 'I will be next to you and will help if you need to.' This response acknowledges the client's autonomy while also offering support and assistance if needed. It respects the client's wishes to try getting out of bed independently while ensuring safety with the nurse's presence. Option B is not appropriate as it assumes the client's reluctance is due to pain without further assessment. Option C postpones addressing the client's concerns, which may lead to increased anxiety. Option D is not the best response as it focuses on the client's reluctance to be touched rather than providing immediate support. Overall, option A promotes client independence while ensuring safety and support from the nurse.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the adult children of a client who is receiving palliative care. Which of the following statements by one of the adult children indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. We will receive emotional support during our mother’s illness
B. We won’t allow her spiritual advisor to visit during this time
C. We won’t discuss the illness in the presence of our mother
D. We will provide resuscitation to our mother if necessary
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: 'We will receive emotional support during our mother's illness.' This statement indicates an understanding of the need for emotional support during a difficult time. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support for both the patient and their family. Emotional support is crucial for coping with the stress and emotions that come with caring for a loved one who is seriously ill. Options B and C are incorrect because they suggest restricting important sources of comfort and communication. Option D is incorrect because decisions about resuscitation should be made based on the patient's wishes and advance directives, not automatically assumed by family members.
A nurse is caring for a client who has hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote communication?
A. Use short phrases
B. Speak in a loud voice
C. Decrease background noise
D. Talk at a rapid rate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: 'Decrease background noise.' This is the most appropriate action to promote communication for a client with hearing loss because reducing background noise can help the client focus on the nurse's voice. Using short phrases can also be helpful, but reducing background noise takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's ability to hear clearly. Speaking in a loud voice may distort sound and make it harder for the client to understand. Talking at a rapid rate can overwhelm the client and make communication more challenging. Therefore, decreasing background noise is the best approach to facilitate effective communication with a client who has hearing loss.
Kubler-Ross’s five successive stages of death and dying are:
A. Anger, bargaining, denial, depression, acceptance
B. Denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance
C. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression acceptance
D. Bargaining, denial, anger, depression, acceptance
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: 'Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.' The Kubler-Ross model outlines the emotional stages individuals often experience when facing death or a terminal illness. Denial is the initial stage where individuals may refuse to accept the reality of their situation. Anger follows as they express frustration and resentment. Bargaining involves seeking ways to postpone or alleviate the situation. Depression is a common response to the impending loss. Acceptance is the final stage where individuals come to terms with their circumstances. This sequence of stages helps individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with death and dying.
A nurse is collecting data from a client who had a stroke and is unable to name common items. The nurse should recognize that the client’s experiencing which of the following types of aphasia?
A. Global aphasia.
B. Expressive aphasia.
C. Receptive aphasia.
D. Sensory aphasia.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Expressive aphasia. Expressive aphasia, also known as Broca's aphasia, is characterized by the inability to produce language or speak fluently. In this case, the client's difficulty in naming common items indicates a problem with expressive language. Global aphasia involves difficulty with both expression and comprehension, while receptive aphasia primarily affects understanding language. Sensory aphasia is not a recognized type of aphasia. Understanding the specific language deficits associated with each type of aphasia is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and communication strategies for clients with communication impairments.
Which of the following is the nurse’s legal responsibility when applying restraints?
A. Document the patient’s behavior
B. Document the type of restraint used
C. Obtain a written order from the physician except in an emergency, when the patient must be protected from injury to himself or others
D. All of the above
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' When applying restraints, nurses have a legal responsibility to document the patient's behavior to justify the need for restraints, document the type of restraint used for accurate record-keeping and safety monitoring, and obtain a written order from the physician except in emergencies when immediate action is necessary to prevent harm to the patient or others. By documenting behavior and the type of restraint used, nurses ensure transparency and accountability in patient care. Obtaining a physician's order ensures that the use of restraints is appropriate and necessary, promoting patient safety and autonomy.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 48 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.
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.
