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
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
A. Whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient
B. Whose 86-year-old mother, with whom she has shared her home, died after a long illness.
C. Who attended a support group and had been assisted by hospice to care for her terminally
D. Who attended a bereavement group, where she learned to express feelings after the deaths of her twin daughters
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient
The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions.
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Question 2
A client has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Assessment reveals that the client lives alone. His clothing is disheveled, his hair is uncombed and matted, and his body has a strange odor. During an interview, the client's family voices a desire for the client to live with them when he is discharged. Based on the assessment findings, which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
A. Ineffective Role Performance related to symptoms of schizophrenia.
B. Social Isolation related to auditory hallucinations.
C. Dysfunctional Family Processes related to psychosis.
D. Bathing Self-Care Deficit related to symptoms of schizophrenia.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Bathing Self-Care Deficit related to symptoms of schizophrenia.
The correct answer is D: Bathing Self-Care Deficit related to symptoms of schizophrenia. The priority nursing diagnosis should address the most immediate and essential need for the client's well-being. In this case, the client's disheveled appearance, uncombed and matted hair, and strange odor indicate a lack of self-care in terms of personal hygiene, specifically bathing. This can lead to physical health issues and negatively impact the client's self-esteem and social interactions. Addressing the bathing self-care deficit is crucial to improving the client's overall health and well-being.
A: Ineffective Role Performance related to symptoms of schizophrenia - While this is a valid concern, addressing the client's basic self-care needs should take precedence over role performance.
B: Social Isolation related to auditory hallucinations - While social isolation is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing the client's personal hygiene needs.
C: Dysfunctional Family Processes related to psychosis - While involving the family is important, the priority
Question 3
A nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team working with groups of depressed patients. One group of patients receives supportive interventions and antidepressant medication. The other group receives only medication. The team measures outcomes for each group. Which type of study is evident?
A. Incidence
B. Prevalence
C. Comorbidity
D. Clinical epidemiology
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Clinical epidemiology
The correct answer is D: Clinical epidemiology. Clinical epidemiology involves studying the outcomes of interventions in patient groups, which is evident in this scenario. The nurse is part of a team measuring outcomes in depressed patients receiving different treatment approaches.
A: Incidence refers to the rate of occurrence of new cases in a population over a specified period. This study is not focused on new cases but rather on the outcomes of interventions.
B: Prevalence refers to the proportion of a population found to have a condition at a specific point in time. This study is not assessing the prevalence of depression but rather the outcomes of different treatment approaches.
C: Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more conditions in a patient. While comorbidity may be relevant in this study, the main focus is on the outcomes of interventions rather than the presence of multiple conditions.
In summary, the study described involves evaluating outcomes of interventions in depressed patients, aligning with the principles of clinical epidemiology.
Question 4
A patient in the emergency department shows disorganized behavior and incoherence after a friend suggested a homosexual encounter. In which room should the nurse place the patient?
A. An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs
B. A small, empty storage room with no windows or furniture
C. A room with an examining table, instrument cabinets, desk, and chair
D. The nurse's office, furnished with chairs, files, magazines, and bookcases
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs
The correct answer is A: An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs. This room provides a private and comfortable setting for the patient to express their feelings and concerns openly. The desk and chairs facilitate a structured conversation between the patient and healthcare provider.
Choice B is incorrect because a small, empty storage room is not conducive to providing appropriate care for a patient experiencing disorganized behavior and incoherence. It lacks the necessary environment for effective communication and support.
Choice C is incorrect as a room with an examining table and instrument cabinets may make the patient feel uncomfortable or anxious, potentially exacerbating their symptoms. It is more suitable for physical examinations rather than mental health assessments.
Choice D is incorrect because placing the patient in the nurse's office may not provide the necessary privacy and professional boundaries required for a therapeutic interaction. It lacks the neutrality and confidentiality needed for the patient to feel safe and supported.
Question 5
After teaching a group of nursing students about crisis, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students state which of the following?
A. Crisis triggers maladaptive responses.
B. Crisis is a time-limited event.
C. Chronic crisis is a real situation.
D. Events causing a crisis are similar for everyone.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Crisis is a time-limited event.
The correct answer is B: Crisis is a time-limited event. This is correct because a crisis is typically a temporary situation that occurs when an individual is unable to cope with a stressful event or situation. It is characterized by a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action to restore stability. Understanding that a crisis is time-limited helps individuals focus on problem-solving and coping strategies to navigate through the difficult period.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Crisis triggers maladaptive responses - This is incorrect because not everyone responds to a crisis in a maladaptive way. Individuals may exhibit a range of responses, including adaptive coping mechanisms.
C: Chronic crisis is a real situation - This is incorrect as a crisis, by definition, is an acute, time-limited event. Chronic stressors may lead to ongoing challenges, but these are typically not considered crises.
D: Events causing a crisis are similar for everyone - This is incorrect because the events leading to a crisis can vary greatly among individuals, depending on their unique
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Question 6
A student appears very nervous on the first day of clinical in a psychiatric setting. The student reviews the instructor's guidelines and appropriately takes which of the following actions? Select one that does not apply.
A. Tells the client about personal events and interests
B. Discusses the anxious feelings with the instructor
C. Assumes that the client's unwillingness to talk to a student nurse is a personal insult or failure
D. Builds rapport with the patient before asking personal questions
Correct answer:
Listening carefully, showing genuine interest, and caring about the client are extremely important rather than speaking about oneself. The student must deal with his or her own anxiety about approaching a stranger to talk about very sensitive and personal issues. Student nurses should not see the client's unwillingness to talk to a student nurse as a personal insult or behavior. Being available and willing to listen are often all it takes to begin a significant interaction with someone. Questions involving personal matters should not be the first thing a student says to the client. These issues usually arise after some trust and rapport have been established. The nursing instructor and staff are always available to assist if the client is shocking or distressing to the student. If the student recognizes someone he or she knows, it is usually best for the student to talk with the client and reassure him or her about confidentiality. The client should be reassured that the student will not read the client's record and will not be assigned to work with the client.
The therapeutic action of neurotransmitter inhibitors that block reuptake cause
A. decreased concentration of the blocked neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
B. increased concentration of the blocked neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap.
C. destruction of receptor sites specific to the blocked neurotransmitter.
D. limbic system stimulation.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: increased concentration of the blocked neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap. When neurotransmitter inhibitors block reuptake, they prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic neuron, leading to more neurotransmitters remaining in the synaptic gap. This increased concentration enhances neurotransmission and can help alleviate symptoms associated with neurotransmitter deficiencies.
A: decreased concentration of the blocked neurotransmitter in the central nervous system - This is incorrect because blocking reuptake leads to an increased concentration of neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap, not a decrease in the central nervous system.
C: destruction of receptor sites specific to the blocked neurotransmitter - This is incorrect because blocking reuptake does not affect receptor sites; it primarily impacts the reuptake process.
D: limbic system stimulation - This is incorrect because blocking reuptake does not directly stimulate the limbic system; its primary effect is on neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic gap.
A student appears very nervous on the first day of clinical in a psychiatric setting. The student reviews the instructor's guidelines and appropriately takes which of the following actions? Select one that does not apply.
A. Tells the client about personal events and interests
B. Discusses the anxious feelings with the instructor
C. Assumes that the client's unwillingness to talk to a student nurse is a personal insult or failure
D. Builds rapport with the patient before asking personal questions
Correct answer:
Listening carefully, showing genuine interest, and caring about the client are extremely important rather than speaking about oneself. The student must deal with his or her own anxiety about approaching a stranger to talk about very sensitive and personal issues. Student nurses should not see the client's unwillingness to talk to a student nurse as a personal insult or behavior. Being available and willing to listen are often all it takes to begin a significant interaction with someone. Questions involving personal matters should not be the first thing a student says to the client. These issues usually arise after some trust and rapport have been established. The nursing instructor and staff are always available to assist if the client is shocking or distressing to the student. If the student recognizes someone he or she knows, it is usually best for the student to talk with the client and reassure him or her about confidentiality. The client should be reassured that the student will not read the client's record and will not be assigned to work with the client.
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this symptom?
A. Encourage the client to discuss the voices.
B. Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices.
C. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
D. Distract the client from the voices.
Correct answer:
Encouraging the client to discuss the voices is the most appropriate nursing intervention when a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. By discussing the voices, the client can feel heard, understood, and supported. It allows the client to express their experiences, which can help in processing and coping with the hallucinations. This intervention promotes therapeutic communication and builds a trusting nurse-client relationship, which is essential in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.
Choice B is incorrect because instructing the client to listen to music to drown out the voices does not address the underlying issue and may not be effective in managing auditory hallucinations. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client that the voices are not real can invalidate the client's experiences and feelings, leading to further distress. Choice D is incorrect as solely distracting the client from the voices does not help in addressing the hallucinations or supporting the client in dealing with their symptoms.
A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau’s views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?
A. When his anxiety stabilizes at its current level
B. When his anxiety decreases to a mild level
C. When he is completely free of anxiety
D. When his anxiety escalates to the panic level
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer A: Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety stabilizes at its current level aligns with Peplau's views on anxiety. At this point, the patient is more receptive to learning and can process information effectively without overwhelming anxiety hindering the learning process. This approach enables the patient to engage in the teaching plan with a manageable level of anxiety, promoting a more successful learning experience.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety decreases to a mild level may not be the most effective timing. The patient may still have some residual anxiety that could impact their ability to fully engage in the learning process.
C: Waiting until the patient is completely free of anxiety may not be realistic or necessary. A certain level of anxiety is normal, and the goal is to teach the patient to manage anxiety effectively rather than eliminate it entirely.
D: Waiting until the patient's anxiety escalates to the panic level is not ideal as it can lead
A client with a long history of alcohol use disorder comes to the out-patient clinic after losing a job and driver's license because of a driving under the influence infraction. With which member of the mental health-care team would the nurse collaborate to meet this client's described need?
A. The psychiatrist to obtain an order for an antianxiety medication.
B. The psychologist to set up counseling sessions to explore stressors.
C. The occupational therapist for retraining and job placement.
D. The social worker to plan housing.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, collaborating with the social worker. The client's immediate needs involve addressing the loss of job and driver's license, which impacts their housing situation. The social worker can assist in planning housing arrangements, connecting the client with resources for stable housing, and addressing any social determinants of health contributing to the client's situation. This collaboration will provide a holistic approach to addressing the client's needs beyond just the alcohol use disorder.
The other choices are incorrect because:
A: In this scenario, the client's primary need is not related to anxiety but rather to the practical consequences of losing their job and driver's license due to alcohol use disorder.
B: While counseling sessions to explore stressors may be beneficial in the long term, the client's immediate need is more urgent, focusing on practical solutions.
C: Retraining and job placement may be important in the future, but at this time, the client's priority is addressing the housing situation and other immediate needs.
When describing the concept of allostatic load to a group of students, which of the following would the instructor identify as abnormalities of which of the following as indicative of the overall changes?
A. Nuclear imaging studies
B. Laboratory test results
C. Bone radiographs
D. Cardiac studies
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Laboratory test results. Allostatic load refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body as a result of chronic stress. Laboratory test results, such as cortisol levels, inflammation markers, and lipid profiles, provide direct indicators of physiological changes associated with stress. These results offer insights into how the body is responding to stress at a biochemical level.
Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Nuclear imaging studies - While nuclear imaging studies can provide valuable information about organ function, they are not typically used to directly measure the impact of stress on the body.
C: Bone radiographs - Bone radiographs are used to assess bone structure and density, not typically associated with measuring allostatic load or stress-related changes.
D: Cardiac studies - Cardiac studies focus on heart function and cardiovascular health, which can be influenced by stress but may not directly reflect the overall changes associated with allostatic load as comprehensively as laboratory test results.
When a new bill introduced in Congress reduces funding for care of persons diagnosed with mental illness, a group of nurses write letters to their elected representatives in opposition to the legislation. Which role have the nurses fulfilled?
A. Recovery
B. Attending
C. Advocacy
D. Evidence-based practice
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Advocacy. The nurses have fulfilled the role of advocacy by actively supporting and promoting the interests of persons diagnosed with mental illness through writing letters to their elected representatives in opposition to the bill that reduces funding for their care. Advocacy involves speaking up on behalf of others to influence decisions and policies that affect their well-being.
Summary:
A: Recovery - This choice is incorrect as recovery refers to the process of restoring health or functioning after an illness or injury, which is not the primary focus of the nurses' actions in this scenario.
B: Attending - This choice is incorrect as attending typically refers to being present or participating in an event, which does not accurately describe the nurses' actions of writing letters to oppose the bill.
D: Evidence-based practice - This choice is incorrect as evidence-based practice involves using current research and evidence to inform decision-making in healthcare, which is not the main role exhibited by the nurses in this scenario.
After a Category 5 tornado hits a community and destroys many homes and businesses, a community mental health nurse encourages victims to describe their memories and feelings about the event. This action by the nurse best demonstrates
A. triage.
B. primary prevention.
C. psychosocial rehabilitation.
D. psychiatric case management.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: primary prevention. By encouraging victims to describe their memories and feelings about the tornado, the nurse is promoting emotional processing and resilience, which are key components of primary prevention. This approach aims to prevent the development of long-term mental health issues by addressing immediate emotional needs.
Explanation for incorrect choices:
A: Triage involves prioritizing and allocating resources based on the severity of the situation. While important after a disaster, encouraging victims to share their experiences is not directly related to triage.
C: Psychosocial rehabilitation focuses on restoring functioning and quality of life for individuals with existing mental health issues. This choice does not align with the scenario of addressing immediate emotional responses to a traumatic event.
D: Psychiatric case management involves coordinating services for individuals with severe mental illness. This choice is not relevant in the context of supporting victims of a natural disaster in processing their emotions.
Which issues should a nurse address during the first interview with a patient with a psychiatric disorder?
A. Trust, congruence, attitudes, and boundaries
B. Goals, resistance, unconscious motivations, and diversion
C. Relationship parameters, the contract, confidentiality, and termination
D. Transference, countertransference, intimacy, and developing resources
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because during the first interview with a patient with a psychiatric disorder, it is crucial for the nurse to address relationship parameters to establish a therapeutic alliance, discuss the contract to clarify roles and expectations, ensure confidentiality to build trust, and explain termination to manage expectations. These aspects lay the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship.
A: Trust, congruence, attitudes, and boundaries - While trust and boundaries are important, they are part of relationship parameters addressed in choice C. Congruence and attitudes are more about the nurse's behavior than issues to address with the patient initially.
B: Goals, resistance, unconscious motivations, and diversion - These are important aspects, but they are more relevant in later stages of therapy after a strong therapeutic alliance has been established.
D: Transference, countertransference, intimacy, and developing resources - These are advanced concepts that may be addressed later in therapy as trust and rapport are established.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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