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 psychotherapist works with an anxious, dependent patient. Which strategy is most consistent with psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
A. Identifying the patient's strengths and assets
B. Praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation
C. Focusing on feelings developed by the patient toward the therapist
D. Providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Focusing on feelings developed by the patient toward the therapist
The correct answer is C because focusing on the patient's feelings developed towards the therapist is consistent with psychoanalytic therapy. This approach allows the therapist to explore transference and countertransference dynamics, which are central in understanding the patient's inner conflicts and relational patterns. By addressing these feelings, the therapist can help the patient gain insight into unresolved issues from their past that are influencing their current behavior.
Choice A is incorrect because while it can be beneficial in therapy, it is more aligned with a strengths-based or humanistic approach rather than psychoanalytic therapy. Choice B is also incorrect because praising the patient for describing feelings of isolation does not directly address the deeper unconscious processes that psychoanalytic therapy aims to explore. Choice D is incorrect because providing psychoeducation and emphasizing medication adherence are more commonly associated with cognitive-behavioral or medication-focused therapies, rather than psychoanalytic therapy.
Question 2
A patient tells the nurse, “I prefer to treat my physical problems with herbs and vitamins. They are natural substances, and natural products are safe.†Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A. “Natural substances tend to be safer than conventional medical remedies.â€Â
B. “Natural remedies give you the idea that you are controlling your treatment.â€Â
C. “The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply a product is healthy, but that's not always true.â€Â
D. “You should not treat your own physical problems. You should see your health care provider for these problems.â€Â
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — “The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply a product is healthy, but that's not always true.â€Â
The correct response is C: "The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply a product is healthy, but that's not always true."
Rationale:
1. Natural does not always mean safe or effective. Many natural products can have side effects or interact with medications.
2. The term "natural" is often used in marketing to appeal to consumers, but it does not guarantee safety or efficacy.
3. Healthcare decisions should be based on evidence and expert advice rather than solely on the perception of natural products.
4. The nurse's response educates the patient about the potential misconceptions surrounding natural remedies and encourages critical thinking about healthcare choices.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect because natural substances are not inherently safer than conventional medical remedies.
- Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the psychological aspect of control rather than the safety and effectiveness of natural remedies.
- Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's preference without providing proper education on the topic.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing a presentation about the current status of mental health services in the United States. Which statement would the nurse include as the most reflective of this status?
A. Mental health care in the United States is equally accessible to individuals.
B. Mental illness ranks second in terms of causing disability in comparison.
C. Mental health care primarily focuses on the cure of mental illness.
D. Mental health care services are inadequate and fragmented.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Mental health care services are inadequate and fragmented.
The correct answer is D: Mental health care services are inadequate and fragmented. This is the most reflective statement of the current status of mental health services in the United States.
1. Inadequate services: Many individuals face barriers in accessing mental health care due to factors such as cost, stigma, and lack of providers.
2. Fragmented services: The mental health care system in the U.S. is often disjointed, with gaps in service provision and coordination between different providers and agencies.
3. Lack of resources: There is a shortage of mental health professionals and funding for mental health services, further contributing to the inadequacy and fragmentation of care.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Mental health care is not equally accessible, as there are disparities in access based on factors like income and location.
B: While mental illness is a significant cause of disability, this statement does not address the current status of mental health services.
C: Mental health care focuses on a range of interventions, including
Question 4
While talking with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a nurse notices the patient is unable to maintain eye contact. The patient's chin lowers to the chest. The patient looks at the floor. Which aspect of communication has the nurse assessed?
A. Nonverbal communication
B. A message filter
C. A cultural barrier
D. Social skills
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Nonverbal communication
The correct answer is A: Nonverbal communication. The patient's inability to maintain eye contact, lowering of the chin, and looking at the floor are all nonverbal cues that convey important information about the patient's emotional state. Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in expressing feelings and emotions, and in this scenario, the patient's nonverbal cues indicate potential signs of distress or discomfort. The nurse's assessment of these nonverbal behaviors is crucial for understanding the patient's underlying emotions and providing appropriate support and care.
Summary:
B: A message filter - This choice is incorrect because the patient's nonverbal behaviors are not acting as a filter for the message but are a form of communication themselves.
C: A cultural barrier - This choice is incorrect as the patient's nonverbal cues are more indicative of emotional distress rather than a cultural barrier.
D: Social skills - This choice is incorrect because the patient's nonverbal behaviors are related to emotional expression rather than social
Question 5
While working in a community mental health treatment center, the nurse overhears one of the receptionists saying that one of the patients is 'really psycho.' Later in the day, the nurse talks with the receptionist about the comment. This action by the nurse demonstrates an attempt to address which issue?
A. Lack of knowledge
B. Public stigma
C. Label avoidance
D. Self-stigma
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Public stigma
The correct answer is B: Public stigma. The nurse's action of addressing the receptionist's derogatory comment about a patient as 'really psycho' indicates an attempt to address public stigma. Public stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs held by society towards individuals with mental health conditions. By discussing the inappropriate language used by the receptionist, the nurse is addressing the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and discrimination against individuals with mental health issues.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Lack of knowledge - This choice would imply that the nurse is addressing a lack of knowledge about mental health conditions, which is not the main issue in this scenario.
C: Label avoidance - This choice would imply that the nurse is avoiding using stigmatizing labels, which is not the main focus of the scenario.
D: Self-stigma - This choice would imply that the nurse is addressing the internalized stigma experienced by individuals with mental health conditions, which is not the main issue being addressed in this scenario.
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 nurse is planning care, which includes a dual-diagnosis group. Which patient would be appropriate for this group? The patient with:
A. Depression and suicidal tendencies
B. Anxiety and frequent migraine headaches
C. Bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa
D. Schizophrenia and alcohol abuse
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. This combination is appropriate for a dual-diagnosis group because it involves both a severe mental illness (schizophrenia) and a substance abuse issue (alcohol abuse). Patients with schizophrenia often have co-occurring substance abuse disorders, making them suitable for a dual-diagnosis group to address both issues simultaneously. This group can provide comprehensive treatment and support for individuals struggling with complex mental health and substance abuse issues.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not involve the combination of a severe mental illness and a substance abuse issue, which is essential for a dual-diagnosis group. Choice A (Depression and suicidal tendencies) may benefit from a different type of group focused on mood disorders and suicide prevention. Choice B (Anxiety and frequent migraine headaches) may require a group focused on stress management and pain coping strategies. Choice C (Bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa) may benefit from a group addressing
A patient tells members of a therapy group, 'I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me.' Another patient replies, 'I once heard voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either.' Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange?
A. Catharsis.
B. Universality.
C. Imitative behavior.
D. Interpersonal learning.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Interpersonal learning. In this interchange, the second patient shares their own experience of hearing voices, helping the first patient gain insight that the voices may not be real. This demonstrates how interpersonal interactions in therapy can lead to learning and understanding about one's own experiences through the experiences of others. This process of gaining insight and learning from others is a key aspect of interpersonal learning in group therapy.
A: Catharsis is the emotional release or relief experienced by a patient by expressing their feelings. This is not exemplified in the given interchange.
B: Universality refers to recognizing shared experiences among group members. While there is a sense of shared experience in the interchange, the focus is more on personal insight gained from another's experience.
C: Imitative behavior is when group members mimic behaviors of others in the group. This is not demonstrated in the interchange as the focus is on sharing and learning from experiences rather than imitation.
What term is defined as the ability to obtain, understand, synthesize, communicate, and apply health-related information?
A. advanced directives
B. personal health literacy
C. organizational health literacy
D. information literacy
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: personal health literacy. Personal health literacy refers to an individual's ability to access, understand, evaluate, and communicate health information to make informed decisions about their health. This term specifically focuses on an individual's skills and capabilities in managing health-related information.
A: Advanced directives are legal documents that outline an individual's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their preferences. This is not the same as the ability to understand and apply health-related information.
C: Organizational health literacy refers to an organization's capacity to provide health information and services effectively to its members or employees. This choice does not address an individual's personal ability to manage health information.
D: Information literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, and use information effectively. While this is a related concept, personal health literacy is more specific to health-related information and decision-making.
A home health nurse is making a home visit to a psychiatric patient who was recently discharged from a mental health unit. During the visit, the nurse plans on clarifying with the patient when she will return for the next home visit. During which stage would the nurse discuss the next home visit with the patient?
A. Closure stage
B. Service implementation
C. Greeting stage
D. Focus establishment
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Closure stage. During the closure stage of a home visit, the nurse typically discusses the next visit with the patient to provide continuity of care. This stage is focused on summarizing the visit, addressing any remaining issues, and planning for future visits. It is important to clarify the next home visit during the closure stage to ensure that the patient knows what to expect and to maintain a therapeutic relationship.
Summary of other choices:
B: Service implementation - This stage involves putting the care plan into action and providing the necessary services. It is not the appropriate stage to discuss the next home visit.
C: Greeting stage - This stage occurs at the beginning of the visit and involves establishing rapport and setting the tone for the interaction. It is too early in the visit to discuss the next home visit.
D: Focus establishment - This stage involves identifying the purpose of the visit and setting goals. While important for overall care, it is not the appropriate stage to discuss the next home visit
A nursing student new to psychiatric-mental health nursing asks a peer what resources he can use to figure out which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder. The best answer would be:
A. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC)
B. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC)
C. NANDA-I nursing diagnoses
D. DSM-5
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals. It provides criteria for diagnosing specific psychiatric disorders based on symptoms, behaviors, and other clinical features. By using the DSM-5, the nursing student can accurately identify which symptoms are present in a specific psychiatric disorder.
A: Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and B: Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) are not specifically designed to identify symptoms of psychiatric disorders. NIC focuses on nursing interventions, while NOC focuses on nursing outcomes.
C: NANDA-I nursing diagnoses provide a framework for identifying nursing problems and developing care plans but do not provide specific information on symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
In summary, the DSM-5 is the most appropriate resource for identifying symptoms of psychiatric disorders, while the other choices are not specifically designed for this purpose.
A patient tells members of a therapy group, 'I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me.' Another patient replies, 'I once heard voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either.' Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange?
A. Catharsis.
B. Universality.
C. Imitative behavior.
D. Interpersonal learning.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Interpersonal learning. In this interchange, the second patient shares their own experience of hearing voices, helping the first patient gain insight that the voices may not be real. This demonstrates how interpersonal interactions in therapy can lead to learning and understanding about one's own experiences through the experiences of others. This process of gaining insight and learning from others is a key aspect of interpersonal learning in group therapy.
A: Catharsis is the emotional release or relief experienced by a patient by expressing their feelings. This is not exemplified in the given interchange.
B: Universality refers to recognizing shared experiences among group members. While there is a sense of shared experience in the interchange, the focus is more on personal insight gained from another's experience.
C: Imitative behavior is when group members mimic behaviors of others in the group. This is not demonstrated in the interchange as the focus is on sharing and learning from experiences rather than imitation.
Assessment of a family reveals that the youngest child has moved out of the family home to live by herself. One of the other two children is married, and the other child has just gotten engaged. The nurse interprets this family to be in which stage of the family life cycle?
A. Families with adolescents
B. Launching children and moving on
C. Families in later life
D. Leaving home: single young adults
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Launching children and moving on. This stage typically occurs when children leave the family home to live independently, get married, or become engaged. In this scenario, the youngest child has already moved out to live by herself, and one of the other children is married while the remaining child has just gotten engaged. These events indicate that the family is transitioning into the stage of launching children and moving on, where parents adjust to an empty nest and focus on their own pursuits.
Choices analysis:
A: Families with adolescents - This stage typically involves children still living at home during their teenage years, which does not align with the information provided in the question.
C: Families in later life - This stage occurs later in the family life cycle when children have grown up and left the family home, usually after retirement. The events in the question do not indicate this stage.
D: Leaving home: single young adults - This stage involves young adults leaving the family home for the first time to
A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Encourage the client to talk about the event during the day.
B. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
C. Administer a prescribed sedative at bedtime.
D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the client's therapist.
Correct answer:
The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.
A patient tells the nurse, “I prefer to treat my physical problems with herbs and vitamins. They are natural substances, and natural products are safe.†Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A. “Natural substances tend to be safer than conventional medical remedies.â€
B. “Natural remedies give you the idea that you are controlling your treatment.â€
C. “The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply a product is healthy, but that's not always true.â€
D. “You should not treat your own physical problems. You should see your health care provider for these problems.â€
Correct answer:
The correct response is C: "The word natural can be a marketing term used to imply a product is healthy, but that's not always true."
Rationale:
1. Natural does not always mean safe or effective. Many natural products can have side effects or interact with medications.
2. The term "natural" is often used in marketing to appeal to consumers, but it does not guarantee safety or efficacy.
3. Healthcare decisions should be based on evidence and expert advice rather than solely on the perception of natural products.
4. The nurse's response educates the patient about the potential misconceptions surrounding natural remedies and encourages critical thinking about healthcare choices.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect because natural substances are not inherently safer than conventional medical remedies.
- Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the psychological aspect of control rather than the safety and effectiveness of natural remedies.
- Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's preference without providing proper education on the topic.
A patient was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt made after his daughter was killed in an automobile accident during which he had been driving and survived with only minor injuries. Even though the accident was unavoidable, he feels responsible. During the assessment interview, the patient begins to describe the last conversation he had with his daughter before he lost control of the automobile. As he speaks about his daughter, his voice trembles, and a silent tear rolls down his face. He makes a visible attempt to 'straighten up' and smiles superficially at the nurse, stating, 'I'll get over this. I just need to keep a stiff upper lip. I think all I need to do is stay overnight. I'll be as good as new by tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A. Tell me about your daughter. How would you describe the relationship you had with her?'
B. I'm sure you are right; a good night's rest should make a big difference.'
C. As good as new?'
D. You made a serious attempt on your life; you will not be ready go home by tomorrow.'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because it addresses the patient's minimization of his suicidal attempt and encourages him to acknowledge the severity of the situation. By stating that he will not be ready to go home by tomorrow, the nurse challenges the patient's attempt to downplay his emotions and the seriousness of his actions. This response shows empathy and concern for the patient's well-being, guiding him towards accepting the help and support he truly needs.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because:
A: While asking about the daughter and their relationship is important for building rapport, it does not address the immediate concern of the patient's suicidal attempt.
B: Agreeing with the patient's statement and suggesting a good night's rest minimizes the seriousness of the situation and fails to address the patient's emotional distress.
C: Questioning the patient's statement of being as good as new does not directly confront the seriousness of the suicide attempt and may not prompt the patient to reconsider his minimization of the situation.
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 6 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.
