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 psychiatric-mental health nurse is integrating Carl Rogers’ theory into the plan of care for a patient with a mental illness. The nurse incorporates understanding of this theory by acknowledging that the therapist accomplishes which of the following?
A. Provide validation of the terminology used during the session.
B. Focus on the client’s instinctual drives.
C. Recognize an understanding of the client’s basic needs.
D. Develop unconditional positive regard for the client.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Develop unconditional positive regard for the client.
The correct answer is D: Develop unconditional positive regard for the client. Carl Rogers' person-centered theory emphasizes the importance of the therapist showing genuine empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard towards the client. This creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client to explore their feelings and experiences. By developing unconditional positive regard, the therapist helps the client feel accepted and valued, which is crucial for promoting growth and self-actualization.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Providing validation of the terminology used during the session is important for effective communication but is not the central focus of Carl Rogers' theory.
B: Focusing on the client's instinctual drives aligns more with Freud's psychodynamic theory rather than Carl Rogers' person-centered theory.
C: Recognizing an understanding of the client's basic needs is important in holistic care but does not capture the essence of Carl Rogers' emphasis on unconditional positive regard.
Question 2
Which of the following is true regarding epigenetic changes?
A. Epigenetic changes are reversible.
B. Epigenetic changes, changes the DNA and how the body reacts to the DNA sequence.
C. Epigenetic changes are not linked to mental health conditions.
D. When combined with genetic risks, epigenetic changes decreased the risk for a psychiatric disease.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Epigenetic changes are reversible.
Rationale for correct answer A: Epigenetic changes are reversible because they involve modifications to gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices, making them reversible through interventions like diet, exercise, and medication. This reversibility allows for the potential to modify gene expression and potentially reverse negative health outcomes.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Epigenetic changes do not alter the DNA sequence itself but regulate gene expression. They do not change how the body reacts to the DNA sequence but rather how genes are turned on or off.
C: Epigenetic changes have been linked to various mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD, among others. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
D: Epigenetic changes can increase the risk for psychiatric diseases when combined with genetic predispositions, rather than decreasing the risk. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Question 3
A bereavement group run by a local hospice includes a woman who is distraught over her supervisor's death. The woman appears severely distressed. She has trouble functioning with activities of daily living and making the simplest of decisions. The group facilitator recognizes that this woman is suffering from disenfranchised grief after learning:
A. The woman was in love with her married supervisor.
B. She has not taken enough time off work to grieve properly.
C. The supervisor died over a year ago.
D. Her family is not involved enough to support her.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — The woman was in love with her married supervisor.
The correct answer is A: The woman was in love with her married supervisor. This is correct because disenfranchised grief occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not openly acknowledged or socially supported, such as a secret romantic relationship with the deceased. In this case, the woman's profound distress and inability to function suggest a deep emotional connection beyond a professional one, explaining her intense reaction.
Incorrect choices:
B: She has not taken enough time off work to grieve properly - This choice assumes that time off work is the primary factor in grieving, which may not be relevant to the woman's situation.
C: The supervisor died over a year ago - The timeline of the supervisor's death is not necessarily indicative of disenfranchised grief, as the nature of the relationship matters more.
D: Her family is not involved enough to support her - While family support is important, disenfranchised grief is more about the nature of the relationship with the deceased rather than familial support.
Question 4
An adolescent asks a nurse conducting an assessment interview, "Why should I tell you anything? You'll just tell my parents whatever you find out." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
A. "That isn't true. What you tell us is private and held in strict confidence. Your parents have no right to know."
B. "Yes, your parents may find out what you say, but it is important that they know about your problems."
C. "What you say about feelings is private, but some things, like suicidal thinking, must be reported to the treatment team."
D. "It sounds as though you are not really ready to work on your problems and make changes."
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — "What you say about feelings is private, but some things, like suicidal thinking, must be reported to the treatment team."
The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the adolescent's concerns about privacy while also emphasizing the importance of safety and appropriate reporting. By mentioning that certain information, like suicidal thoughts, must be shared with the treatment team, the nurse maintains transparency and prioritizes the well-being of the adolescent. This response respects confidentiality while also upholding ethical and legal obligations to ensure the adolescent's safety.
Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that information shared with the nurse is completely confidential, which may not be the case in situations involving potential harm to the individual or others.
Choice B is incorrect because it dismisses the adolescent's concerns about privacy and does not address the specific issue of mandatory reporting for certain serious matters.
Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the core issue raised by the adolescent and may come across as judgmental or dismissive of their feelings and concerns.
Question 5
You are on-scene with a 55-year-old cardiac history patient who suddenly collapsed during dinner with his family. He is found to be pulseless and apneic with his family performing adequate CPR on arrival. His wife is distraught and hands you a legal DNR order signed by his physician. She states that he does not have a terminal illness and begs you to ignore the legal order and 'do everything in your capabilities to save him!' Which of the following would be most appropriate in this situation?
A. Contact medical control, and open his airway while awaiting approval for resuscitation before initiating full resuscitation efforts
B. Take over CPR until you reach the ambulance, then stop all resuscitation efforts as per the legal order
C. Advise the family to stop CPR, and explain they cannot override the legal DNR order
D. Initiate full resuscitation efforts including advanced cardiac life support, and contact medical control
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Initiate full resuscitation efforts including advanced cardiac life support, and contact medical control
The correct answer is D: Initiate full resuscitation efforts including advanced cardiac life support, and contact medical control. In this scenario, the patient is found to be pulseless and apneic with CPR being performed by the family. The legal DNR order is not applicable in this situation as the patient does not have a terminal illness. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the patient's immediate need for resuscitation. Initiating full resuscitation efforts, including advanced cardiac life support, is necessary to maximize the chances of survival. Contacting medical control will ensure proper guidance and support during the resuscitation process.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect:
A: Contacting medical control and waiting for approval before initiating full resuscitation could delay life-saving interventions.
B: Stopping all resuscitation efforts based on the legal DNR order without considering the patient's current condition would be inappropriate.
C: Advising the family to stop CPR and explaining the legal D
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Question 6
During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the healthcare professional be monitoring? Select all that apply.
A. Auditory
B. Visual
C. Written
D. Tactile
Correct answer:
During an admission assessment and interview, healthcare professionals should monitor auditory, visual, and non-verbal cues. Auditory communication involves listening to the patient's spoken words, tone of voice, and any other sounds they make. Visual communication includes observing the patient's facial expressions, body language, and gestures. Written communication, such as forms or notes, may also provide valuable information. Tactile communication pertains to touch, which is not typically utilized during an admission interview setting. While all channels of communication are important, in this context, auditory cues are particularly crucial for gathering verbal information during the assessment process, making choice A the correct answer. Visual cues and written information are also significant but may not be as critical as auditory cues during an interview. Tactile communication is generally not a primary channel used during a standard admission assessment and interview, hence it is not a key focus in this scenario.
A parent says, "My 2-year-old child refuses toilet training and shouts „No!‟ when given directions. What do you think is wrong?" Select the nurse's best reply.
A. "Your child needs firmer control. It is important to set limits now."
B. "This is normal for your child's age. The child is striving for independence."
C. "There may be developmental problems. Most children are toilet trained by age 2."
D. "Some undesirable attitudes are developing. A child psychologist can help you develop a plan."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: "This is normal for your child's age. The child is striving for independence."
Rationale:
1. At age 2, children often assert their independence by resisting authority, which includes refusing toilet training and saying "No."
2. This behavior is typical for toddlers and part of their normal developmental stage.
3. Pressuring the child or imposing firmer control may lead to power struggles and negative outcomes.
4. Recognizing and understanding the child's need for autonomy is crucial in responding effectively to their behavior.
Other choices are incorrect:
A: "Your child needs firmer control. It is important to set limits now."
- This approach may lead to power struggles and may not address the underlying developmental stage the child is going through.
C: "There may be developmental problems. Most children are toilet trained by age 2."
- Making assumptions about developmental problems based on a single behavior is premature and may cause unnecessary concern for the parent.
D: "Some undesirable
While leading a group, a nurse leader says to a patient, 'This is the fourth time that you've changed the subject when we have talked about child abuse. Is something going on?' The nurse is using which technique?
A. Support
B. Confrontation
C. Summarizing
D. Clarification
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Confrontation. In this scenario, the nurse leader directly addresses the patient's behavior of changing the subject, which is a key aspect of confrontation technique. Confrontation is used to address discrepancies or inconsistencies in a nonjudgmental manner to promote self-awareness and insight. This technique encourages the patient to explore their thoughts and behaviors.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Support - Support involves providing empathy, understanding, and validation to the patient. The nurse in the scenario is not offering support, but rather challenging the patient's behavior.
C: Summarizing - Summarizing involves restating key points to ensure understanding and facilitate communication. The nurse's statement does not summarize but rather confronts the patient's behavior.
D: Clarification - Clarification is used to ensure mutual understanding by seeking clarification on unclear statements. The nurse's statement is not seeking clarification but rather addressing a specific behavior pattern.
Which documentation for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder indicates the treatment plan was effective?
A. Slept 6 hours uninterrupted. Sang with activity group. Anticipates seeing grandchild.
B. Slept 10 hours uninterrupted. Attended craft group; stated 'project was a failure, just like me.'
C. Slept 5 hours with brief interruptions. Personal hygiene adequate with assistance. Weight loss of 1 pound.
D. Slept 7 hours uninterrupted. Preoccupied with perceived inadequacies. States, 'I feel tired all the time.'
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because it indicates positive outcomes in the patient's mood and behavior. Sleeping 6 hours uninterrupted suggests improved sleep patterns, singing with an activity group shows engagement and enjoyment, and looking forward to seeing the grandchild demonstrates positive anticipation and social connection. This documentation aligns with the goals of treating major depressive disorder, which include improving sleep, increasing social interaction, and enhancing mood.
Choice B is incorrect because the patient's statement about the project being a failure reflects negative self-perception, which is not indicative of treatment effectiveness.
Choice C is incorrect because the patient's weight loss and need for assistance with personal hygiene suggest potential ongoing challenges and lack of improvement in self-care.
Choice D is incorrect because the patient feeling tired all the time and being preoccupied with inadequacies indicate persistent symptoms of depression and lack of progress in treatment.
When describing the influence of Harry Stack Sullivan on psychiatric-mental health nursing, which of the following would the instructor address as a major concept?
A. Interpersonal relations
B. Harmony between the individual and society
C. Collective unconscious
D. Unconditional positive regard
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Interpersonal relations. Harry Stack Sullivan emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in shaping an individual's mental health. He focused on how interactions with others influence one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sullivan's interpersonal theory highlights the significance of social connections in understanding and treating mental health issues.
Choice B: Harmony between the individual and society is not a major concept associated with Sullivan's work. While he did consider the impact of societal factors on mental health, his primary focus was on interpersonal dynamics.
Choice C: Collective unconscious is a concept from Jungian psychology, not Sullivan. Sullivan's theory was more focused on individual experiences and relationships.
Choice D: Unconditional positive regard is a concept from Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy, not Sullivan. While positive regard is important in therapeutic relationships, it is not a central concept in Sullivan's interpersonal theory.
A patient had a venous thrombosis 3 weeks ago and is now taking warfarin. When visiting the laboratory to have a prothrombin time drawn, the patient reports drinking ginseng tea to stimulate the immune system. Which nursing diagnosis applies?
A. Impaired memory related to neurological changes
B. Deficient knowledge related to potentially harmful drug interactions
C. Ineffective denial related to mismanagement of therapeutic regime
D. Effective management of the therapeutic regime related to augmentation of anti-coagulant therapy
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Deficient knowledge related to potentially harmful drug interactions. The patient's use of ginseng tea can interact with warfarin, potentially leading to increased risk of bleeding. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate as the patient lacks knowledge about the potential harmful interaction between ginseng and warfarin.
A: Impaired memory related to neurological changes is not the correct answer because there is no indication in the scenario that the patient is experiencing memory issues due to neurological changes.
C: Ineffective denial related to mismanagement of therapeutic regime is not the correct answer as there is no evidence in the scenario to suggest that the patient is in denial about their treatment regimen.
D: Effective management of the therapeutic regime related to augmentation of anticoagulant therapy is not the correct answer because the patient's use of ginseng tea can interfere with warfarin therapy, indicating a lack of understanding rather than effective management.
You are on-scene with a 55-year-old cardiac history patient who suddenly collapsed during dinner with his family. He is found to be pulseless and apneic with his family performing adequate CPR on arrival. His wife is distraught and hands you a legal DNR order signed by his physician. She states that he does not have a terminal illness and begs you to ignore the legal order and 'do everything in your capabilities to save him!' Which of the following would be most appropriate in this situation?
A. Contact medical control, and open his airway while awaiting approval for resuscitation before initiating full resuscitation efforts
B. Take over CPR until you reach the ambulance, then stop all resuscitation efforts as per the legal order
C. Advise the family to stop CPR, and explain they cannot override the legal DNR order
D. Initiate full resuscitation efforts including advanced cardiac life support, and contact medical control
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Initiate full resuscitation efforts including advanced cardiac life support, and contact medical control. In this scenario, the patient is found to be pulseless and apneic with CPR being performed by the family. The legal DNR order is not applicable in this situation as the patient does not have a terminal illness. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the patient's immediate need for resuscitation. Initiating full resuscitation efforts, including advanced cardiac life support, is necessary to maximize the chances of survival. Contacting medical control will ensure proper guidance and support during the resuscitation process.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect:
A: Contacting medical control and waiting for approval before initiating full resuscitation could delay life-saving interventions.
B: Stopping all resuscitation efforts based on the legal DNR order without considering the patient's current condition would be inappropriate.
C: Advising the family to stop CPR and explaining the legal D
During a therapeutic group, two clients engage in an angry verbal exchange. The nurse leader interrupts the exchange and excuses both of the clients from the group. The nurse has demonstrated which leadership style?
A. Autocratic
B. Democratic
C. Laissez-faire
D. Bureaucratic
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Autocratic. This leadership style is characterized by making decisions independently and enforcing them without input from the group. In this scenario, the nurse leader interrupted the exchange and made the decision to excuse both clients without consulting the group. This approach is necessary in situations requiring immediate intervention to maintain order and ensure the safety of all group members.
Summary of other choices:
B: Democratic - In a democratic leadership style, decisions are made through group discussion and input from all members. This was not demonstrated in the scenario.
C: Laissez-faire - In a laissez-faire leadership style, the leader takes a hands-off approach and allows group members to make decisions. This was not demonstrated as the nurse leader took immediate action.
D: Bureaucratic - Bureaucratic leadership involves following strict rules and procedures. The scenario did not involve following predetermined rules but rather a quick decision made by the nurse leader.
A male patient has recently been diagnosed with type II diabetes. His family is having trouble incorporating the dietary and exercise regimen prescribed by his physician into their daily routines. They tell the nurse that they are all tired when they return home from school and work and that the last thing any of them want to do is go on a walk. In addition, the patient's wife discloses that she is unable to prepare any sugar-free or low-sugar foods that her husband enjoys eating. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate for this family?
A. Interrupted Family Processes
B. Ineffective Denial
C. Caregiver Role Strain
D. Ineffective Family Therapeutic Regimen Management
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Ineffective Family Therapeutic Regimen Management. This nursing diagnosis is appropriate because it addresses the family's struggle in incorporating the prescribed dietary and exercise regimen for the patient's type II diabetes. The family's inability to adjust to the new routine and the wife's difficulty in preparing suitable meals indicate ineffective management of the therapeutic regimen.
Choice A, Interrupted Family Processes, is incorrect because there is no evidence of a disruption in family dynamics. Choice B, Ineffective Denial, is incorrect as the family is not in denial but rather facing practical challenges. Choice C, Caregiver Role Strain, is not the most appropriate diagnosis as the main issue lies in the family's ability to manage the therapeutic regimen, not in the caregiver's emotional strain.
In summary, the correct nursing diagnosis, D, directly addresses the family's challenges in following the prescribed regimen, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.
Which of these statements about the peripheral nervous system is correct?
A. The CNs enter the brain through the spinal cord.
B. Efferent fibers carry sensory input to the central nervous system through the spinal cord.
C. The peripheral nerves are inside the central nervous system and carry impulses through their motor fibers.
D. The peripheral nerves carry input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers.
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer (D):
1. "The peripheral nerves carry input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers."
- This statement correctly describes the functions of afferent and efferent fibers in the peripheral nervous system.
- Afferent fibers transmit sensory information from the peripheral organs to the central nervous system.
- Efferent fibers transmit motor commands from the central nervous system to the peripheral organs.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: "The CNs enter the brain through the spinal cord."
- Incorrect because cranial nerves (CNs) directly connect to the brain, bypassing the spinal cord.
B: "Efferent fibers carry sensory input to the central nervous system through the spinal cord."
- Incorrect because efferent fibers carry motor commands away from the central nervous system, not sensory input towards it.
C: "The peripheral nerves are inside the central nervous system and carry impulses through their motor fibers
RN exams mental health practice questions, set 9 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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