1|Page
RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH FINAL
ACTUAL EXAM WITH NGN | 200
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES | LATEST
2026-2027 VERSION | RATED A +
1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia
who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings
B. Assess the content of the hallucinations
C. Teach relaxation techniques
D. Administer a PRN antipsychotic
Rationale: Assessing the content of hallucinations is the
priority to determine if the client is at risk for harm or
responding to command hallucinations.
2. A client presents with severe anxiety and hyperventilation.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Instruct the client to ignore their symptoms
B. Guide the client through slow, deep breathing
exercises
C. Leave the client alone to regain control
D. Administer a high-dose benzodiazepine immediately
Rationale: Teaching slow, deep breathing helps reduce
hyperventilation and physiological symptoms of anxiety
without medication risks.
3. During a mental status exam, the nurse observes that a
client’s speech is rapid, pressured, and difficult to interrupt.
,2|Page
Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Manic episode
D. Panic disorder
Rationale: Pressured speech is a hallmark sign of mania,
reflecting heightened energy and distractibility.
4. A nurse is evaluating a client’s risk for suicide. Which
question demonstrates best practice?
A. “You’re not thinking of harming yourself, are you?”
B. “Why would you feel that way?”
C. “Have you thought about ending your life, and do
you have a plan?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes; you’ll be okay.”
Rationale: Direct, specific questioning about suicidal
thoughts and plans is evidence-based and does not
increase risk.
5. A patient taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and
tremors. The nurse recognizes these as signs of:
A. Therapeutic effect
B. Medication noncompliance
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Early side effects that will resolve
Rationale: Gastrointestinal upset, tremors, and vomiting
are early signs of lithium toxicity, requiring immediate
evaluation.
6. A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits self-
harming behavior. Which response by the nurse is most
therapeutic?
A. Express anger to deter behavior
B. Set clear limits while remaining empathetic
,3|Page
C. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcement
D. Offer immediate physical punishment
Rationale: Consistent boundaries and empathetic care
promote safety and reinforce therapeutic relationships.
7. A client with PTSD reports nightmares, hypervigilance,
and avoidance. Which intervention is most appropriate
first?
A. Expose the client to trauma triggers
B. Encourage journaling
C. Ensure safety and establish trust
D. Begin cognitive restructuring immediately
Rationale: Establishing safety and trust is essential before
implementing trauma-focused interventions.
8. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily associated
with depression?
A. Dopamine excess
B. Serotonin deficiency
C. Acetylcholine excess
D. Norepinephrine excess
Rationale: Low levels of serotonin are strongly linked to
depressive symptoms.
9. A client taking SSRIs reports sexual dysfunction and
insomnia. The nurse should:
A. Advise immediate discontinuation
B. Consult the prescriber for alternative therapy
C. Reassure the client these side effects will resolve
spontaneously
D. Suggest doubling the dose
Rationale: Side effects may require dose adjustment or
alternative medication; abrupt discontinuation can
worsen symptoms.
, 4|Page
10. A nurse observes a client with anorexia nervosa
engaging in excessive exercise after meals. Which is the
priority nursing diagnosis?
A. Anxiety
B. Risk for imbalanced nutrition
C. Impaired social interaction
D. Low self-esteem
Rationale: The client’s behavior directly threatens
nutritional status, making it the priority concern.
11. A client with schizophrenia refuses medication, stating
they “don’t need it.” The nurse should first:
A. Administer medication covertly
B. Explore the client’s beliefs and provide education
C. Report the client to the prescriber for noncompliance
D. Document refusal and take no further action
Rationale: Understanding the client’s perspective
promotes adherence and respects autonomy.
12. Which ethical principle supports the nurse maintaining
confidentiality about a client’s mental health history?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Rationale: Autonomy involves respecting a client’s right
to privacy and decision-making.
13. A client admitted for alcohol detox experiences
tremors, diaphoresis, and hallucinations. The nurse
recognizes this as:
A. Delirium tremens
B. Wernicke’s encephalopathy
C. Acute alcohol withdrawal
RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH FINAL
ACTUAL EXAM WITH NGN | 200
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES | LATEST
2026-2027 VERSION | RATED A +
1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia
who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings
B. Assess the content of the hallucinations
C. Teach relaxation techniques
D. Administer a PRN antipsychotic
Rationale: Assessing the content of hallucinations is the
priority to determine if the client is at risk for harm or
responding to command hallucinations.
2. A client presents with severe anxiety and hyperventilation.
Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A. Instruct the client to ignore their symptoms
B. Guide the client through slow, deep breathing
exercises
C. Leave the client alone to regain control
D. Administer a high-dose benzodiazepine immediately
Rationale: Teaching slow, deep breathing helps reduce
hyperventilation and physiological symptoms of anxiety
without medication risks.
3. During a mental status exam, the nurse observes that a
client’s speech is rapid, pressured, and difficult to interrupt.
,2|Page
Which condition is most consistent with this finding?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Manic episode
D. Panic disorder
Rationale: Pressured speech is a hallmark sign of mania,
reflecting heightened energy and distractibility.
4. A nurse is evaluating a client’s risk for suicide. Which
question demonstrates best practice?
A. “You’re not thinking of harming yourself, are you?”
B. “Why would you feel that way?”
C. “Have you thought about ending your life, and do
you have a plan?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes; you’ll be okay.”
Rationale: Direct, specific questioning about suicidal
thoughts and plans is evidence-based and does not
increase risk.
5. A patient taking lithium reports nausea, vomiting, and
tremors. The nurse recognizes these as signs of:
A. Therapeutic effect
B. Medication noncompliance
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Early side effects that will resolve
Rationale: Gastrointestinal upset, tremors, and vomiting
are early signs of lithium toxicity, requiring immediate
evaluation.
6. A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits self-
harming behavior. Which response by the nurse is most
therapeutic?
A. Express anger to deter behavior
B. Set clear limits while remaining empathetic
,3|Page
C. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcement
D. Offer immediate physical punishment
Rationale: Consistent boundaries and empathetic care
promote safety and reinforce therapeutic relationships.
7. A client with PTSD reports nightmares, hypervigilance,
and avoidance. Which intervention is most appropriate
first?
A. Expose the client to trauma triggers
B. Encourage journaling
C. Ensure safety and establish trust
D. Begin cognitive restructuring immediately
Rationale: Establishing safety and trust is essential before
implementing trauma-focused interventions.
8. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is primarily associated
with depression?
A. Dopamine excess
B. Serotonin deficiency
C. Acetylcholine excess
D. Norepinephrine excess
Rationale: Low levels of serotonin are strongly linked to
depressive symptoms.
9. A client taking SSRIs reports sexual dysfunction and
insomnia. The nurse should:
A. Advise immediate discontinuation
B. Consult the prescriber for alternative therapy
C. Reassure the client these side effects will resolve
spontaneously
D. Suggest doubling the dose
Rationale: Side effects may require dose adjustment or
alternative medication; abrupt discontinuation can
worsen symptoms.
, 4|Page
10. A nurse observes a client with anorexia nervosa
engaging in excessive exercise after meals. Which is the
priority nursing diagnosis?
A. Anxiety
B. Risk for imbalanced nutrition
C. Impaired social interaction
D. Low self-esteem
Rationale: The client’s behavior directly threatens
nutritional status, making it the priority concern.
11. A client with schizophrenia refuses medication, stating
they “don’t need it.” The nurse should first:
A. Administer medication covertly
B. Explore the client’s beliefs and provide education
C. Report the client to the prescriber for noncompliance
D. Document refusal and take no further action
Rationale: Understanding the client’s perspective
promotes adherence and respects autonomy.
12. Which ethical principle supports the nurse maintaining
confidentiality about a client’s mental health history?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Rationale: Autonomy involves respecting a client’s right
to privacy and decision-making.
13. A client admitted for alcohol detox experiences
tremors, diaphoresis, and hallucinations. The nurse
recognizes this as:
A. Delirium tremens
B. Wernicke’s encephalopathy
C. Acute alcohol withdrawal
