Mental Health Nursing Practice Test
With Correct Verified And Well
Analyzed Solutions Graded A+ | 2026
Latest Update!!!
Questions 1–50
1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive
disorder. Which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Elevated mood and hyperactivity
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Persistent sadness and loss of interest
D. Rapid speech and impulsive behavior
Correct Answer: C. Persistent sadness and loss of interest
Rationale: Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent
feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in
previously enjoyable activities. Elevated mood, decreased need for
sleep, and impulsive behaviors are more commonly associated with
manic episodes.
2. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports excessive
worrying for several months. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate?
,A. Encourage avoidance of stressors
B. Teach relaxation breathing techniques
C. Limit verbal communication
D. Confront irrational thoughts aggressively
Correct Answer: B. Teach relaxation breathing techniques
Rationale: Relaxation breathing techniques help reduce anxiety
symptoms and promote emotional control. Avoiding stressors
completely is unrealistic, while limiting communication and aggressive
confrontation may worsen anxiety.
3. Which statement by a client indicates a symptom of obsessive-
compulsive disorder?
A. “I hear voices telling me what to do.”
B. “I feel extremely energetic all the time.”
C. “I wash my hands repeatedly because I fear germs.”
D. “I cannot remember important events from my childhood.”
Correct Answer: C. “I wash my hands repeatedly because I fear
germs.”
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts
and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Repeated
handwashing due to fear of contamination is a common example.
4. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing a panic attack. Which
symptom is most likely present?
A. Bradycardia
B. Calm affect
,C. Shortness of breath
D. Increased concentration
Correct Answer: C. Shortness of breath
Rationale: Panic attacks commonly involve intense fear accompanied
by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, tachycardia, chest
pain, dizziness, and sweating.
5. Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse
use when speaking with a grieving client?
A. Giving advice
B. Changing the subject
C. Active listening
D. Minimizing feelings
Correct Answer: C. Active listening
Rationale: Active listening allows the client to express emotions openly
and promotes trust. Giving advice or minimizing feelings may
invalidate the client’s emotional experience.
6. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, “The television is
sending me secret messages.” This statement is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Confabulation
D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: B. Delusion
, Rationale: A delusion is a false fixed belief not based in reality.
Believing that the television is sending secret messages is a common
paranoid delusion.
7. Which medication classification is commonly prescribed for
schizophrenia?
A. Antipsychotics
B. Antibiotics
C. Anticoagulants
D. Bronchodilators
Correct Answer: A. Antipsychotics
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications are used to manage symptoms of
schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized
thinking.
8. A nurse is caring for a suicidal client. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Encourage social activities
B. Remove harmful objects from the environment
C. Discuss future goals
D. Limit family visits
Correct Answer: B. Remove harmful objects from the environment
Rationale: Client safety is the priority when caring for a suicidal
individual. Removing harmful objects reduces the risk of self-harm or
suicide attempts.
With Correct Verified And Well
Analyzed Solutions Graded A+ | 2026
Latest Update!!!
Questions 1–50
1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive
disorder. Which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Elevated mood and hyperactivity
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Persistent sadness and loss of interest
D. Rapid speech and impulsive behavior
Correct Answer: C. Persistent sadness and loss of interest
Rationale: Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent
feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in
previously enjoyable activities. Elevated mood, decreased need for
sleep, and impulsive behaviors are more commonly associated with
manic episodes.
2. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports excessive
worrying for several months. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate?
,A. Encourage avoidance of stressors
B. Teach relaxation breathing techniques
C. Limit verbal communication
D. Confront irrational thoughts aggressively
Correct Answer: B. Teach relaxation breathing techniques
Rationale: Relaxation breathing techniques help reduce anxiety
symptoms and promote emotional control. Avoiding stressors
completely is unrealistic, while limiting communication and aggressive
confrontation may worsen anxiety.
3. Which statement by a client indicates a symptom of obsessive-
compulsive disorder?
A. “I hear voices telling me what to do.”
B. “I feel extremely energetic all the time.”
C. “I wash my hands repeatedly because I fear germs.”
D. “I cannot remember important events from my childhood.”
Correct Answer: C. “I wash my hands repeatedly because I fear
germs.”
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts
and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Repeated
handwashing due to fear of contamination is a common example.
4. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing a panic attack. Which
symptom is most likely present?
A. Bradycardia
B. Calm affect
,C. Shortness of breath
D. Increased concentration
Correct Answer: C. Shortness of breath
Rationale: Panic attacks commonly involve intense fear accompanied
by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, tachycardia, chest
pain, dizziness, and sweating.
5. Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse
use when speaking with a grieving client?
A. Giving advice
B. Changing the subject
C. Active listening
D. Minimizing feelings
Correct Answer: C. Active listening
Rationale: Active listening allows the client to express emotions openly
and promotes trust. Giving advice or minimizing feelings may
invalidate the client’s emotional experience.
6. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, “The television is
sending me secret messages.” This statement is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Confabulation
D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: B. Delusion
, Rationale: A delusion is a false fixed belief not based in reality.
Believing that the television is sending secret messages is a common
paranoid delusion.
7. Which medication classification is commonly prescribed for
schizophrenia?
A. Antipsychotics
B. Antibiotics
C. Anticoagulants
D. Bronchodilators
Correct Answer: A. Antipsychotics
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications are used to manage symptoms of
schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized
thinking.
8. A nurse is caring for a suicidal client. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Encourage social activities
B. Remove harmful objects from the environment
C. Discuss future goals
D. Limit family visits
Correct Answer: B. Remove harmful objects from the environment
Rationale: Client safety is the priority when caring for a suicidal
individual. Removing harmful objects reduces the risk of self-harm or
suicide attempts.
