PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING PAPER 1 – 40
EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | NCLEX/ATI/HESI REVISION
PACK
1. Which action is the nurse's priority when caring for a client experiencing
active suicidal ideation?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Provide group therapy
C. Ensure client safety through close observation
D. Discuss future goals
Answer C
Client safety is always the highest priority when suicidal ideation is present.
Continuous observation and removal of potential hazards help prevent self-harm.
2. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, “The television is sending me
secret messages.” This statement is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Illusion
D. Confabulation
Answer B
Delusions are fixed false beliefs that remain despite evidence to the contrary.
Believing the television sends personal messages is a delusion of reference.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use first with
an anxious client?
A. Giving advice
B. Changing the subject
, C. Active listening
D. Challenging feelings
Answer C
Active listening encourages expression of feelings and builds trust while reducing
anxiety.
4. A client hears voices that no one else can hear. This symptom is:
A. Visual hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Auditory hallucination
D. Illusion
Answer C
Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds or voices without an external
stimulus.
5. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive disorder?
A. Elevated mood
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Persistent feelings of sadness
D. Excessive energy
Answer C
Major depressive disorder commonly presents with prolonged sadness,
hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
6. A client with mania is pacing rapidly and speaking loudly. The nurse
should:
EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | NCLEX/ATI/HESI REVISION
PACK
1. Which action is the nurse's priority when caring for a client experiencing
active suicidal ideation?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Provide group therapy
C. Ensure client safety through close observation
D. Discuss future goals
Answer C
Client safety is always the highest priority when suicidal ideation is present.
Continuous observation and removal of potential hazards help prevent self-harm.
2. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, “The television is sending me
secret messages.” This statement is an example of:
A. Hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Illusion
D. Confabulation
Answer B
Delusions are fixed false beliefs that remain despite evidence to the contrary.
Believing the television sends personal messages is a delusion of reference.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use first with
an anxious client?
A. Giving advice
B. Changing the subject
, C. Active listening
D. Challenging feelings
Answer C
Active listening encourages expression of feelings and builds trust while reducing
anxiety.
4. A client hears voices that no one else can hear. This symptom is:
A. Visual hallucination
B. Delusion
C. Auditory hallucination
D. Illusion
Answer C
Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds or voices without an external
stimulus.
5. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive disorder?
A. Elevated mood
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Persistent feelings of sadness
D. Excessive energy
Answer C
Major depressive disorder commonly presents with prolonged sadness,
hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
6. A client with mania is pacing rapidly and speaking loudly. The nurse
should:
