PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING PAPER 3 –
40 EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES |
NCLEX/ATI/HESI REVISION PACK
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia suddenly becomes agitated and
states, “The voices are telling me to hurt someone.” What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Ask the client to journal feelings
B. Assess the content and immediacy of the hallucinations
C. Leave the client alone to calm down
D. Explain that the voices are not real
Answer B
Command hallucinations can lead to violence or self-harm. Immediate assessment
of the hallucinations and safety risk is the priority.
2. Which symptom is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions
B. Hallucinations
C. Flat affect
D. Disorganized speech
Answer C
Flat affect reflects reduced emotional expression and is classified as a negative
symptom.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with severe depression. Which statement
requires immediate intervention?
A. “I have trouble sleeping.”
B. “I don't enjoy hobbies anymore.”
, C. “Everyone would be better off without me.”
D. “I feel tired all the time.”
Answer C
This statement suggests suicidal ideation and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
4. Which medication is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder as a mood
stabilizer?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. Diazepam
D. Sertraline
Answer B
Lithium is a first-line mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
5. A client experiencing a panic attack reports chest pain and shortness of
breath. The nurse should first:
A. Teach relaxation exercises
B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
C. Encourage group participation
D. Discuss future stressors
Answer B
Remaining with the client provides security and helps reduce panic symptoms.
6. Which defense mechanism involves returning to an earlier developmental
stage?
40 EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS & DETAILED RATIONALES |
NCLEX/ATI/HESI REVISION PACK
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia suddenly becomes agitated and
states, “The voices are telling me to hurt someone.” What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Ask the client to journal feelings
B. Assess the content and immediacy of the hallucinations
C. Leave the client alone to calm down
D. Explain that the voices are not real
Answer B
Command hallucinations can lead to violence or self-harm. Immediate assessment
of the hallucinations and safety risk is the priority.
2. Which symptom is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions
B. Hallucinations
C. Flat affect
D. Disorganized speech
Answer C
Flat affect reflects reduced emotional expression and is classified as a negative
symptom.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with severe depression. Which statement
requires immediate intervention?
A. “I have trouble sleeping.”
B. “I don't enjoy hobbies anymore.”
, C. “Everyone would be better off without me.”
D. “I feel tired all the time.”
Answer C
This statement suggests suicidal ideation and requires immediate assessment and
intervention.
4. Which medication is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder as a mood
stabilizer?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. Diazepam
D. Sertraline
Answer B
Lithium is a first-line mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
5. A client experiencing a panic attack reports chest pain and shortness of
breath. The nurse should first:
A. Teach relaxation exercises
B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
C. Encourage group participation
D. Discuss future stressors
Answer B
Remaining with the client provides security and helps reduce panic symptoms.
6. Which defense mechanism involves returning to an earlier developmental
stage?
