Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing: Practice Question
Answers, and Rationales
2026\2027
Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic when a client says, “Nobody
understands what I’m going through”?
A. “I know exactly how you feel.”
B. “Why do you think nobody understands?”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling very alone right now.”
D. “You should talk to your family more.”
2. Priority in Client Care
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with depression who refuses breakfast
,B. A client with schizophrenia who is pacing the hall
C. A client with bipolar disorder who has not slept in 24 hours
D. A client with anxiety reporting chest tightness and shortness of breath
3. Suicide Risk
Which statement requires the most immediate follow-up?
A. “I feel hopeless sometimes.”
B. “Life doesn’t seem worth much anymore.”
C. “I have a plan to take all my pills tonight.”
D. “I don’t enjoy things like I used to.”
4. Mania
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing acute
mania?
A. Encourage group activities
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods
C. Ask the client to sit quietly and reflect
D. Offer detailed written teaching
5. Depression
, A client with major depressive disorder says, “I have no reason to live.” What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. “You have so much to be grateful for.”
B. “Do you have thoughts of harming yourself?”
C. “That’s not true.”
D. “Try to think more positively.”
6. Schizophrenia: Hallucinations
A client says, “The voices are telling me I’m worthless.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “The voices aren’t real.”
B. “What are the voices saying now?”
C. “I don’t hear voices, but I understand that this is frightening.”
D. “Ignore the voices and stay busy.”
7. Delusions
A client states, “The FBI has cameras in my room.” Which response is best?
A. “That’s impossible.”
B. “Why would the FBI want to watch you?”
Nursing: Practice Question
Answers, and Rationales
2026\2027
Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication
Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic when a client says, “Nobody
understands what I’m going through”?
A. “I know exactly how you feel.”
B. “Why do you think nobody understands?”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling very alone right now.”
D. “You should talk to your family more.”
2. Priority in Client Care
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with depression who refuses breakfast
,B. A client with schizophrenia who is pacing the hall
C. A client with bipolar disorder who has not slept in 24 hours
D. A client with anxiety reporting chest tightness and shortness of breath
3. Suicide Risk
Which statement requires the most immediate follow-up?
A. “I feel hopeless sometimes.”
B. “Life doesn’t seem worth much anymore.”
C. “I have a plan to take all my pills tonight.”
D. “I don’t enjoy things like I used to.”
4. Mania
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing acute
mania?
A. Encourage group activities
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods
C. Ask the client to sit quietly and reflect
D. Offer detailed written teaching
5. Depression
, A client with major depressive disorder says, “I have no reason to live.” What is
the nurse’s best response?
A. “You have so much to be grateful for.”
B. “Do you have thoughts of harming yourself?”
C. “That’s not true.”
D. “Try to think more positively.”
6. Schizophrenia: Hallucinations
A client says, “The voices are telling me I’m worthless.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “The voices aren’t real.”
B. “What are the voices saying now?”
C. “I don’t hear voices, but I understand that this is frightening.”
D. “Ignore the voices and stay busy.”
7. Delusions
A client states, “The FBI has cameras in my room.” Which response is best?
A. “That’s impossible.”
B. “Why would the FBI want to watch you?”
