MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM –
PAPER 3
Course Name
Mental Health Nursing
Level
College / Nursing School / NCLEX-RN Preparation
Short Introduction
This advanced practice examination assesses knowledge of psychiatric nursing, therapeutic
communication, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, legal and ethical principles, and
evidence-based nursing care. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed
explanation to reinforce learning and clinical judgment.
Instructions
Answer all questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting your answer.
Each multiple-choice question has one best answer.
Base your answers on current evidence-based nursing practice.
Exam Structure
15 Multiple Choice Questions
10 Short Answer Questions
10 Application/Clinical Scenario Questions
5 Higher-Order Thinking Questions
Total Questions: 40
,Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has panic disorder. Which manifestation is most consistent with
an acute panic attack?
A. Gradual onset of mild nervousness over several weeks
B. Sudden onset of intense fear accompanied by palpitations and shortness of breath
C. Persistent sadness with loss of interest in activities
D. Increased appetite and excessive sleeping
Answer: B
Explanation: Panic attacks begin suddenly and often include intense fear, palpitations, chest
discomfort, dyspnea, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control.
Question 2
A client taking valproic acid for bipolar disorder should be instructed to report which finding
immediately?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Temporary increase in appetite
C. Severe abdominal pain with persistent nausea and vomiting
D. Occasional yawning
Answer: C
Explanation: Valproic acid may cause pancreatitis or hepatotoxicity. Severe abdominal pain,
nausea, and vomiting require immediate medical evaluation.
Question 3
Which nurse's statement best demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of
clarification?
, A. "Tell me more about that."
B. "Can you explain what you mean when you say you feel trapped?"
C. "Everything will work out."
D. "You shouldn't worry so much."
Answer: B
Explanation: Clarification helps ensure accurate understanding by encouraging the client to
explain vague or unclear statements.
Question 4
A client with schizophrenia has poor personal hygiene and rarely participates in self-care. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Complete all hygiene activities for the client.
B. Ignore hygiene because it is not a priority.
C. Encourage and assist the client to complete one self-care activity at a time.
D. Punish refusal to complete hygiene.
Answer: C
Explanation: Breaking activities into manageable steps promotes independence while providing
appropriate support without fostering dependence.
Question 5
Which medication is classified as a benzodiazepine?
A. Buspirone
B. Lorazepam
C. Sertraline
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM –
PAPER 3
Course Name
Mental Health Nursing
Level
College / Nursing School / NCLEX-RN Preparation
Short Introduction
This advanced practice examination assesses knowledge of psychiatric nursing, therapeutic
communication, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, legal and ethical principles, and
evidence-based nursing care. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed
explanation to reinforce learning and clinical judgment.
Instructions
Answer all questions.
Read each question carefully before selecting your answer.
Each multiple-choice question has one best answer.
Base your answers on current evidence-based nursing practice.
Exam Structure
15 Multiple Choice Questions
10 Short Answer Questions
10 Application/Clinical Scenario Questions
5 Higher-Order Thinking Questions
Total Questions: 40
,Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has panic disorder. Which manifestation is most consistent with
an acute panic attack?
A. Gradual onset of mild nervousness over several weeks
B. Sudden onset of intense fear accompanied by palpitations and shortness of breath
C. Persistent sadness with loss of interest in activities
D. Increased appetite and excessive sleeping
Answer: B
Explanation: Panic attacks begin suddenly and often include intense fear, palpitations, chest
discomfort, dyspnea, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control.
Question 2
A client taking valproic acid for bipolar disorder should be instructed to report which finding
immediately?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Temporary increase in appetite
C. Severe abdominal pain with persistent nausea and vomiting
D. Occasional yawning
Answer: C
Explanation: Valproic acid may cause pancreatitis or hepatotoxicity. Severe abdominal pain,
nausea, and vomiting require immediate medical evaluation.
Question 3
Which nurse's statement best demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of
clarification?
, A. "Tell me more about that."
B. "Can you explain what you mean when you say you feel trapped?"
C. "Everything will work out."
D. "You shouldn't worry so much."
Answer: B
Explanation: Clarification helps ensure accurate understanding by encouraging the client to
explain vague or unclear statements.
Question 4
A client with schizophrenia has poor personal hygiene and rarely participates in self-care. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Complete all hygiene activities for the client.
B. Ignore hygiene because it is not a priority.
C. Encourage and assist the client to complete one self-care activity at a time.
D. Punish refusal to complete hygiene.
Answer: C
Explanation: Breaking activities into manageable steps promotes independence while providing
appropriate support without fostering dependence.
Question 5
Which medication is classified as a benzodiazepine?
A. Buspirone
B. Lorazepam
C. Sertraline
