MENTAL HEALTH: EXAM 2| FROM QUESTION TO
PERFECTION| STUDY WITH CONFIDENCE!
Course Code:
Course Title:
Programme:
Academic Year: 2026/2027.
Duration: 2 Hours.
Total Marks: 70%.
Candidate Instructions:
1) Write your Registration Number on every answer booklet used.
2) Answer ALL questions in Section A and ANY TWO (2) questions in Section B.
3) Read each question carefully before answering.
4) Begin each question on a new page.
5) The marks for each question are indicated in brackets.
6) This paper consists of several printed pages, including this page.
7) Ensure your copy is complete before the examination begins.
8) Unauthorized materials and communication with other candidates are not permitted.
Turn Over.
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
1
, What is the purpose of the Mental Status Examination (MSE)? Answer: To evaluate the current
cognitive processes and collect/organize objective data about the patient
What does the nurse observe during the MSE? Answer: Physical behavior, verbal and
nonverbal communications, appearance, speech, thought content, cognitive ability, presenting
problem(s), current lifestyle, and strength of resources (family, friends, education, work)
What are the 8 components assessed in the Mental Status Examination? Answer: Personal
information, Appearance, Behavior, Speech, Affect and mood, Thought, Perceptual
disturbances, Cognition
What is the primary purpose of the MSE in psychiatric nursing? Answer: It is fundamental to
overall patient assessment — aids in collecting and organizing objective data
What are the 7 components included in Gathering Data during a psychiatric assessment?
Answer: Review of systems, Laboratory data, MSE, Psychosocial assessment,
Spiritual/religious assessment, Cultural and social assessment, Self-awareness assessment,
Validating assessment
What are the goals of a Psychiatric Nursing Assessment? Answer: Establish rapport, understand
current problem/chief complaint, review physical status and baseline vital signs, assess for risk
factors (suicide/homicide), perform MSE, assess psychosocial status, identify mutual goals,
formulate plan of care, document data
What does the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice provide? Answer:
Criteria for certification, legal definition of nursing, basis for NCLEX-RN, the Six Standards of
Practice, and defines the nursing process
What are the Six Standards of Practice in psychiatric nursing? Answer: Assessment, Diagnosis,
Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
What is the ANA standard definition of Assessment in psychiatric nursing? Answer: "The
psychiatric mental health registered nurse collects and synthesizes comprehensive health data
pertinent to the health care consumer's health and/or situation"
What are the Assessment considerations in psychiatric nursing? Answer: Age (developmental
level) and language barriers
Who is the primary source of data in psychiatric assessment? Answer: The patient; secondary
sources are others (family, friends, other providers)
What is the nursing process in psychiatric nursing? Answer: A six-step, problem-solving care
approach that facilitates care that is appropriate, safe, culturally competent, developmentally
relevant, and high-quality
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
2
PERFECTION| STUDY WITH CONFIDENCE!
Course Code:
Course Title:
Programme:
Academic Year: 2026/2027.
Duration: 2 Hours.
Total Marks: 70%.
Candidate Instructions:
1) Write your Registration Number on every answer booklet used.
2) Answer ALL questions in Section A and ANY TWO (2) questions in Section B.
3) Read each question carefully before answering.
4) Begin each question on a new page.
5) The marks for each question are indicated in brackets.
6) This paper consists of several printed pages, including this page.
7) Ensure your copy is complete before the examination begins.
8) Unauthorized materials and communication with other candidates are not permitted.
Turn Over.
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
1
, What is the purpose of the Mental Status Examination (MSE)? Answer: To evaluate the current
cognitive processes and collect/organize objective data about the patient
What does the nurse observe during the MSE? Answer: Physical behavior, verbal and
nonverbal communications, appearance, speech, thought content, cognitive ability, presenting
problem(s), current lifestyle, and strength of resources (family, friends, education, work)
What are the 8 components assessed in the Mental Status Examination? Answer: Personal
information, Appearance, Behavior, Speech, Affect and mood, Thought, Perceptual
disturbances, Cognition
What is the primary purpose of the MSE in psychiatric nursing? Answer: It is fundamental to
overall patient assessment — aids in collecting and organizing objective data
What are the 7 components included in Gathering Data during a psychiatric assessment?
Answer: Review of systems, Laboratory data, MSE, Psychosocial assessment,
Spiritual/religious assessment, Cultural and social assessment, Self-awareness assessment,
Validating assessment
What are the goals of a Psychiatric Nursing Assessment? Answer: Establish rapport, understand
current problem/chief complaint, review physical status and baseline vital signs, assess for risk
factors (suicide/homicide), perform MSE, assess psychosocial status, identify mutual goals,
formulate plan of care, document data
What does the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice provide? Answer:
Criteria for certification, legal definition of nursing, basis for NCLEX-RN, the Six Standards of
Practice, and defines the nursing process
What are the Six Standards of Practice in psychiatric nursing? Answer: Assessment, Diagnosis,
Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
What is the ANA standard definition of Assessment in psychiatric nursing? Answer: "The
psychiatric mental health registered nurse collects and synthesizes comprehensive health data
pertinent to the health care consumer's health and/or situation"
What are the Assessment considerations in psychiatric nursing? Answer: Age (developmental
level) and language barriers
Who is the primary source of data in psychiatric assessment? Answer: The patient; secondary
sources are others (family, friends, other providers)
What is the nursing process in psychiatric nursing? Answer: A six-step, problem-solving care
approach that facilitates care that is appropriate, safe, culturally competent, developmentally
relevant, and high-quality
APPHIA – Crafted with Care and Precision for Academic Excellence.
2
