,NUR 203 Exam 2 Psychiatric Nursing Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive
disorder?
A) Recurrent periods of elevated mood alternating with normal mood
B) Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest accompanied by clinically
significant impairment
C) Brief sadness that resolves after several hours
D) Repeated compulsive behavior performed to reduce anxiety
Correct Answer: B) Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest
accompanied by clinically significant impairment
Rationale: Major depressive disorder involves persistent depressive
symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, that produce
meaningful distress or functional impairment.
Q2. A severely depressed client states, “My family would be better
off without me.” What is the nurse's priority response?
A) Encourage the client to identify positive qualities
B) Redirect the conversation toward treatment goals
C) Reassure the client that the family does not feel that way
D) Directly assess for suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, and access to means
Correct Answer: D) Directly assess for suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, and
access to means
Rationale: Statements reflecting hopelessness or perceived
burdensomeness require immediate suicide-risk assessment. Asking directly
about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts and helps determine
necessary safety measures.
Q3. Which symptom represents anhedonia?
A) Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable
B) Excessive motor activity with little need for sleep
C) Recurrent intrusive thoughts recognized as unwanted
D) Inability to remember important autobiographical information
Correct Answer: A) Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were
previously enjoyable
, Rationale: Anhedonia is a marked reduction in the ability to experience
interest or pleasure and is a core symptom of depressive disorders.
Q4. A client with severe depression answers questions slowly and
requires additional time to respond. Which nursing approach is most
appropriate?
A) Repeat each question rapidly until the client responds
B) Finish the client's sentences to prevent frustration
C) Allow additional time for responses and use simple, direct communication
D) Avoid communication until psychomotor slowing resolves
Correct Answer: C) Allow additional time for responses and use simple, direct
communication
Rationale: Depression can slow cognition, speech, and psychomotor
activity. Allowing sufficient time reduces pressure and supports effective
communication.
Q5. Which thought pattern reflects Beck's cognitive model of
depression?
A) “If I avoid contamination, nothing bad can happen.”
B) “I can succeed if other people recognize my abilities.”
C) “I am worthless, the world is hopeless, and my future will never improve.”
D) “Everyone around me can hear my thoughts.”
Correct Answer: C) “I am worthless, the world is hopeless, and my future will
never improve.”
Rationale: Beck's cognitive triad involves persistent negative views of the
self, the world, and the future.
Q6. A client prescribed an SSRI asks when improvement should be
expected. Which response is most accurate?
A) “Noticeable therapeutic improvement usually develops gradually over
several weeks.”
B) “The medication should eliminate depressive symptoms after the first
dose.”
C) “The medication works only if sedation occurs immediately.”
D) “No improvement during the first 24 hours indicates treatment failure.”
Correct Answer: A) “Noticeable therapeutic improvement usually develops
gradually over several weeks.”
2026/2027 Jersey College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive
disorder?
A) Recurrent periods of elevated mood alternating with normal mood
B) Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest accompanied by clinically
significant impairment
C) Brief sadness that resolves after several hours
D) Repeated compulsive behavior performed to reduce anxiety
Correct Answer: B) Persistent depressed mood or loss of interest
accompanied by clinically significant impairment
Rationale: Major depressive disorder involves persistent depressive
symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, that produce
meaningful distress or functional impairment.
Q2. A severely depressed client states, “My family would be better
off without me.” What is the nurse's priority response?
A) Encourage the client to identify positive qualities
B) Redirect the conversation toward treatment goals
C) Reassure the client that the family does not feel that way
D) Directly assess for suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, and access to means
Correct Answer: D) Directly assess for suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, and
access to means
Rationale: Statements reflecting hopelessness or perceived
burdensomeness require immediate suicide-risk assessment. Asking directly
about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts and helps determine
necessary safety measures.
Q3. Which symptom represents anhedonia?
A) Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable
B) Excessive motor activity with little need for sleep
C) Recurrent intrusive thoughts recognized as unwanted
D) Inability to remember important autobiographical information
Correct Answer: A) Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were
previously enjoyable
, Rationale: Anhedonia is a marked reduction in the ability to experience
interest or pleasure and is a core symptom of depressive disorders.
Q4. A client with severe depression answers questions slowly and
requires additional time to respond. Which nursing approach is most
appropriate?
A) Repeat each question rapidly until the client responds
B) Finish the client's sentences to prevent frustration
C) Allow additional time for responses and use simple, direct communication
D) Avoid communication until psychomotor slowing resolves
Correct Answer: C) Allow additional time for responses and use simple, direct
communication
Rationale: Depression can slow cognition, speech, and psychomotor
activity. Allowing sufficient time reduces pressure and supports effective
communication.
Q5. Which thought pattern reflects Beck's cognitive model of
depression?
A) “If I avoid contamination, nothing bad can happen.”
B) “I can succeed if other people recognize my abilities.”
C) “I am worthless, the world is hopeless, and my future will never improve.”
D) “Everyone around me can hear my thoughts.”
Correct Answer: C) “I am worthless, the world is hopeless, and my future will
never improve.”
Rationale: Beck's cognitive triad involves persistent negative views of the
self, the world, and the future.
Q6. A client prescribed an SSRI asks when improvement should be
expected. Which response is most accurate?
A) “Noticeable therapeutic improvement usually develops gradually over
several weeks.”
B) “The medication should eliminate depressive symptoms after the first
dose.”
C) “The medication works only if sedation occurs immediately.”
D) “No improvement during the first 24 hours indicates treatment failure.”
Correct Answer: A) “Noticeable therapeutic improvement usually develops
gradually over several weeks.”
