PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BANK – QUESTIONS,
VERIFIED ANSWERS & RATIONALES (LATEST
EDITION MASTERY)
This comprehensive psychiatric-mental health nursing test
bank features high-yield, multiple-choice practice questions
directly mapped to standard nursing school curricula. Each
question contains a clear, definitive answer followed by an
in-depth, verified rationale designed to build clinical
judgment and mastery of complex topics like
psychopharmacology and therapeutic communication. It
serves as an essential, high-density study companion
engineered to help nursing students achieve Level 3
proficiency and pass their proctored exams with confidence.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder
and was started on amitriptyline 3 days ago. The client states, "I
don't think these pills are working. I still feel down." Which of the
following responses should the nurse make?
• A. "I will notify your provider immediately so your dosage can
be increased."
• B. "You need to give the medication more time, as it typically
takes 4 to 6 weeks to achieve a full therapeutic effect."
, • C. "Are you taking the medication exactly as prescribed
every day?"
• D. "It is common to feel worse before you start to feel better
when taking this antidepressant."
Answer: B
Rationale: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Like
most antidepressants, it requires a therapeutic lag period of 4 to 6
weeks before the full therapeutic benefit is realized, though some
improvement may be seen in 1 to 3 weeks. Options A and C are
inappropriate at this early stage. Option D is incorrect and could
cause unnecessary anxiety for the client.
Question 2
A nurse is admitting a client who is experiencing acute bipolar
mania. Which of the following room assignments is most
appropriate for this client?
• A. A private room near the nurses' station.
• B. A semi-private room with a client who has severe
depression.
• C. A private room at the quiet end of the hallway.
• D. A semi-private room with a client who is undergoing
alcohol detoxification.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients experiencing acute mania are easily
overstimulated by environmental triggers. A private room at the
quiet end of the hallway minimizes sensory stimuli (noise, traffic)
,to help calm the client. Placing them near the busy nurses' station
or with rooming partners would increase agitation and
compromise safety.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking haloperidol for the
treatment of schizophrenia. The nurse notes that the client has a
high fever, tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and an altered level of
consciousness. The nurse should identify that these findings
indicate which of the following life-threatening adverse effects?
• A. Agranulocytosis
• B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• C. Tardive dyskinesia
• D. Acute dystonia
Answer: B
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but
life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medications like
haloperidol. Key manifestations include severe muscle rigidity,
hyperpyrexia (high fever), autonomic instability (tachycardia,
tachypnea), and altered mental status. Agranulocytosis involves
severe leukopenia. Tardive dyskinesia and acute dystonia are
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) but do not present with
hyperpyrexia and rigidity.
Question 4
, A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit is conducting a
therapeutic group session. A client who has borderline personality
disorder continuously interrupts other members and monopolizes
the conversation. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
• A. Ask the client to leave the group session immediately.
• B. Inform the client that they will lose their privileges for the
day if they interrupt again.
• C. Remind the group of the established ground rules
regarding taking turns to speak.
• D. Ignore the behavior so as not to reinforce the client's
attention-seeking actions.
Answer: C
Rationale: Setting clear boundaries and reinforcing group rules is
the most therapeutic initial response. It maintains structure and
safety without single-out or punishing the client excessively.
Option A is too punitive as a first step. Option B is an
inappropriate threat. Option D is ineffective because the
monopolizing behavior disrupts the therapeutic environment for
everyone.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a severe panic
attack. Which of the following nursing interventions is the priority?
• A. Teach the client deep-breathing relaxation exercises.
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BANK – QUESTIONS,
VERIFIED ANSWERS & RATIONALES (LATEST
EDITION MASTERY)
This comprehensive psychiatric-mental health nursing test
bank features high-yield, multiple-choice practice questions
directly mapped to standard nursing school curricula. Each
question contains a clear, definitive answer followed by an
in-depth, verified rationale designed to build clinical
judgment and mastery of complex topics like
psychopharmacology and therapeutic communication. It
serves as an essential, high-density study companion
engineered to help nursing students achieve Level 3
proficiency and pass their proctored exams with confidence.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder
and was started on amitriptyline 3 days ago. The client states, "I
don't think these pills are working. I still feel down." Which of the
following responses should the nurse make?
• A. "I will notify your provider immediately so your dosage can
be increased."
• B. "You need to give the medication more time, as it typically
takes 4 to 6 weeks to achieve a full therapeutic effect."
, • C. "Are you taking the medication exactly as prescribed
every day?"
• D. "It is common to feel worse before you start to feel better
when taking this antidepressant."
Answer: B
Rationale: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Like
most antidepressants, it requires a therapeutic lag period of 4 to 6
weeks before the full therapeutic benefit is realized, though some
improvement may be seen in 1 to 3 weeks. Options A and C are
inappropriate at this early stage. Option D is incorrect and could
cause unnecessary anxiety for the client.
Question 2
A nurse is admitting a client who is experiencing acute bipolar
mania. Which of the following room assignments is most
appropriate for this client?
• A. A private room near the nurses' station.
• B. A semi-private room with a client who has severe
depression.
• C. A private room at the quiet end of the hallway.
• D. A semi-private room with a client who is undergoing
alcohol detoxification.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clients experiencing acute mania are easily
overstimulated by environmental triggers. A private room at the
quiet end of the hallway minimizes sensory stimuli (noise, traffic)
,to help calm the client. Placing them near the busy nurses' station
or with rooming partners would increase agitation and
compromise safety.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking haloperidol for the
treatment of schizophrenia. The nurse notes that the client has a
high fever, tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and an altered level of
consciousness. The nurse should identify that these findings
indicate which of the following life-threatening adverse effects?
• A. Agranulocytosis
• B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• C. Tardive dyskinesia
• D. Acute dystonia
Answer: B
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but
life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medications like
haloperidol. Key manifestations include severe muscle rigidity,
hyperpyrexia (high fever), autonomic instability (tachycardia,
tachypnea), and altered mental status. Agranulocytosis involves
severe leukopenia. Tardive dyskinesia and acute dystonia are
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) but do not present with
hyperpyrexia and rigidity.
Question 4
, A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit is conducting a
therapeutic group session. A client who has borderline personality
disorder continuously interrupts other members and monopolizes
the conversation. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
• A. Ask the client to leave the group session immediately.
• B. Inform the client that they will lose their privileges for the
day if they interrupt again.
• C. Remind the group of the established ground rules
regarding taking turns to speak.
• D. Ignore the behavior so as not to reinforce the client's
attention-seeking actions.
Answer: C
Rationale: Setting clear boundaries and reinforcing group rules is
the most therapeutic initial response. It maintains structure and
safety without single-out or punishing the client excessively.
Option A is too punitive as a first step. Option B is an
inappropriate threat. Option D is ineffective because the
monopolizing behavior disrupts the therapeutic environment for
everyone.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a severe panic
attack. Which of the following nursing interventions is the priority?
• A. Teach the client deep-breathing relaxation exercises.
