NU 309
Mental Health Nursing
LATEST FINAL EXAM GUIDE
© HU 2024/2025
,1. A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode.
Which medication would be most appropriate for initial treatment?
A. Lithium
B. Haloperidol
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A. Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat
manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the severity
and frequency of mania.
2. A nurse is planning care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which
symptom would be classified as a negative symptom of
schizophrenia?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Social withdrawal
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C. Social withdrawal
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are those that
reflect a decrease or loss in functions and abilities. Social
© HU 2024/2025
,withdrawal is a common negative symptom, indicating a lack of
interest in social interactions.
3. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which
finding would be most indicative of increased suicide risk?
A. Insomnia
B. Anhedonia
C. Sudden mood improvement
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Sudden mood improvement
Rationale: A sudden mood improvement can be a sign that a
patient has made a decision to commit suicide, especially if it
follows a period of severe depression.
4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). What is the primary focus of
CBT in treating GAD?
A. Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
B. Providing a safe space to express feelings
C. Increasing exposure to feared stimuli
D. Teaching relaxation techniques
Correct Answer: A. Identifying and challenging negative thought
patterns
© HU 2024/2025
, Rationale: CBT for GAD focuses on identifying irrational beliefs
and negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, and then
challenging and reframing these thoughts.
5. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient
experiencing acute stress disorder?
A. Long-term psychotherapy
B. Immediate crisis intervention
C. Starting a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
D. Encouraging avoidance of stressors
Correct Answer: B. Immediate crisis intervention
Rationale: Acute stress disorder occurs shortly after a traumatic
event, and immediate crisis intervention can help prevent
progression to post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). Which behavior would be most characteristic of
this condition?
A. Frequent handwashing
B. Experiencing flashbacks
C. Engaging in binge eating
D. Avoiding social situations
Correct Answer: A. Frequent handwashing
© HU 2024/2025
Mental Health Nursing
LATEST FINAL EXAM GUIDE
© HU 2024/2025
,1. A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode.
Which medication would be most appropriate for initial treatment?
A. Lithium
B. Haloperidol
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A. Lithium
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat
manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the severity
and frequency of mania.
2. A nurse is planning care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which
symptom would be classified as a negative symptom of
schizophrenia?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Social withdrawal
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C. Social withdrawal
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are those that
reflect a decrease or loss in functions and abilities. Social
© HU 2024/2025
,withdrawal is a common negative symptom, indicating a lack of
interest in social interactions.
3. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which
finding would be most indicative of increased suicide risk?
A. Insomnia
B. Anhedonia
C. Sudden mood improvement
D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C. Sudden mood improvement
Rationale: A sudden mood improvement can be a sign that a
patient has made a decision to commit suicide, especially if it
follows a period of severe depression.
4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). What is the primary focus of
CBT in treating GAD?
A. Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
B. Providing a safe space to express feelings
C. Increasing exposure to feared stimuli
D. Teaching relaxation techniques
Correct Answer: A. Identifying and challenging negative thought
patterns
© HU 2024/2025
, Rationale: CBT for GAD focuses on identifying irrational beliefs
and negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, and then
challenging and reframing these thoughts.
5. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient
experiencing acute stress disorder?
A. Long-term psychotherapy
B. Immediate crisis intervention
C. Starting a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
D. Encouraging avoidance of stressors
Correct Answer: B. Immediate crisis intervention
Rationale: Acute stress disorder occurs shortly after a traumatic
event, and immediate crisis intervention can help prevent
progression to post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). Which behavior would be most characteristic of
this condition?
A. Frequent handwashing
B. Experiencing flashbacks
C. Engaging in binge eating
D. Avoiding social situations
Correct Answer: A. Frequent handwashing
© HU 2024/2025
