1. A nurse is assessing a patient with schizophrenia. Which of the
following symptoms is most characteristic of schizophrenia?
• A) Feeling excessively happy
• B) Hearing voices that are not present
• C) Spending large amounts of money impulsively
• D) Feeling overly fatigued without physical cause
Answer: B) Hearing voices that are not present
Rationale: Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are a
hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. This disorder is characterized by
symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
2. A patient is being treated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The nurse explains that the goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
is to:
• A) Help the patient develop new coping mechanisms
• B) Identify and correct distorted thought patterns
• C) Encourage the patient to avoid triggers of anxiety
• D) Medicate the patient to reduce anxiety levels
Answer: B) Identify and correct distorted thought patterns
Rationale: CBT focuses on identifying and challenging irrational or
distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. The goal is to
replace these thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.
,3. Which of the following is an example of a defense mechanism
called "projection"?
• A) A woman blames her husband for her own feelings of anger
• B) A student denies feeling anxious before an exam
• C) A child shows excessive joy after receiving bad news
• D) An adult avoids an upcoming event because of fear
Answer: A) A woman blames her husband for her own feelings of anger
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where a person attributes
their own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others. In this case, the
woman is projecting her anger onto her husband.
4. Which of the following interventions is the priority for a patient
experiencing a panic attack?
• A) Encourage slow, deep breathing
• B) Offer the patient medication for relaxation
• C) Remove the patient from the environment
• D) Talk about the possible triggers of the panic attack
Answer: A) Encourage slow, deep breathing
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is to help the patient
regulate their breathing and calm their nervous system. Slow, deep
breathing can reduce the symptoms of hyperventilation and help the
person regain control.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a patient with major depressive disorder. The
patient expresses feelings of worthlessness and says, "I just want to
give up." The nurse should:
• A) Encourage the patient to distract themselves with activities
• B) Reassure the patient that things will improve soon
• C) Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• D) Suggest that the patient discuss their feelings in group therapy
Answer: C) Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Rationale: A patient with major depressive disorder who expresses
feelings of worthlessness and wanting to "give up" may be at risk for
suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It is essential to assess the patient’s
safety by exploring these thoughts.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
• A) Hypotension
• B) Weight gain
• C) Sexual dysfunction
• D) Tinnitus
Answer: C) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, delayed
ejaculation, and anorgasmia, is a common side effect of SSRIs, which are
commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety.
following symptoms is most characteristic of schizophrenia?
• A) Feeling excessively happy
• B) Hearing voices that are not present
• C) Spending large amounts of money impulsively
• D) Feeling overly fatigued without physical cause
Answer: B) Hearing voices that are not present
Rationale: Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices, are a
hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. This disorder is characterized by
symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
2. A patient is being treated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The nurse explains that the goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
is to:
• A) Help the patient develop new coping mechanisms
• B) Identify and correct distorted thought patterns
• C) Encourage the patient to avoid triggers of anxiety
• D) Medicate the patient to reduce anxiety levels
Answer: B) Identify and correct distorted thought patterns
Rationale: CBT focuses on identifying and challenging irrational or
distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. The goal is to
replace these thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.
,3. Which of the following is an example of a defense mechanism
called "projection"?
• A) A woman blames her husband for her own feelings of anger
• B) A student denies feeling anxious before an exam
• C) A child shows excessive joy after receiving bad news
• D) An adult avoids an upcoming event because of fear
Answer: A) A woman blames her husband for her own feelings of anger
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where a person attributes
their own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others. In this case, the
woman is projecting her anger onto her husband.
4. Which of the following interventions is the priority for a patient
experiencing a panic attack?
• A) Encourage slow, deep breathing
• B) Offer the patient medication for relaxation
• C) Remove the patient from the environment
• D) Talk about the possible triggers of the panic attack
Answer: A) Encourage slow, deep breathing
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is to help the patient
regulate their breathing and calm their nervous system. Slow, deep
breathing can reduce the symptoms of hyperventilation and help the
person regain control.
, 5. A nurse is caring for a patient with major depressive disorder. The
patient expresses feelings of worthlessness and says, "I just want to
give up." The nurse should:
• A) Encourage the patient to distract themselves with activities
• B) Reassure the patient that things will improve soon
• C) Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• D) Suggest that the patient discuss their feelings in group therapy
Answer: C) Assess the patient for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Rationale: A patient with major depressive disorder who expresses
feelings of worthlessness and wanting to "give up" may be at risk for
suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It is essential to assess the patient’s
safety by exploring these thoughts.
6. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
• A) Hypotension
• B) Weight gain
• C) Sexual dysfunction
• D) Tinnitus
Answer: C) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, delayed
ejaculation, and anorgasmia, is a common side effect of SSRIs, which are
commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety.
