1. Which of the following is a priority goal when working with a client
diagnosed with depression?
A) Promote physical health
B) Establish a therapeutic relationship
C) Focus on increasing physical activity
D) Encourage the client to focus on past trauma
Answer: B) Establish a therapeutic relationship
Rationale: The priority in treating a client with depression is to establish
a trusting and therapeutic relationship. This provides a foundation for
the client to feel comfortable and supported, which is crucial for further
interventions and treatments. Promoting physical health or focusing on
trauma may be important later but is not the immediate priority.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Tell the client to ignore the voices
B) Offer reassurance and discuss the content of the hallucinations
C) Validate the client's feelings but do not agree with the hallucinations
D) Provide sedation to help the client sleep
Answer: C) Validate the client's feelings but do not agree with the
hallucinations
Rationale: It’s important to acknowledge the client's feelings while not
reinforcing the hallucinations as real. Encouraging the client to discuss
them in a non-judgmental way can help them process the experience
without exacerbating delusional thinking.
,3. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed to treat
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A) Haloperidol
B) Alprazolam
C) Fluoxetine
D) Lithium
Answer: B) Alprazolam
Rationale: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used for
short-term management of anxiety symptoms. While fluoxetine is used
for anxiety disorders, it is generally prescribed for longer-term
management. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and lithium is a mood
stabilizer.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase and presents
with excessive energy and poor judgment. What is the nurse’s most
appropriate response?
A) Allow the client to engage in risky behaviors as long as they are safe
B) Redirect the client’s focus to less stimulating activities
C) Encourage the client to continue with the current behavior
D) Take a neutral stance and do not interfere with the client’s behavior
Answer: B) Redirect the client’s focus to less stimulating activities
Rationale: During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, clients can
exhibit impulsive and risky behaviors. The nurse should redirect the
client to safer, less stimulating activities to prevent harm and manage
symptoms. Encouraging risky behavior or taking a neutral stance is not
therapeutic.
, 5. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A) Weight loss
B) Sedation
C) Sexual dysfunction
D) Dry mouth
Answer: C) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale: SSRIs, like fluoxetine and sertraline, are commonly
associated with sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, delayed
orgasm, or erectile dysfunction. Sedation and dry mouth are more
common with other medications, like tricyclic antidepressants.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD). Which behavior is most characteristic of
OCD?
A) Repeatedly checking locks or stoves
B) Rapid speech and pressured thoughts
C) Inability to focus on one task
D) Fear of being in public places
Answer: A) Repeatedly checking locks or stoves
Rationale: Repetitive behaviors, such as checking locks or stoves, are
hallmark symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These behaviors
are driven by an underlying obsession or fear. Rapid speech and inability
to focus are more indicative of mania or attention disorders, while fear
of public places is related to agoraphobia.
diagnosed with depression?
A) Promote physical health
B) Establish a therapeutic relationship
C) Focus on increasing physical activity
D) Encourage the client to focus on past trauma
Answer: B) Establish a therapeutic relationship
Rationale: The priority in treating a client with depression is to establish
a trusting and therapeutic relationship. This provides a foundation for
the client to feel comfortable and supported, which is crucial for further
interventions and treatments. Promoting physical health or focusing on
trauma may be important later but is not the immediate priority.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Tell the client to ignore the voices
B) Offer reassurance and discuss the content of the hallucinations
C) Validate the client's feelings but do not agree with the hallucinations
D) Provide sedation to help the client sleep
Answer: C) Validate the client's feelings but do not agree with the
hallucinations
Rationale: It’s important to acknowledge the client's feelings while not
reinforcing the hallucinations as real. Encouraging the client to discuss
them in a non-judgmental way can help them process the experience
without exacerbating delusional thinking.
,3. Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed to treat
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A) Haloperidol
B) Alprazolam
C) Fluoxetine
D) Lithium
Answer: B) Alprazolam
Rationale: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used for
short-term management of anxiety symptoms. While fluoxetine is used
for anxiety disorders, it is generally prescribed for longer-term
management. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and lithium is a mood
stabilizer.
4. A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase and presents
with excessive energy and poor judgment. What is the nurse’s most
appropriate response?
A) Allow the client to engage in risky behaviors as long as they are safe
B) Redirect the client’s focus to less stimulating activities
C) Encourage the client to continue with the current behavior
D) Take a neutral stance and do not interfere with the client’s behavior
Answer: B) Redirect the client’s focus to less stimulating activities
Rationale: During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, clients can
exhibit impulsive and risky behaviors. The nurse should redirect the
client to safer, less stimulating activities to prevent harm and manage
symptoms. Encouraging risky behavior or taking a neutral stance is not
therapeutic.
, 5. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A) Weight loss
B) Sedation
C) Sexual dysfunction
D) Dry mouth
Answer: C) Sexual dysfunction
Rationale: SSRIs, like fluoxetine and sertraline, are commonly
associated with sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, delayed
orgasm, or erectile dysfunction. Sedation and dry mouth are more
common with other medications, like tricyclic antidepressants.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD). Which behavior is most characteristic of
OCD?
A) Repeatedly checking locks or stoves
B) Rapid speech and pressured thoughts
C) Inability to focus on one task
D) Fear of being in public places
Answer: A) Repeatedly checking locks or stoves
Rationale: Repetitive behaviors, such as checking locks or stoves, are
hallmark symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These behaviors
are driven by an underlying obsession or fear. Rapid speech and inability
to focus are more indicative of mania or attention disorders, while fear
of public places is related to agoraphobia.
