PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING REAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WELL DETAILED
AND VERIFIED. PASS GUARANTEE. ALREADY
GRADED A+ FOR 2025
QUESTION: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing - ANSWER-Psychiatric nursing is an interpersonal process
that promotes and maintains patient behavior that contributes to integrated functioning
QUESTION: Imagery - ANSWER-A client in the mental health clinic has a phobia about closed spaces.
Which desensitization method should the nurse expect to be used successfully with this client?
QUESTION: Electroconvulsive therapy - ANSWER-What treatment should a nurse anticipate will be
prescribed for a client with severe, persistent, intractable depression and suicidal ideation?
QUESTION: "Don't be afraid. I'm your nurse, and everyone here in the hospital is here to help you." -
ANSWER-An older adult, accompanied by family members, is admitted to a long-term care facility with
symptoms of dementia. During the admission procedure the initial statement by the nurse most helpful
to this client is:
QUESTION: Projection - ANSWER-An older depressed person at an independent living facility constantly
complains about her health problems to anyone who will listen. One day the client says, "I'm not going
to any more activities. All these old crabby people do is talk about their problems." What defense
mechanism does the nurse conclude that the client is using?
QUESTION: "No, I don't see any bugs." - ANSWER-A client with alcohol dependence problem asks
whether the nurse can see the bugs that are crawling on the bed. What is the nurse's initial reply?
QUESTION: Symptoms of the heroin overdose may return after the naloxone is metabolized. - ANSWER-
A client is responding within an hour of receiving naloxone to combat respiratory depression from an
overdose of heroin. Why should a nurse continue to closely monitor this client's status?
, QUESTION: "I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear
them." - ANSWER-A client tells the nurse, "The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these
clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles." What is the best initial response by
the nurse?
QUESTION: Double-bind message - ANSWER-A parent of a 17-year-old girl who has been hospitalized for
extremely disturbed acting-out behavior leaves a gift for the daughter but says, "I'm too busy to visit
today." The daughter becomes upset and tearful after being given the message and opening the
package. What does the nurse conclude that the parent's actions represent?
QUESTION: "I'll help you take your shower now." - ANSWER-A client with schizophrenia is admitted to a
psychiatric unit. The client is talking while walking in the hall, is unkempt, and obviously has not washed
in several days. What should the nurse say when trying to help this client shower?
QUESTION: Ensuring a safe therapeutic milieu - ANSWER-When a client is expressing severe anxiety by
sobbing in the fetal position on her bed, the nurse's priority is:
QUESTION: Are dependent on it - ANSWER-A nurse is caring for several clients who are going through
withdrawal from alcohol. The primary reason for the ingestion of alcohol by clients with a history of
alcohol abuse is that they:
QUESTION: Assuring the client that the symptoms are part of the withdrawal syndrome - ANSWER-A
nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which action is most
appropriate for the nurse to implement?
QUESTION: Conversion - ANSWER-A 30-year-old woman reports to the mental health clinic on the
recommendation of her primary health care provider. She has been unable to carry out everyday
activities because of increased pain in her lower back and legs. Numerous neurological and orthopedic
workups indicate that her symptoms seem excessive when compared with the physical problems shown
on physical examination and repeated MRIs and x-rays. She says that no one understands how difficult it
has been to care for her 32-year-old husband, who has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing
chemotherapy. In light of the history and symptoms, what disorder should the nurse suspect?
,QUESTION: "I know there's no reason to do these things, but I can't help myself." - ANSWER-A client is
admitted to the hospital because of incapacitating obsessive-compulsive behavior. The statement that
best describes how clients with obsessive-compulsive behavior view this disorder is:
QUESTION: Passive range-of-motion exercises three times a day for effective joint health - ANSWER-A
client with schizophrenia is demonstrating waxy flexibility. Which intervention is the best way to manage
the possible outcome of this behavior?
QUESTION: "I don't like hearing your threats, but tell me more about your feelings." - ANSWER-A client
has been on the psychiatric unit for several days. The client arouses anxiety and frustration in the staff
and manipulates them so well that staff members are afraid to approach the client. One morning the
client shouts at the nurse, "You've worked it so I can't go for a walk with the group today. You're as
cunning as a fox. I hate you! Get out, or I'll hit you!" What is the best response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Asking the client, "Have you ever acted on these thoughts?" - ANSWER-An adult client
confides to a clinic nurse, "I fantasize about having sex with children, and I get the urge to do it, too."
What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Delusional thinking - ANSWER-In her eighth month of pregnancy, a 24-year-old client is
brought to the hospital by the police, who were called when she barricaded herself in a ladies' restroom
of a restaurant. During admission the client shouts, "Don't come near me! My stomach is filled with
bombs, and I'll blow up this place if anyone comes near me." The nurse concludes that the client is
exhibiting:
QUESTION: Diaphoresis
Tachycardia
Hypertension - ANSWER-A client who is on the third day of detoxification therapy becomes agitated and
restless. What are the signs and symptoms that indicate impending alcohol withdrawal delirium? (Select
all that apply.)
QUESTION: "The medication will increase your appetite and make you feel better." - ANSWER-A client is
lonely and extremely depressed, and the health care provider prescribes a tricyclic antidepressant. The
client asks the nurse what the medication will do. What is the best response by the nurse?
, QUESTION: "What were you doing yesterday when you first noticed the feeling?" - ANSWER-A client
with a diagnosis of panic disorder who had a panic attack on the previous day says to the nurse, "That
was a terrible feeling I had yesterday. I'm so afraid to talk about it." What is the most therapeutic
response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Supplying the client with tissues to maintain function until the anxiety eases - ANSWER-A
client believes that doorknobs are contaminated and refuses to touch them except with a paper tissue.
What nursing intervention will be most therapeutic for this client?
QUESTION: Command hallucination - ANSWER-A man is admitted to the psychiatric unit after
attempting suicide. The client's history reveals that his first child died of sudden infant death syndrome 2
years ago, that he has been unable to work since the death of the child, and that he has attempted
suicide before. When talking with the nurse he says, "I hear my son telling me to come over to the other
side." What should the nurse conclude that the client is experiencing?
QUESTION: Echolalia - ANSWER-A nurse recalls that language development in the autistic child
resembles:
QUESTION: Sitting down next to the client at frequent intervals - ANSWER-What is a therapeutic nursing
action in the care of a depressed client?
QUESTION: Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - ANSWER-A nurse is caring for a client who uses ritualistic behavior.
What common antiobsessional medication does the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?
QUESTION: Impulsive - ANSWER-A client is found to have a borderline personality disorder. What
behavior does the nurse consider is most typical of these clients?
QUESTION: Giving the client one simple direction at a time in a firm low-pitched voice - ANSWER-An
older adult with a diagnosis of delirium on the mental health unit begins acting out while in the
dayroom. What is the initial nursing intervention?
QUESTION: Talking with the child about the importance of using a seat belt - ANSWER-A hyperactive 9-
year-old child with a history of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is admitted for observation after a
motor vehicle collision. On what should nursing actions be focused when the nurse is teaching about
personal safety?
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WELL DETAILED
AND VERIFIED. PASS GUARANTEE. ALREADY
GRADED A+ FOR 2025
QUESTION: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing - ANSWER-Psychiatric nursing is an interpersonal process
that promotes and maintains patient behavior that contributes to integrated functioning
QUESTION: Imagery - ANSWER-A client in the mental health clinic has a phobia about closed spaces.
Which desensitization method should the nurse expect to be used successfully with this client?
QUESTION: Electroconvulsive therapy - ANSWER-What treatment should a nurse anticipate will be
prescribed for a client with severe, persistent, intractable depression and suicidal ideation?
QUESTION: "Don't be afraid. I'm your nurse, and everyone here in the hospital is here to help you." -
ANSWER-An older adult, accompanied by family members, is admitted to a long-term care facility with
symptoms of dementia. During the admission procedure the initial statement by the nurse most helpful
to this client is:
QUESTION: Projection - ANSWER-An older depressed person at an independent living facility constantly
complains about her health problems to anyone who will listen. One day the client says, "I'm not going
to any more activities. All these old crabby people do is talk about their problems." What defense
mechanism does the nurse conclude that the client is using?
QUESTION: "No, I don't see any bugs." - ANSWER-A client with alcohol dependence problem asks
whether the nurse can see the bugs that are crawling on the bed. What is the nurse's initial reply?
QUESTION: Symptoms of the heroin overdose may return after the naloxone is metabolized. - ANSWER-
A client is responding within an hour of receiving naloxone to combat respiratory depression from an
overdose of heroin. Why should a nurse continue to closely monitor this client's status?
, QUESTION: "I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear
them." - ANSWER-A client tells the nurse, "The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these
clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles." What is the best initial response by
the nurse?
QUESTION: Double-bind message - ANSWER-A parent of a 17-year-old girl who has been hospitalized for
extremely disturbed acting-out behavior leaves a gift for the daughter but says, "I'm too busy to visit
today." The daughter becomes upset and tearful after being given the message and opening the
package. What does the nurse conclude that the parent's actions represent?
QUESTION: "I'll help you take your shower now." - ANSWER-A client with schizophrenia is admitted to a
psychiatric unit. The client is talking while walking in the hall, is unkempt, and obviously has not washed
in several days. What should the nurse say when trying to help this client shower?
QUESTION: Ensuring a safe therapeutic milieu - ANSWER-When a client is expressing severe anxiety by
sobbing in the fetal position on her bed, the nurse's priority is:
QUESTION: Are dependent on it - ANSWER-A nurse is caring for several clients who are going through
withdrawal from alcohol. The primary reason for the ingestion of alcohol by clients with a history of
alcohol abuse is that they:
QUESTION: Assuring the client that the symptoms are part of the withdrawal syndrome - ANSWER-A
nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which action is most
appropriate for the nurse to implement?
QUESTION: Conversion - ANSWER-A 30-year-old woman reports to the mental health clinic on the
recommendation of her primary health care provider. She has been unable to carry out everyday
activities because of increased pain in her lower back and legs. Numerous neurological and orthopedic
workups indicate that her symptoms seem excessive when compared with the physical problems shown
on physical examination and repeated MRIs and x-rays. She says that no one understands how difficult it
has been to care for her 32-year-old husband, who has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing
chemotherapy. In light of the history and symptoms, what disorder should the nurse suspect?
,QUESTION: "I know there's no reason to do these things, but I can't help myself." - ANSWER-A client is
admitted to the hospital because of incapacitating obsessive-compulsive behavior. The statement that
best describes how clients with obsessive-compulsive behavior view this disorder is:
QUESTION: Passive range-of-motion exercises three times a day for effective joint health - ANSWER-A
client with schizophrenia is demonstrating waxy flexibility. Which intervention is the best way to manage
the possible outcome of this behavior?
QUESTION: "I don't like hearing your threats, but tell me more about your feelings." - ANSWER-A client
has been on the psychiatric unit for several days. The client arouses anxiety and frustration in the staff
and manipulates them so well that staff members are afraid to approach the client. One morning the
client shouts at the nurse, "You've worked it so I can't go for a walk with the group today. You're as
cunning as a fox. I hate you! Get out, or I'll hit you!" What is the best response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Asking the client, "Have you ever acted on these thoughts?" - ANSWER-An adult client
confides to a clinic nurse, "I fantasize about having sex with children, and I get the urge to do it, too."
What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Delusional thinking - ANSWER-In her eighth month of pregnancy, a 24-year-old client is
brought to the hospital by the police, who were called when she barricaded herself in a ladies' restroom
of a restaurant. During admission the client shouts, "Don't come near me! My stomach is filled with
bombs, and I'll blow up this place if anyone comes near me." The nurse concludes that the client is
exhibiting:
QUESTION: Diaphoresis
Tachycardia
Hypertension - ANSWER-A client who is on the third day of detoxification therapy becomes agitated and
restless. What are the signs and symptoms that indicate impending alcohol withdrawal delirium? (Select
all that apply.)
QUESTION: "The medication will increase your appetite and make you feel better." - ANSWER-A client is
lonely and extremely depressed, and the health care provider prescribes a tricyclic antidepressant. The
client asks the nurse what the medication will do. What is the best response by the nurse?
, QUESTION: "What were you doing yesterday when you first noticed the feeling?" - ANSWER-A client
with a diagnosis of panic disorder who had a panic attack on the previous day says to the nurse, "That
was a terrible feeling I had yesterday. I'm so afraid to talk about it." What is the most therapeutic
response by the nurse?
QUESTION: Supplying the client with tissues to maintain function until the anxiety eases - ANSWER-A
client believes that doorknobs are contaminated and refuses to touch them except with a paper tissue.
What nursing intervention will be most therapeutic for this client?
QUESTION: Command hallucination - ANSWER-A man is admitted to the psychiatric unit after
attempting suicide. The client's history reveals that his first child died of sudden infant death syndrome 2
years ago, that he has been unable to work since the death of the child, and that he has attempted
suicide before. When talking with the nurse he says, "I hear my son telling me to come over to the other
side." What should the nurse conclude that the client is experiencing?
QUESTION: Echolalia - ANSWER-A nurse recalls that language development in the autistic child
resembles:
QUESTION: Sitting down next to the client at frequent intervals - ANSWER-What is a therapeutic nursing
action in the care of a depressed client?
QUESTION: Fluvoxamine (Luvox) - ANSWER-A nurse is caring for a client who uses ritualistic behavior.
What common antiobsessional medication does the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?
QUESTION: Impulsive - ANSWER-A client is found to have a borderline personality disorder. What
behavior does the nurse consider is most typical of these clients?
QUESTION: Giving the client one simple direction at a time in a firm low-pitched voice - ANSWER-An
older adult with a diagnosis of delirium on the mental health unit begins acting out while in the
dayroom. What is the initial nursing intervention?
QUESTION: Talking with the child about the importance of using a seat belt - ANSWER-A hyperactive 9-
year-old child with a history of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is admitted for observation after a
motor vehicle collision. On what should nursing actions be focused when the nurse is teaching about
personal safety?
