Psych Test 2 Test Bank Questions with
Correct Answers
1. A physical therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud says to a
nurse, "Sure I over billed. Why not? Everyone takes advantage of the government. They
have so many rules; no one can follow them." These statements show:
a. shame.
b. suspiciousness.
c. superficial remorse.
d. lack of guilt feelings. - Answer-d. lack of guilt feelings.
2. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with an antisocial personality disorder
who frequently manipulates others?
a. Refer the patient's requests and questions related to care to the case manager.
b. Encourage the patient to discuss his or her feelings of fear and inferiority.
c. Provide negative reinforcement for acting out behavior.
d. Ignore, rather than confront, inappropriate behavior. - Answer-a. Refer the patient's
requests and questions related to care to the case manager.
3. As a nurse prepares to administer a medication to a patient with a borderline
personality disorder, the patient says, "Just leave it on the table. I'll take it when I finish
combing my hair." What is the nurse's best response?
a. Reinforce this assertive action by the patient. Leave the medication on the table as
requested.
b. Respond to the patient, "I'm worried that you might not take it. I'll come back later."
c. Say to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now."
d. Ask the patient, "Why don't you want to take your medication now?" - Answer-c. Say
to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now."
4. What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient with a personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? The patient will:
a. Identify when feeling angry.
b. Use manipulation only to get legitimate needs met.
c. Acknowledge manipulative behavior when it is called to his or her attention.
d. Accept fulfillment of his or her requests within an hour rather than immediately. -
Answer-c. Acknowledge manipulative behavior when it is called to his or her attention.
5. Consider these comments to three different nurses by a patient with an antisocial
personality disorder: "You're a better nurse than the day shift nurse said you were";
,"Another nurse said you don't do your job right"; "You think you're perfect, but I've seen
you make three mistakes." Collectively, these interactions can be assessed as:
a. Seductive
b. Detached
c. Manipulative
d. Guilt producing - Answer-c. Manipulative
6. A nurse reports to the interdisciplinary team that a patient with an antisocial
personality disorder lies to other patients, verbally abuses a patient with dementia, and
flatters the primary nurse. This patient is detached and superficial during counseling
sessions. Which behavior most clearly warrants limit setting?
a. Flattering the nurse
b. Lying to other patients
c. Verbal abuse of another patient
d. Detached superficiality during counseling - Answer-c. Verbal abuse of another patient
7. A patient with borderline personality disorder has a history of self mutilation and
suicide attempts. The patient reveals feelings of depression and anger with life. The
psychiatrist suggests the use of a medication. Which type of medication should the
nurse expect?
a. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
b. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
c. Benzodiazepine
d. Antipsychotic - Answer-a. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
8. A patient's spouse filed charges of battery. The patient says, "I'm sorry for what I did.
I need psychiatric help." The patient has a long history of acting-out behaviors and
several arrests. Which statement by the patient suggests an antisocial personality
disorder?
a. "I have a quick temper, but I can usually keep it under control."
b. "I've done some stupid things in my life, but I've learned a lesson."
c. "I'm feeling terrible about the way my behavior has hurt my family."
d. "I hit because I'm tired of being nagged. My spouse deserves the beating." - Answer-
d. "I hit because I'm tired of being nagged. My spouse deserves the beating."
9. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with antisocial personality disorder
who has made threats against staff, ripped art off the walls, and thrown objects?
a. Disturbed sensory perception-auditory
b. Risk for other-directed violence
c. Ineffective denial
d. Ineffective coping - Answer-b. Risk for other-directed violence
,10. When a patient with a personality disorder uses manipulation to get his or her needs
met, the staff decides to apply limit-setting interventions. What is the correct rationale
for this action?
a. It provides an outlet for feelings of anger and frustration.
b. It respects the patient's wishes so assertiveness will develop.
c. External controls are necessary while internal controls are developed.
d. Anxiety is reduced when staff members assume responsibility for the patient's
behavior. - Answer-c. External controls are necessary while internal controls are
developed.
11. A patient with borderline personality disorder and a history of selfmutilation
has now begun dialectical behavior therapy on an outpatient basis. Counseling
focuses on self-harm behavior management. Today the patient telephones to say, "I'm
feeling empty and want to cut myself." The nurse should:
a. arrange for emergency inpatient hospitalization.
b. send the patient to the crisis intervention unit for 8 to 12 hours.
c. assist the patient to identify the trigger situation and choose a coping strategy.
d. advise the patient to take an anti-anxiety medication to decrease the anxiety level. -
Answer-c. assist the patient to identify the trigger situation and choose a coping
strategy.
12. The most challenging nursing intervention with patients with personality disorders
who use manipulation to get their needs met is:
a. supporting behavioral change.
b. monitoring suicide attempts.
c. maintaining consistent limits.
d. using aversive therapy. - Answer-c. maintaining consistent limits.
13. The history shows that a newly admitted patient has impulsivity. The nurse would
expect behavior characterized by:
a. adherence to a strict moral code.
b. manipulative, controlling strategies.
c. postponing gratification to an appropriate time.
d. little time elapsed between thought and action. - Answer-d. little time elapsed
between thought and action.
14. A patient tells a nurse, "I sometimes get into trouble because I make quick decisions
and act on them." A therapeutic response would be:
a. "Let's consider the advantages of being able to stop and think before acting."
b. "It sounds as though you've developed some insight into your situation."
, c. "I'll bet you have some interesting stories to share about overreacting."
d. "It's good that you're showing readiness for behavioral change." - Answer-a. "Let's
consider the advantages of being able to stop and think before acting."
15. A patient with borderline personality disorder is hospitalized several times after self-
mutilating episodes. The patient remains impulsive. Dialectical behavior therapy starts
on an outpatient basis. Which nursing diagnosis is the focus of this therapy?
a. Risk for self-directed violence
b. Impaired skin integrity
c. Risk for injury
d. Powerlessness - Answer-a. Risk for self-directed violence
16. Which statement made by a patient with borderline personality disorder indicates
the treatment plan is effective?
a. "I think you are the best nurse on the unit."
b. "I'm never going to get high on drugs again."
c. "I hate my doctor for not giving me what I ask for."
d. "I felt empty and wanted to cut myself, so I called you." - Answer-d. "I felt empty and
wanted to cut myself, so I called you."
17. When preparing to interview a patient with narcissistic personality disorder, a nurse
can anticipate the assessment findings will include:
a. preoccupation with minute details; perfectionist.
b. charm, drama, seductiveness; seeking admiration.
c. difficulty being alone; indecisive, submissiveness.
d. grandiosity, self-importance, and a sense of entitlement. - Answer-d. grandiosity, self-
importance, and a sense of entitlement.
18. For which behavior would limit setting be most essential? The patient:
a. clings to the nurse and asks for advice about inconsequential matters.
b. is flirtatious and provocative with staff members of the opposite sex.
c. is hypervigilant and refuses to attend unit activities.
d. urges a suspicious patient to hit anyone who stares. - Answer-d. urges a suspicious
patient to hit anyone who stares.
19. A nurse in the emergency department tells an adult, "Your mother had a severe
stroke." The adult tearfully says, "Who will take care of me now? My mother always told
me what to do, what to wear, and what to eat. I need someone to reassure me when I
get anxious." Which term best describes this behavior?
a. Histrionic
b. Dependent
Correct Answers
1. A physical therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud says to a
nurse, "Sure I over billed. Why not? Everyone takes advantage of the government. They
have so many rules; no one can follow them." These statements show:
a. shame.
b. suspiciousness.
c. superficial remorse.
d. lack of guilt feelings. - Answer-d. lack of guilt feelings.
2. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with an antisocial personality disorder
who frequently manipulates others?
a. Refer the patient's requests and questions related to care to the case manager.
b. Encourage the patient to discuss his or her feelings of fear and inferiority.
c. Provide negative reinforcement for acting out behavior.
d. Ignore, rather than confront, inappropriate behavior. - Answer-a. Refer the patient's
requests and questions related to care to the case manager.
3. As a nurse prepares to administer a medication to a patient with a borderline
personality disorder, the patient says, "Just leave it on the table. I'll take it when I finish
combing my hair." What is the nurse's best response?
a. Reinforce this assertive action by the patient. Leave the medication on the table as
requested.
b. Respond to the patient, "I'm worried that you might not take it. I'll come back later."
c. Say to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now."
d. Ask the patient, "Why don't you want to take your medication now?" - Answer-c. Say
to the patient, "I must watch you take the medication. Please take it now."
4. What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient with a personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? The patient will:
a. Identify when feeling angry.
b. Use manipulation only to get legitimate needs met.
c. Acknowledge manipulative behavior when it is called to his or her attention.
d. Accept fulfillment of his or her requests within an hour rather than immediately. -
Answer-c. Acknowledge manipulative behavior when it is called to his or her attention.
5. Consider these comments to three different nurses by a patient with an antisocial
personality disorder: "You're a better nurse than the day shift nurse said you were";
,"Another nurse said you don't do your job right"; "You think you're perfect, but I've seen
you make three mistakes." Collectively, these interactions can be assessed as:
a. Seductive
b. Detached
c. Manipulative
d. Guilt producing - Answer-c. Manipulative
6. A nurse reports to the interdisciplinary team that a patient with an antisocial
personality disorder lies to other patients, verbally abuses a patient with dementia, and
flatters the primary nurse. This patient is detached and superficial during counseling
sessions. Which behavior most clearly warrants limit setting?
a. Flattering the nurse
b. Lying to other patients
c. Verbal abuse of another patient
d. Detached superficiality during counseling - Answer-c. Verbal abuse of another patient
7. A patient with borderline personality disorder has a history of self mutilation and
suicide attempts. The patient reveals feelings of depression and anger with life. The
psychiatrist suggests the use of a medication. Which type of medication should the
nurse expect?
a. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
b. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
c. Benzodiazepine
d. Antipsychotic - Answer-a. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
8. A patient's spouse filed charges of battery. The patient says, "I'm sorry for what I did.
I need psychiatric help." The patient has a long history of acting-out behaviors and
several arrests. Which statement by the patient suggests an antisocial personality
disorder?
a. "I have a quick temper, but I can usually keep it under control."
b. "I've done some stupid things in my life, but I've learned a lesson."
c. "I'm feeling terrible about the way my behavior has hurt my family."
d. "I hit because I'm tired of being nagged. My spouse deserves the beating." - Answer-
d. "I hit because I'm tired of being nagged. My spouse deserves the beating."
9. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with antisocial personality disorder
who has made threats against staff, ripped art off the walls, and thrown objects?
a. Disturbed sensory perception-auditory
b. Risk for other-directed violence
c. Ineffective denial
d. Ineffective coping - Answer-b. Risk for other-directed violence
,10. When a patient with a personality disorder uses manipulation to get his or her needs
met, the staff decides to apply limit-setting interventions. What is the correct rationale
for this action?
a. It provides an outlet for feelings of anger and frustration.
b. It respects the patient's wishes so assertiveness will develop.
c. External controls are necessary while internal controls are developed.
d. Anxiety is reduced when staff members assume responsibility for the patient's
behavior. - Answer-c. External controls are necessary while internal controls are
developed.
11. A patient with borderline personality disorder and a history of selfmutilation
has now begun dialectical behavior therapy on an outpatient basis. Counseling
focuses on self-harm behavior management. Today the patient telephones to say, "I'm
feeling empty and want to cut myself." The nurse should:
a. arrange for emergency inpatient hospitalization.
b. send the patient to the crisis intervention unit for 8 to 12 hours.
c. assist the patient to identify the trigger situation and choose a coping strategy.
d. advise the patient to take an anti-anxiety medication to decrease the anxiety level. -
Answer-c. assist the patient to identify the trigger situation and choose a coping
strategy.
12. The most challenging nursing intervention with patients with personality disorders
who use manipulation to get their needs met is:
a. supporting behavioral change.
b. monitoring suicide attempts.
c. maintaining consistent limits.
d. using aversive therapy. - Answer-c. maintaining consistent limits.
13. The history shows that a newly admitted patient has impulsivity. The nurse would
expect behavior characterized by:
a. adherence to a strict moral code.
b. manipulative, controlling strategies.
c. postponing gratification to an appropriate time.
d. little time elapsed between thought and action. - Answer-d. little time elapsed
between thought and action.
14. A patient tells a nurse, "I sometimes get into trouble because I make quick decisions
and act on them." A therapeutic response would be:
a. "Let's consider the advantages of being able to stop and think before acting."
b. "It sounds as though you've developed some insight into your situation."
, c. "I'll bet you have some interesting stories to share about overreacting."
d. "It's good that you're showing readiness for behavioral change." - Answer-a. "Let's
consider the advantages of being able to stop and think before acting."
15. A patient with borderline personality disorder is hospitalized several times after self-
mutilating episodes. The patient remains impulsive. Dialectical behavior therapy starts
on an outpatient basis. Which nursing diagnosis is the focus of this therapy?
a. Risk for self-directed violence
b. Impaired skin integrity
c. Risk for injury
d. Powerlessness - Answer-a. Risk for self-directed violence
16. Which statement made by a patient with borderline personality disorder indicates
the treatment plan is effective?
a. "I think you are the best nurse on the unit."
b. "I'm never going to get high on drugs again."
c. "I hate my doctor for not giving me what I ask for."
d. "I felt empty and wanted to cut myself, so I called you." - Answer-d. "I felt empty and
wanted to cut myself, so I called you."
17. When preparing to interview a patient with narcissistic personality disorder, a nurse
can anticipate the assessment findings will include:
a. preoccupation with minute details; perfectionist.
b. charm, drama, seductiveness; seeking admiration.
c. difficulty being alone; indecisive, submissiveness.
d. grandiosity, self-importance, and a sense of entitlement. - Answer-d. grandiosity, self-
importance, and a sense of entitlement.
18. For which behavior would limit setting be most essential? The patient:
a. clings to the nurse and asks for advice about inconsequential matters.
b. is flirtatious and provocative with staff members of the opposite sex.
c. is hypervigilant and refuses to attend unit activities.
d. urges a suspicious patient to hit anyone who stares. - Answer-d. urges a suspicious
patient to hit anyone who stares.
19. A nurse in the emergency department tells an adult, "Your mother had a severe
stroke." The adult tearfully says, "Who will take care of me now? My mother always told
me what to do, what to wear, and what to eat. I need someone to reassure me when I
get anxious." Which term best describes this behavior?
a. Histrionic
b. Dependent
