NSG 3450 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
EXAM 3 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ||
100% GUARANTEED PASS!!
<LATEST VERSION>
1.
A patient who recently lost a spouse reports persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping,
and loss of appetite for the past three weeks. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Bipolar II Disorder
Answer: B. Major Depressive Disorder
Rationale: Symptoms lasting ≥2 weeks, including depressed mood and functional
impairment, after a significant loss suggest MDD rather than adjustment disorder
(which is usually less severe) or dysthymia (chronic low mood ≥2 years).
2.
Which statement by a patient taking an SSRI indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement.”
B. “I should stop the medication once I feel better.”
C. “I should report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.”
D. “I need to take this daily as prescribed.”
,Answer: B. “I should stop the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
Patients must be taught to taper under supervision.
3.
Which of the following is a common trigger for Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Acute infection
B. Chronic pain
C. Mild fatigue
D. Minor stressors
Answer: B. Chronic pain
Rationale: Chronic pain is a recognized risk factor for MDD due to its ongoing
physical and emotional burden.
4.
A patient presents with anhedonia, feelings of guilt, and suicidal ideation. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Assess suicide risk and ensure safety
C. Administer prescribed SSRI
D. Teach relaxation techniques
Answer: B. Assess suicide risk and ensure safety
Rationale: Immediate safety is the priority in patients with suicidal ideation. Other
interventions are secondary.
5.
Which assessment finding is most indicative of a major depressive episode?
A. Euphoric mood with rapid speech
B. Depressed mood nearly every day, loss of interest, significant weight change
,C. Panic attacks with palpitations
D. Compulsive handwashing
Answer: B. Depressed mood nearly every day, loss of interest, significant weight
change
Rationale: Core symptoms of MDD include depressed mood and anhedonia with
associated somatic changes.
6.
A patient asks how long it will take for an antidepressant to work. What is the best
response?
A. “You will feel better tomorrow.”
B. “Most medications take 4–6 weeks to show full effect.”
C. “It depends on how often you exercise.”
D. “You should stop if there’s no change in one week.”
Answer: B. “Most medications take 4–6 weeks to show full effect.”
Rationale: SSRIs and other antidepressants typically require several weeks for
therapeutic benefit.
7.
Which ethical principle is most relevant when a patient refuses medication but is at
high suicide risk?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Answer: C. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence involves taking actions that benefit the patient, including
intervening when their safety is at risk, even if it conflicts with autonomy in
emergencies.
, 8.
A patient with MDD reports that they feel hopeless and worthless. Which nursing
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Anxiety
B. Risk for Suicide
C. Ineffective Coping
D. Impaired Social Interaction
Answer: B. Risk for Suicide
Rationale: Hopelessness and worthlessness are major risk factors for suicidal
behavior, requiring immediate attention.
9.
Which is an appropriate patient education point for someone starting fluoxetine
(Prozac)?
A. “Avoid alcohol and sedatives during treatment.”
B. “You can double your dose if symptoms persist after one week.”
C. “You may stop the medication once you feel better.”
D. “You should avoid eating protein-rich foods.”
Answer: A. “Avoid alcohol and sedatives during treatment.”
Rationale: Alcohol can worsen depression and increase sedative effects, posing
safety risks.
10.
Which symptom is unique to atypical depression compared to classic MDD?
A. Weight loss
B. Hypersomnia
C. Fatigue
D. Depressed mood
EXAM 3 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES ||
100% GUARANTEED PASS!!
<LATEST VERSION>
1.
A patient who recently lost a spouse reports persistent sadness, difficulty sleeping,
and loss of appetite for the past three weeks. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Dysthymia
D. Bipolar II Disorder
Answer: B. Major Depressive Disorder
Rationale: Symptoms lasting ≥2 weeks, including depressed mood and functional
impairment, after a significant loss suggest MDD rather than adjustment disorder
(which is usually less severe) or dysthymia (chronic low mood ≥2 years).
2.
Which statement by a patient taking an SSRI indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “It may take a few weeks before I notice improvement.”
B. “I should stop the medication once I feel better.”
C. “I should report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.”
D. “I need to take this daily as prescribed.”
,Answer: B. “I should stop the medication once I feel better.”
Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
Patients must be taught to taper under supervision.
3.
Which of the following is a common trigger for Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Acute infection
B. Chronic pain
C. Mild fatigue
D. Minor stressors
Answer: B. Chronic pain
Rationale: Chronic pain is a recognized risk factor for MDD due to its ongoing
physical and emotional burden.
4.
A patient presents with anhedonia, feelings of guilt, and suicidal ideation. What is
the nurse’s priority intervention?
A. Encourage journaling
B. Assess suicide risk and ensure safety
C. Administer prescribed SSRI
D. Teach relaxation techniques
Answer: B. Assess suicide risk and ensure safety
Rationale: Immediate safety is the priority in patients with suicidal ideation. Other
interventions are secondary.
5.
Which assessment finding is most indicative of a major depressive episode?
A. Euphoric mood with rapid speech
B. Depressed mood nearly every day, loss of interest, significant weight change
,C. Panic attacks with palpitations
D. Compulsive handwashing
Answer: B. Depressed mood nearly every day, loss of interest, significant weight
change
Rationale: Core symptoms of MDD include depressed mood and anhedonia with
associated somatic changes.
6.
A patient asks how long it will take for an antidepressant to work. What is the best
response?
A. “You will feel better tomorrow.”
B. “Most medications take 4–6 weeks to show full effect.”
C. “It depends on how often you exercise.”
D. “You should stop if there’s no change in one week.”
Answer: B. “Most medications take 4–6 weeks to show full effect.”
Rationale: SSRIs and other antidepressants typically require several weeks for
therapeutic benefit.
7.
Which ethical principle is most relevant when a patient refuses medication but is at
high suicide risk?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Answer: C. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence involves taking actions that benefit the patient, including
intervening when their safety is at risk, even if it conflicts with autonomy in
emergencies.
, 8.
A patient with MDD reports that they feel hopeless and worthless. Which nursing
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Anxiety
B. Risk for Suicide
C. Ineffective Coping
D. Impaired Social Interaction
Answer: B. Risk for Suicide
Rationale: Hopelessness and worthlessness are major risk factors for suicidal
behavior, requiring immediate attention.
9.
Which is an appropriate patient education point for someone starting fluoxetine
(Prozac)?
A. “Avoid alcohol and sedatives during treatment.”
B. “You can double your dose if symptoms persist after one week.”
C. “You may stop the medication once you feel better.”
D. “You should avoid eating protein-rich foods.”
Answer: A. “Avoid alcohol and sedatives during treatment.”
Rationale: Alcohol can worsen depression and increase sedative effects, posing
safety risks.
10.
Which symptom is unique to atypical depression compared to classic MDD?
A. Weight loss
B. Hypersomnia
C. Fatigue
D. Depressed mood
