Psych Nursing NCLEX Review
Questions an accurate answers|
Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep
2026
1. Question
Nurse Tony should first discuss terminating the nurse-client relationship with a
client during the:
A. Termination phase when discharge plans are being made.
B. Working phase when the client shows some progress.
C. Orientation phase when a contract is established.
D. Working phase when the client brings it up.
Correct Answer: C. Orientation phase when a contract is established.
When the nurse and client agree to work together, a contract should be
established, the length of the relationship should be discussed in terms of its
ultimate termination. Termination of a meaningful nurse-client relationship
should be final in any setting. To provide the client with even a hint that the
relationship will continue is inappropriate, unprofessional, and unethical; for
example, the LPN informs the client that he/she may contact the client on social
media to check on their condition after discharge.
.
2. 2. Question
Malou is diagnosed with major depression and spends the majority of the day
lying in bed with the sheet pulled over his head. Which of the following
approaches by the nurse would be the most therapeutic?
A. Question the client until he responds.
B. Initiate contact with the client frequently.
Page 1 of 52
, C. Sit outside the client's room.
D. Wait for the client to begin the conversation.
Correct Answer: B. Initiate contact with the client frequently
The nurse should initiate brief, frequent contacts throughout the day to let the
client know that he is important to the nurse. This will positively affect the client’s
self-esteem. Initially, provide activities that require minimal concentration (e.g.,
drawing, playing simple board games). Depressed people lack concentration and
memory. Activities that have no “right or wrong” or “winner or loser” minimizes
opportunities for the client to put himself/herself down.
3. 3. Question
Joe who is very depressed exhibits psychomotor retardation, a flat affect, and
apathy. The nurse in charge observes Joe to be in need of grooming and hygiene.
Which of the following nursing actions would be most appropriate?
A. Waiting until the client’s family can participate in the client’s care.
B. Asking the client if he is ready to take shower.
C. Explaining the importance of hygiene to the client.
D. Stating to the client that it’s time for him to take a shower.
Correct
Correct
Correct Answer: D. Stating to the client that it’s time for him to take a
shower
The client with depression is preoccupied, has decreased energy, and is unable to
make decisions. The nurse presents the situation, “It’s time for a shower”, and
assists the client with personal hygiene to preserve his dignity and self-esteem.
Encourage the use of soap, washcloth, toothbrush, shaving equipment, make-up,
etc. Being clean and well-groomed can temporarily increase self-esteem.
.
4. 4. Question
When teaching Mario with a typical depression about foods to avoid while taking
phenelzine(Nardil), which of the following would the nurse in charge include?
Page 2 of 52
, A. Roasted chicken
B. Fresh fish
C. Salami
Correct answer
D. Hamburger
Correct Answer: C. Salami
Foods high in tyramine, those that are fermented, pickled, aged, or smoked must
be avoided because when they are ingested in combination with MAOIs a
hypertensive crisis will occur. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine found in
the body as well as certain foods, drinks, and other medications. Patients that
take MAOIs and consume tyramine-containing foods or drinks will exhibit high
serum tyramine level. A high level of tyramine can cause a sudden increase in
blood pressure, called the tyramine pressor response. Even though it is rare, a
high tyramine level can trigger a cerebral hemorrhage, which can even result in
death.
5. 5. Question
When assessing a female client who is receiving tricyclic antidepressant therapy,
which of the following would alert the nurse to the possibility that the client is
experiencing anticholinergic effects?
A. Urine retention and blurred vision
Correct answer
B. Respiratory depression and convulsion
C. Delirium and Sedation
D. Tremors and cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: A. Urine retention and blurred vision
Anticholinergic effects, which result from blockage of the parasympathetic
(craniosacral) nervous system including urine retention, blurred vision, dry mouth
& constipation. TCAs have varying degrees of receptor affinities, leading to
several adverse effects. The most common adverse effects include constipation,
dizziness, and xerostomia. Due to its blockade of cholinergic receptors, it can lead
to blurred vision, constipation, xerostomia, confusion, urinary retention, and
tachycardia.
Page 3 of 52
, 6. 6. Question
For a male client with dysthymic disorder, which of the following approaches
would the nurse expect to implement?
A. ECT
B. Psychotherapeutic approach
Correct answer
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Antidepressant therapy
Correct Answer: B. Psychotherapeutic approach
Dysthymia is a less severe, chronic depression diagnosed when a client has had a
depressed mood for more days than not over a period of at least 2 years. Clients
with dysthymic disorder benefit from psychotherapeutic approaches that assist
the client in reversing the negative self-image, negative feelings about the future.
In addition to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy may be helpful. However, Dunner
cautions that “treatment with psychotherapy is difficult.” A number of
psychotherapies have been advocated including cognitive behavioral analysis
system of psychotherapy (CBASP), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive
behavioral therapy, manualized group therapy and problem-solving therapy,
These do not exclude the potential value of supportive or psychodynamic
psychotherapies.
7. 7. Question
Danny, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and acute mania, states the nurse,
“Where is my daughter? I love Louis. Rain, rain go away. Dogs eat dirt.” The nurse
interprets these statements as indicating which of the following?
A. Echolalia
B. Neologism
C. Clang associations
D. Flight of ideas
Correct
Correct
Page 4 of 52
Questions an accurate answers|
Mental Health Nursing Exam Prep
2026
1. Question
Nurse Tony should first discuss terminating the nurse-client relationship with a
client during the:
A. Termination phase when discharge plans are being made.
B. Working phase when the client shows some progress.
C. Orientation phase when a contract is established.
D. Working phase when the client brings it up.
Correct Answer: C. Orientation phase when a contract is established.
When the nurse and client agree to work together, a contract should be
established, the length of the relationship should be discussed in terms of its
ultimate termination. Termination of a meaningful nurse-client relationship
should be final in any setting. To provide the client with even a hint that the
relationship will continue is inappropriate, unprofessional, and unethical; for
example, the LPN informs the client that he/she may contact the client on social
media to check on their condition after discharge.
.
2. 2. Question
Malou is diagnosed with major depression and spends the majority of the day
lying in bed with the sheet pulled over his head. Which of the following
approaches by the nurse would be the most therapeutic?
A. Question the client until he responds.
B. Initiate contact with the client frequently.
Page 1 of 52
, C. Sit outside the client's room.
D. Wait for the client to begin the conversation.
Correct Answer: B. Initiate contact with the client frequently
The nurse should initiate brief, frequent contacts throughout the day to let the
client know that he is important to the nurse. This will positively affect the client’s
self-esteem. Initially, provide activities that require minimal concentration (e.g.,
drawing, playing simple board games). Depressed people lack concentration and
memory. Activities that have no “right or wrong” or “winner or loser” minimizes
opportunities for the client to put himself/herself down.
3. 3. Question
Joe who is very depressed exhibits psychomotor retardation, a flat affect, and
apathy. The nurse in charge observes Joe to be in need of grooming and hygiene.
Which of the following nursing actions would be most appropriate?
A. Waiting until the client’s family can participate in the client’s care.
B. Asking the client if he is ready to take shower.
C. Explaining the importance of hygiene to the client.
D. Stating to the client that it’s time for him to take a shower.
Correct
Correct
Correct Answer: D. Stating to the client that it’s time for him to take a
shower
The client with depression is preoccupied, has decreased energy, and is unable to
make decisions. The nurse presents the situation, “It’s time for a shower”, and
assists the client with personal hygiene to preserve his dignity and self-esteem.
Encourage the use of soap, washcloth, toothbrush, shaving equipment, make-up,
etc. Being clean and well-groomed can temporarily increase self-esteem.
.
4. 4. Question
When teaching Mario with a typical depression about foods to avoid while taking
phenelzine(Nardil), which of the following would the nurse in charge include?
Page 2 of 52
, A. Roasted chicken
B. Fresh fish
C. Salami
Correct answer
D. Hamburger
Correct Answer: C. Salami
Foods high in tyramine, those that are fermented, pickled, aged, or smoked must
be avoided because when they are ingested in combination with MAOIs a
hypertensive crisis will occur. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine found in
the body as well as certain foods, drinks, and other medications. Patients that
take MAOIs and consume tyramine-containing foods or drinks will exhibit high
serum tyramine level. A high level of tyramine can cause a sudden increase in
blood pressure, called the tyramine pressor response. Even though it is rare, a
high tyramine level can trigger a cerebral hemorrhage, which can even result in
death.
5. 5. Question
When assessing a female client who is receiving tricyclic antidepressant therapy,
which of the following would alert the nurse to the possibility that the client is
experiencing anticholinergic effects?
A. Urine retention and blurred vision
Correct answer
B. Respiratory depression and convulsion
C. Delirium and Sedation
D. Tremors and cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: A. Urine retention and blurred vision
Anticholinergic effects, which result from blockage of the parasympathetic
(craniosacral) nervous system including urine retention, blurred vision, dry mouth
& constipation. TCAs have varying degrees of receptor affinities, leading to
several adverse effects. The most common adverse effects include constipation,
dizziness, and xerostomia. Due to its blockade of cholinergic receptors, it can lead
to blurred vision, constipation, xerostomia, confusion, urinary retention, and
tachycardia.
Page 3 of 52
, 6. 6. Question
For a male client with dysthymic disorder, which of the following approaches
would the nurse expect to implement?
A. ECT
B. Psychotherapeutic approach
Correct answer
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Antidepressant therapy
Correct Answer: B. Psychotherapeutic approach
Dysthymia is a less severe, chronic depression diagnosed when a client has had a
depressed mood for more days than not over a period of at least 2 years. Clients
with dysthymic disorder benefit from psychotherapeutic approaches that assist
the client in reversing the negative self-image, negative feelings about the future.
In addition to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy may be helpful. However, Dunner
cautions that “treatment with psychotherapy is difficult.” A number of
psychotherapies have been advocated including cognitive behavioral analysis
system of psychotherapy (CBASP), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive
behavioral therapy, manualized group therapy and problem-solving therapy,
These do not exclude the potential value of supportive or psychodynamic
psychotherapies.
7. 7. Question
Danny, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and acute mania, states the nurse,
“Where is my daughter? I love Louis. Rain, rain go away. Dogs eat dirt.” The nurse
interprets these statements as indicating which of the following?
A. Echolalia
B. Neologism
C. Clang associations
D. Flight of ideas
Correct
Correct
Page 4 of 52
