NSG 130 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING EXAM 2 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Psychopharmacology and Medication Management
Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing
Mood Disorders: Depression and Bipolar
Anxiety Disorders and OCD
Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Personality Disorders
Substance Use Disorders and Withdrawal Management
Suicide Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention
Milieu Therapy and Restraint Application
Introduction:
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess entry-level mental health nursing knowledge and clinical
judgment essential for safe, patient-centered care. Questions integrate foundational psychiatric theory,
psychopharmacology, legal standards, and ethical decision-making. Each item presents realistic clinical scenarios
requiring prioritization, differentiation of symptoms, and application of therapeutic communication. The multiple-
,choice format challenges learners to recognize subtle distinctions in mental status findings, side effect profiles, and
crisis interventions. Correct answers are verified with concise rationales to reinforce evidence-based practice.
Mastery of this content prepares the nurse to function effectively in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency
psychiatric settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, “I just can’t do anything right anymore. I’m a complete
failure.” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes.”
B. “It sounds like you are feeling really down about yourself right now.”
C. “Let’s make a list of all the things you’ve done well this week.”
D. “Why do you think you feel like a failure?”
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Reflecting feelings (“It sounds like…”) validates emotion without judgment, promoting trust and
further disclosure. Option A offers false reassurance. Option C changes focus prematurely. Option D asks “why,”
which can feel accusatory.
Question 2
A patient prescribed fluoxetine for depression reports headache, nausea, and insomnia. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
,B. Administer PRN acetaminophen and encourage fluids
C. Reassure the patient that side effects usually resolve in 1–2 weeks
D. Suggest switching to bedtime dosing to reduce insomnia
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Fluoxetine (SSRI) commonly causes transient GI upset, headache, and sleep disturbance.
Reassurance that these effects often subside is appropriate initial management. Notify provider only if severe or
persistent. Bedtime dosing may help insomnia but does not address headache/nausea first.
Question 3
A patient with bipolar I disorder is brought to the ED by police after being found naked in a fountain, shouting
about receiving messages from God. The patient has not slept for four days. What is the priority nursing
diagnosis?
A. Risk for injury related to poor judgment and hyperactivity
B. Impaired social interaction related to grandiosity
C. Disturbed thought process related to delusions
D. Self-care deficit related to disorganized behavior
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Physical safety is always the priority. This patient’s mania with psychotic features, sleep
deprivation, and disinhibition (nudity, water) creates immediate injury risk (drowning, trauma, hypothermia).
Question 4
According to the DSM-5-TR, which duration of symptoms is required for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)?
A. At least 1 week
B. At least 2 weeks
, C. At least 6 months
D. At least 12 months
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months,
along with associated symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, muscle tension, sleep
disturbance).
Question 5
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The CIA planted cameras in my teeth to watch my thoughts.” The
nurse’s best response is:
A. “That sounds frightening. Has anyone ever tried to hurt you before?”
B. “I don’t see any cameras. That’s not real.”
C. “The CIA does not monitor patients in hospitals.”
D. “Tell me more about the cameras in your teeth.”
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Acknowledging the patient’s emotional experience (“That sounds frightening”) while redirecting
to safety is therapeutic. Debating delusions (B, C) damages rapport. Exploring content (D) may reinforce
psychosis.
Question 6
A patient is admitted involuntarily for suicidal ideation with a plan. The patient demands to leave the unit. What
is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You are free to go, but you will need to sign a release form.”
B. “I will call security to restrain you if you try to leave.”
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains:
Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Psychopharmacology and Medication Management
Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing
Mood Disorders: Depression and Bipolar
Anxiety Disorders and OCD
Psychosis and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Personality Disorders
Substance Use Disorders and Withdrawal Management
Suicide Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention
Milieu Therapy and Restraint Application
Introduction:
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess entry-level mental health nursing knowledge and clinical
judgment essential for safe, patient-centered care. Questions integrate foundational psychiatric theory,
psychopharmacology, legal standards, and ethical decision-making. Each item presents realistic clinical scenarios
requiring prioritization, differentiation of symptoms, and application of therapeutic communication. The multiple-
,choice format challenges learners to recognize subtle distinctions in mental status findings, side effect profiles, and
crisis interventions. Correct answers are verified with concise rationales to reinforce evidence-based practice.
Mastery of this content prepares the nurse to function effectively in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency
psychiatric settings.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, “I just can’t do anything right anymore. I’m a complete
failure.” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes.”
B. “It sounds like you are feeling really down about yourself right now.”
C. “Let’s make a list of all the things you’ve done well this week.”
D. “Why do you think you feel like a failure?”
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Reflecting feelings (“It sounds like…”) validates emotion without judgment, promoting trust and
further disclosure. Option A offers false reassurance. Option C changes focus prematurely. Option D asks “why,”
which can feel accusatory.
Question 2
A patient prescribed fluoxetine for depression reports headache, nausea, and insomnia. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Hold the next dose and notify the provider
,B. Administer PRN acetaminophen and encourage fluids
C. Reassure the patient that side effects usually resolve in 1–2 weeks
D. Suggest switching to bedtime dosing to reduce insomnia
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Fluoxetine (SSRI) commonly causes transient GI upset, headache, and sleep disturbance.
Reassurance that these effects often subside is appropriate initial management. Notify provider only if severe or
persistent. Bedtime dosing may help insomnia but does not address headache/nausea first.
Question 3
A patient with bipolar I disorder is brought to the ED by police after being found naked in a fountain, shouting
about receiving messages from God. The patient has not slept for four days. What is the priority nursing
diagnosis?
A. Risk for injury related to poor judgment and hyperactivity
B. Impaired social interaction related to grandiosity
C. Disturbed thought process related to delusions
D. Self-care deficit related to disorganized behavior
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Physical safety is always the priority. This patient’s mania with psychotic features, sleep
deprivation, and disinhibition (nudity, water) creates immediate injury risk (drowning, trauma, hypothermia).
Question 4
According to the DSM-5-TR, which duration of symptoms is required for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)?
A. At least 1 week
B. At least 2 weeks
, C. At least 6 months
D. At least 12 months
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months,
along with associated symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, muscle tension, sleep
disturbance).
Question 5
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, “The CIA planted cameras in my teeth to watch my thoughts.” The
nurse’s best response is:
A. “That sounds frightening. Has anyone ever tried to hurt you before?”
B. “I don’t see any cameras. That’s not real.”
C. “The CIA does not monitor patients in hospitals.”
D. “Tell me more about the cameras in your teeth.”
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Acknowledging the patient’s emotional experience (“That sounds frightening”) while redirecting
to safety is therapeutic. Debating delusions (B, C) damages rapport. Exploring content (D) may reinforce
psychosis.
Question 6
A patient is admitted involuntarily for suicidal ideation with a plan. The patient demands to leave the unit. What
is the nurse’s best response?
A. “You are free to go, but you will need to sign a release form.”
B. “I will call security to restrain you if you try to leave.”
