RN Mental Health 2026
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with major depressive disorder. Which statement by the
client requires the nurse's immediate intervention?
A. "I don't feel like eating today."
B. "Nothing will ever get better."
C. "My family would be better off without me."
D. "I don't want to attend group therapy."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Statements indicating suicidal ideation or hopelessness with perceived burden
require immediate assessment and intervention.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Encourage the client to discuss the source of anxiety.
B. Administer prescribed antidepressants.
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements.
D. Teach relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is ensuring safety while providing calm reassurance
using brief, simple communication.
,Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who states, "The FBI has placed a chip in my
brain." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "That is not true."
B. "Why do you think the FBI would do that?"
C. "I understand that this feels real to you, but I do not share that belief."
D. "Tell me more about the chip."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing or arguing
about the delusion.
, Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Slow speech and poor eye contact
B. Flight of ideas and decreased need for sleep
C. Withdrawal from social interactions
D. Excessive guilt and hopelessness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mania is characterized by rapid thoughts, pressured speech, increased energy, and
decreased need for sleep.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with major depressive disorder. Which statement by the
client requires the nurse's immediate intervention?
A. "I don't feel like eating today."
B. "Nothing will ever get better."
C. "My family would be better off without me."
D. "I don't want to attend group therapy."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Statements indicating suicidal ideation or hopelessness with perceived burden
require immediate assessment and intervention.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing action is the priority?
A. Encourage the client to discuss the source of anxiety.
B. Administer prescribed antidepressants.
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements.
D. Teach relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is ensuring safety while providing calm reassurance
using brief, simple communication.
,Question 3
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who states, "The FBI has placed a chip in my
brain." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. "That is not true."
B. "Why do you think the FBI would do that?"
C. "I understand that this feels real to you, but I do not share that belief."
D. "Tell me more about the chip."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing or arguing
about the delusion.
, Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Slow speech and poor eye contact
B. Flight of ideas and decreased need for sleep
C. Withdrawal from social interactions
D. Excessive guilt and hopelessness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mania is characterized by rapid thoughts, pressured speech, increased energy, and
decreased need for sleep.
