NUR 384 Mental Health Nursing Midterm
Exam (Concordia University, St. Paul)
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2027 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1.
A nurse is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which
symptom is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Elevated mood and pressured speech
B. Persistent sadness and anhedonia
C. Hallucinations and disorganized speech
D. Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
Answer: B. Persistent sadness and anhedonia
Rationale: Major depressive disorder is primarily characterized by a
persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure
(anhedonia), which distinguishes it from manic or psychotic disorders.
,2.
Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for a client
expressing suicidal ideation?
A. Encourage journaling of feelings
B. Place the client in a private room
C. Initiate one-to-one observation
D. Allow unrestricted visitation
Answer: C. Initiate one-to-one observation
Rationale: Clients with suicidal ideation require constant supervision
to ensure safety and prevent self-harm, making one-to-one
observation the highest priority.
3.
Which neurotransmitter is most associated with schizophrenia?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
,Answer: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Schizophrenia is strongly linked to dopamine dysregulation,
particularly excess dopamine activity in certain brain pathways.
4.
A client with panic disorder experiences sudden chest pain and
shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer PRN antipsychotic
B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
C. Leave the client alone to reduce stimulation
D. Encourage deep analysis of triggers
Answer: B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with the
client to provide safety and grounding, reducing fear and escalation.
5.
Which behavior is most consistent with mania?
A. Social withdrawal and flat affect
B. Excessive sleeping and fatigue
, C. Grandiosity and impulsive spending
D. Excessive guilt and psychomotor retardation
Answer: C. Grandiosity and impulsive spending
Rationale: Mania is characterized by elevated mood, inflated self-
esteem, decreased inhibition, and impulsive behaviors.
6.
Which medication classification is most commonly used as first-line
treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Antipsychotics
B. SSRIs
C. Mood stabilizers
D. Benzodiazepines only
Answer: B. SSRIs
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line long-
term treatments for anxiety disorders due to efficacy and safety
profile.
7.
Exam (Concordia University, St. Paul)
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2027 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1.
A nurse is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which
symptom is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Elevated mood and pressured speech
B. Persistent sadness and anhedonia
C. Hallucinations and disorganized speech
D. Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
Answer: B. Persistent sadness and anhedonia
Rationale: Major depressive disorder is primarily characterized by a
persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure
(anhedonia), which distinguishes it from manic or psychotic disorders.
,2.
Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for a client
expressing suicidal ideation?
A. Encourage journaling of feelings
B. Place the client in a private room
C. Initiate one-to-one observation
D. Allow unrestricted visitation
Answer: C. Initiate one-to-one observation
Rationale: Clients with suicidal ideation require constant supervision
to ensure safety and prevent self-harm, making one-to-one
observation the highest priority.
3.
Which neurotransmitter is most associated with schizophrenia?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Dopamine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
,Answer: B. Dopamine
Rationale: Schizophrenia is strongly linked to dopamine dysregulation,
particularly excess dopamine activity in certain brain pathways.
4.
A client with panic disorder experiences sudden chest pain and
shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer PRN antipsychotic
B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
C. Leave the client alone to reduce stimulation
D. Encourage deep analysis of triggers
Answer: B. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with the
client to provide safety and grounding, reducing fear and escalation.
5.
Which behavior is most consistent with mania?
A. Social withdrawal and flat affect
B. Excessive sleeping and fatigue
, C. Grandiosity and impulsive spending
D. Excessive guilt and psychomotor retardation
Answer: C. Grandiosity and impulsive spending
Rationale: Mania is characterized by elevated mood, inflated self-
esteem, decreased inhibition, and impulsive behaviors.
6.
Which medication classification is most commonly used as first-line
treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Antipsychotics
B. SSRIs
C. Mood stabilizers
D. Benzodiazepines only
Answer: B. SSRIs
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line long-
term treatments for anxiety disorders due to efficacy and safety
profile.
7.
