NUR 384 – Mental Health Nursing Final
Exam (Concordia University, St. Paul)
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2027 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, “Nothing will ever
get better, I might as well give up.” What is the nurse’s priority
response?
A. “Why do you feel that way?”
B. “You should try to think more positively.”
C. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
D. “Many people feel this way sometimes.”
Rationale: This statement suggests possible suicidal ideation. The
priority is to directly assess safety and determine if the client has intent
or a plan. Asking about self-harm is a priority nursing intervention.
, 2. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the client to focus on the voices
B. Tell the client the voices are real
C. Engage the client in reality-based activities
D. Ask the client to describe the hallucinations in detail
Rationale: Reality-based activities help reduce focus on hallucinations
and reinforce external reality. Validating hallucinations or encouraging
focus on them is not therapeutic.
3. A client with panic disorder begins hyperventilating. What should
the nurse do first?
A. Leave the client alone to calm down
B. Teach relaxation techniques immediately
C. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
D. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication
Rationale: The priority is to ensure safety and remain with the client to
reduce fear. Calm presence helps decrease escalation during panic
attacks.
, 4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly
washes hands. Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “Stop washing your hands so much.”
B. “Tell me what you are feeling before you wash your hands.”
C. “Your behavior is irrational.”
D. “Let’s discuss why your behavior is unnecessary.”
Rationale: Exploring feelings promotes awareness without reinforcing
compulsions or inducing shame.
5. Which symptom is most consistent with mania?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Flat affect
C. Decreased need for sleep and grandiosity
D. Increased appetite and hypersomnia
Rationale: Mania is characterized by elevated mood, decreased sleep,
and inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
6. A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors
, B. Anxiety
C. Seizure activity
D. Mild diaphoresis
Rationale: Seizures indicate severe withdrawal and are life-threatening,
requiring immediate medical intervention.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with dementia. Which intervention
helps reduce confusion?
A. Frequently change the client’s environment
B. Maintain a consistent routine
C. Use abstract language
D. Encourage multitasking
Rationale: Consistency and routine reduce confusion and promote
orientation in clients with cognitive impairment.
8. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Exam (Concordia University, St. Paul)
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2027 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, “Nothing will ever
get better, I might as well give up.” What is the nurse’s priority
response?
A. “Why do you feel that way?”
B. “You should try to think more positively.”
C. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
D. “Many people feel this way sometimes.”
Rationale: This statement suggests possible suicidal ideation. The
priority is to directly assess safety and determine if the client has intent
or a plan. Asking about self-harm is a priority nursing intervention.
, 2. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage the client to focus on the voices
B. Tell the client the voices are real
C. Engage the client in reality-based activities
D. Ask the client to describe the hallucinations in detail
Rationale: Reality-based activities help reduce focus on hallucinations
and reinforce external reality. Validating hallucinations or encouraging
focus on them is not therapeutic.
3. A client with panic disorder begins hyperventilating. What should
the nurse do first?
A. Leave the client alone to calm down
B. Teach relaxation techniques immediately
C. Stay with the client and provide reassurance
D. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication
Rationale: The priority is to ensure safety and remain with the client to
reduce fear. Calm presence helps decrease escalation during panic
attacks.
, 4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly
washes hands. Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “Stop washing your hands so much.”
B. “Tell me what you are feeling before you wash your hands.”
C. “Your behavior is irrational.”
D. “Let’s discuss why your behavior is unnecessary.”
Rationale: Exploring feelings promotes awareness without reinforcing
compulsions or inducing shame.
5. Which symptom is most consistent with mania?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Flat affect
C. Decreased need for sleep and grandiosity
D. Increased appetite and hypersomnia
Rationale: Mania is characterized by elevated mood, decreased sleep,
and inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
6. A client is admitted with alcohol withdrawal. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Tremors
, B. Anxiety
C. Seizure activity
D. Mild diaphoresis
Rationale: Seizures indicate severe withdrawal and are life-threatening,
requiring immediate medical intervention.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with dementia. Which intervention
helps reduce confusion?
A. Frequently change the client’s environment
B. Maintain a consistent routine
C. Use abstract language
D. Encourage multitasking
Rationale: Consistency and routine reduce confusion and promote
orientation in clients with cognitive impairment.
8. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol. Which side
effect should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
