WGU D449 – Psychiatric and Mental
Health Nursing Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with acute mania. Which
nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Encourage participation in group therapy
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
C. Discuss the client's unrealistic goals
D. Encourage long conversations about feelings
Correct Answer: B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania are hyperactive and often unable
to sit long enough to eat complete meals. Providing nutritious finger
foods and fluids helps maintain nutritional status and hydration while
accommodating increased activity. Addressing physiological needs takes
priority over psychosocial interventions.
, 2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states,
"Everyone would be better off without me." What is the nurse's
priority response?
A. "You shouldn't think that way."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
D. "Things will improve with time."
Rationale: Any statement suggesting hopelessness requires immediate
suicide assessment. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not
increase suicide risk and is the safest therapeutic intervention.
3. Which finding is most characteristic of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)?
A. Brief episodes of intense terror
B. Recurrent flashbacks
C. Excessive, persistent worry occurring most days for at least 6
months
D. Compulsive rituals that relieve anxiety
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by excessive,
uncontrollable anxiety and worry about multiple life events occurring
more days than not for at least six months, often accompanied by
physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep
disturbances.
, 4. Which action by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. Offering personal advice
B. Changing the subject when the client cries
C. Using silence to encourage expression of feelings
D. Telling the client everything will be fine
Rationale: Therapeutic silence allows clients time to reflect and express
emotions. It demonstrates active listening and supports the
development of trust without directing or judging the conversation.
5. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to
self-harm. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Ask what the voices are saying after leaving the room
B. Convince the client the voices are not real
C. Assess the client's intent to act on the hallucinations and ensure
safety
D. Ignore the hallucinations
Rationale: Command hallucinations significantly increase the risk of self-
harm or violence. The nurse must first determine whether the client
intends to obey the voices and immediately implement safety
precautions.
6. Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)?
, A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. Sertraline
D. Diazepam
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI commonly prescribed for depression,
anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. SSRIs increase serotonin availability
by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons.
7. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing panic-level anxiety.
Which finding would the nurse expect?
A. Increased problem-solving ability
B. Mild muscle tension
C. Inability to focus on the environment
D. Improved concentration
Rationale: Panic-level anxiety overwhelms the client's ability to think
logically or process environmental stimuli. The client may experience
terror, disorganized behavior, and impaired communication.
8. Which statement by a client taking lithium requires immediate
follow-up?
A. "I avoid becoming dehydrated."
B. "I have my blood levels checked regularly."
C. "I've had vomiting and diarrhea for two days."
D. "I take my medication with food."
Health Nursing Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with acute mania. Which
nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Encourage participation in group therapy
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
C. Discuss the client's unrealistic goals
D. Encourage long conversations about feelings
Correct Answer: B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania are hyperactive and often unable
to sit long enough to eat complete meals. Providing nutritious finger
foods and fluids helps maintain nutritional status and hydration while
accommodating increased activity. Addressing physiological needs takes
priority over psychosocial interventions.
, 2. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states,
"Everyone would be better off without me." What is the nurse's
priority response?
A. "You shouldn't think that way."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
D. "Things will improve with time."
Rationale: Any statement suggesting hopelessness requires immediate
suicide assessment. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not
increase suicide risk and is the safest therapeutic intervention.
3. Which finding is most characteristic of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)?
A. Brief episodes of intense terror
B. Recurrent flashbacks
C. Excessive, persistent worry occurring most days for at least 6
months
D. Compulsive rituals that relieve anxiety
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by excessive,
uncontrollable anxiety and worry about multiple life events occurring
more days than not for at least six months, often accompanied by
physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep
disturbances.
, 4. Which action by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. Offering personal advice
B. Changing the subject when the client cries
C. Using silence to encourage expression of feelings
D. Telling the client everything will be fine
Rationale: Therapeutic silence allows clients time to reflect and express
emotions. It demonstrates active listening and supports the
development of trust without directing or judging the conversation.
5. A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to
self-harm. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Ask what the voices are saying after leaving the room
B. Convince the client the voices are not real
C. Assess the client's intent to act on the hallucinations and ensure
safety
D. Ignore the hallucinations
Rationale: Command hallucinations significantly increase the risk of self-
harm or violence. The nurse must first determine whether the client
intends to obey the voices and immediately implement safety
precautions.
6. Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)?
, A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium
C. Sertraline
D. Diazepam
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI commonly prescribed for depression,
anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. SSRIs increase serotonin availability
by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons.
7. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing panic-level anxiety.
Which finding would the nurse expect?
A. Increased problem-solving ability
B. Mild muscle tension
C. Inability to focus on the environment
D. Improved concentration
Rationale: Panic-level anxiety overwhelms the client's ability to think
logically or process environmental stimuli. The client may experience
terror, disorganized behavior, and impaired communication.
8. Which statement by a client taking lithium requires immediate
follow-up?
A. "I avoid becoming dehydrated."
B. "I have my blood levels checked regularly."
C. "I've had vomiting and diarrhea for two days."
D. "I take my medication with food."
