National University NUR 350 Module 3 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A | Nursing
1. A patient with a history of major depressive disorder is admitted to the
unit. The nurse observes that the patient is withdrawn, speaks slowly, and
has a flat affect. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is the highest
priority for this patient?
A) Impaired social interaction
B) Chronic low self-esteem
C) Risk for suicide
D) Disturbed thought processes
Correct Answer: Risk for suicide
Rationale: In major depressive disorder, suicide risk is the highest priority
concern. Safety always takes precedence over other psychosocial needs.
While the other diagnoses may be relevant, they are not life-threatening and
can be addressed after ensuring the patient's immediate safety.
2. A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I don't see the
point in living anymore." Which of the following is the most appropriate initial
response?
A) "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B) "Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?"
C) "I understand how you feel. I've been there myself."
D) "Let's focus on the positive things in your life."
Correct Answer: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?"
Rationale: This is a direct, non-judgmental question that assesses for suicidal
ideation and intent. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant
,the idea; rather, it opens the door for the patient to share their distress and
allows the nurse to implement appropriate safety interventions.
3. A patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is currently in a manic phase.
Which of the following interventions is most important for the nurse to
implement?
A) Encourage the patient to participate in group therapy to discuss their
feelings
B) Provide a quiet, structured environment with minimal stimulation
C) Allow the patient to make their own decisions about activities
D) Encourage the patient to channel their energy into competitive games
Correct Answer: Provide a quiet, structured environment with minimal
stimulation
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are highly distractible, have poor
judgment, and can become easily overstimulated. A quiet, structured
environment with clear limits helps reduce agitation and promote safety.
4. A patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the
following symptoms is characteristic of this disorder?
A) Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
B) Excessive worry about a number of events or activities for at least six
months
C) Fear of social situations where the patient may be scrutinized
D) Intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors
Correct Answer: Excessive worry about a number of events or activities for at
least six months
,Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive,
difficult-to-control worry about multiple events or activities, occurring more
days than not for at least six months. This distinguishes it from panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
5. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly checks the
locks on the doors. The nurse understands that this behavior is a:
A) Compulsion
B) Obsession
C) Delusion
D) Hallucination
Correct Answer: Compulsion
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (like checking, washing, or
counting) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession
(an intrusive, unwanted thought). The checking is an attempt to reduce
anxiety related to the fear of something bad happening.
6. A patient is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which of the
following is a characteristic feature of this disorder?
A) Grandiosity and a need for admiration
B) Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect
C) Detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions
D) A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control
Correct Answer: Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and
affect
, Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive
pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects,
and marked impulsivity. Patients often experience intense fear of
abandonment and engage in self-harming behaviors.
7. A patient with antisocial personality disorder is being discharged. Which of
the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) "I know I need to take my medication as prescribed."
B) "I can stop taking my medication when I feel better."
C) "I will attend my follow-up appointments."
D) "I understand I should avoid alcohol and drugs."
Correct Answer: "I can stop taking my medication when I feel better."
Rationale: Patients with antisocial personality disorder may have difficulty
adhering to treatment and may act impulsively. Stopping medication
prematurely can lead to relapse. The statement indicates a lack of insight
into the need for ongoing treatment.
8. A nurse is planning care for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which of the
following is the priority nursing intervention?
A) Encouraging the patient to keep a journal of their feelings
B) Monitoring the patient's weight and vital signs
C) Allowing the patient to choose their own meals
D) Providing education about nutrition
Correct Answer: Monitoring the patient's weight and vital signs
Health Nursing Q&A | Nursing
1. A patient with a history of major depressive disorder is admitted to the
unit. The nurse observes that the patient is withdrawn, speaks slowly, and
has a flat affect. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is the highest
priority for this patient?
A) Impaired social interaction
B) Chronic low self-esteem
C) Risk for suicide
D) Disturbed thought processes
Correct Answer: Risk for suicide
Rationale: In major depressive disorder, suicide risk is the highest priority
concern. Safety always takes precedence over other psychosocial needs.
While the other diagnoses may be relevant, they are not life-threatening and
can be addressed after ensuring the patient's immediate safety.
2. A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I don't see the
point in living anymore." Which of the following is the most appropriate initial
response?
A) "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B) "Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?"
C) "I understand how you feel. I've been there myself."
D) "Let's focus on the positive things in your life."
Correct Answer: "Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?"
Rationale: This is a direct, non-judgmental question that assesses for suicidal
ideation and intent. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant
,the idea; rather, it opens the door for the patient to share their distress and
allows the nurse to implement appropriate safety interventions.
3. A patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is currently in a manic phase.
Which of the following interventions is most important for the nurse to
implement?
A) Encourage the patient to participate in group therapy to discuss their
feelings
B) Provide a quiet, structured environment with minimal stimulation
C) Allow the patient to make their own decisions about activities
D) Encourage the patient to channel their energy into competitive games
Correct Answer: Provide a quiet, structured environment with minimal
stimulation
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are highly distractible, have poor
judgment, and can become easily overstimulated. A quiet, structured
environment with clear limits helps reduce agitation and promote safety.
4. A patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the
following symptoms is characteristic of this disorder?
A) Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
B) Excessive worry about a number of events or activities for at least six
months
C) Fear of social situations where the patient may be scrutinized
D) Intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors
Correct Answer: Excessive worry about a number of events or activities for at
least six months
,Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive,
difficult-to-control worry about multiple events or activities, occurring more
days than not for at least six months. This distinguishes it from panic
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
5. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly checks the
locks on the doors. The nurse understands that this behavior is a:
A) Compulsion
B) Obsession
C) Delusion
D) Hallucination
Correct Answer: Compulsion
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (like checking, washing, or
counting) that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession
(an intrusive, unwanted thought). The checking is an attempt to reduce
anxiety related to the fear of something bad happening.
6. A patient is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which of the
following is a characteristic feature of this disorder?
A) Grandiosity and a need for admiration
B) Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect
C) Detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions
D) A preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control
Correct Answer: Instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and
affect
, Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive
pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects,
and marked impulsivity. Patients often experience intense fear of
abandonment and engage in self-harming behaviors.
7. A patient with antisocial personality disorder is being discharged. Which of
the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further
teaching?
A) "I know I need to take my medication as prescribed."
B) "I can stop taking my medication when I feel better."
C) "I will attend my follow-up appointments."
D) "I understand I should avoid alcohol and drugs."
Correct Answer: "I can stop taking my medication when I feel better."
Rationale: Patients with antisocial personality disorder may have difficulty
adhering to treatment and may act impulsively. Stopping medication
prematurely can lead to relapse. The statement indicates a lack of insight
into the need for ongoing treatment.
8. A nurse is planning care for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which of the
following is the priority nursing intervention?
A) Encouraging the patient to keep a journal of their feelings
B) Monitoring the patient's weight and vital signs
C) Allowing the patient to choose their own meals
D) Providing education about nutrition
Correct Answer: Monitoring the patient's weight and vital signs
