National University NUR 350 Module 4 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A |
1. A patient is brought to the emergency department after a suicide attempt.
Which of the following is the nurse's priority intervention?
A) Placing the patient in a private room to calm down
B) Conducting a thorough suicide risk assessment
C) Administering a sedative medication immediately
D) Calling the patient's family to pick them up
Correct Answer: Conducting a thorough suicide risk assessment
Rationale: The priority is to assess the patient's immediate risk of harm to
themselves. A thorough suicide risk assessment, including asking about
intent, plan, and means, is essential to determine the level of supervision
and intervention needed. Safety supersedes all other interventions.
2. A patient is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to "snap out of it" and focus on reality
B) Stay with the patient and provide a calm, quiet environment
C) Leave the patient alone to work through the attack independently
D) Encourage the patient to talk about the underlying cause of the anxiety
Correct Answer: Stay with the patient and provide a calm, quiet environment
Rationale: During a panic attack, the patient feels an overwhelming sense of
fear and loss of control. The nurse should remain with the patient to provide
reassurance and safety, reducing external stimuli to help the patient regain
composure.
,3. A patient with a history of schizophrenia is non-adherent with their
medication and is readmitted with acute psychosis. Which of the following is
a common precipitating factor for relapse?
A) Strict adherence to a daily routine
B) Participation in supportive therapy
C) Stressful life events
D) Adequate sleep and nutrition
Correct Answer: Stressful life events
Rationale: Stressful life events are a common precipitant for relapse in
schizophrenia. Stress can exacerbate symptoms and disrupt coping
mechanisms, leading to a worsening of the condition. Adherence to routine,
therapy, and proper sleep/nutrition are protective factors.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing a manic episode. The
patient is pacing rapidly and speaking loudly. The nurse's best approach is
to:
A) Match the patient's energy level to build rapport
B) Provide a quiet, structured environment with clear limits
C) Encourage the patient to participate in competitive activities
D) Allow the patient to make their own decisions about activities
Correct Answer: Provide a quiet, structured environment with clear limits
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are often hyperactive,
distractible, and have impaired judgment. Providing a structured
environment with limited stimuli, clear limits, and consistent routines helps
promote safety and reduce agitation.
,5. 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.
6. A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient that the full therapeutic
effect may not be seen for:
A) 1-2 days
B) 1-2 weeks
C) 4-6 weeks
D) 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: 4-6 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs typically take 4 to 6 weeks to reach their full therapeutic
effect for depression. Patients need to be educated to continue taking the
medication as prescribed and to report any worsening of symptoms or
suicidal ideation.
, 7. A patient is prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the
following foods?
A) Milk and cheese
B) Aged cheeses and cured meats
C) Fresh fruits and vegetables
D) Bread and pasta
Correct Answer: Aged cheeses and cured meats
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to
hypertensive crisis when combined with foods high in tyramine, such as aged
cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods. Patients must follow a strict
dietary restriction.
8. A patient prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level
of 1.8 mEq/L. The nurse should:
A) Continue to monitor the patient as ordered
B) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C) Administer the next dose as scheduled
D) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids
Correct Answer: Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8
mEq/L is above the therapeutic range and indicates lithium toxicity. The
nurse should hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
Health Nursing Q&A |
1. A patient is brought to the emergency department after a suicide attempt.
Which of the following is the nurse's priority intervention?
A) Placing the patient in a private room to calm down
B) Conducting a thorough suicide risk assessment
C) Administering a sedative medication immediately
D) Calling the patient's family to pick them up
Correct Answer: Conducting a thorough suicide risk assessment
Rationale: The priority is to assess the patient's immediate risk of harm to
themselves. A thorough suicide risk assessment, including asking about
intent, plan, and means, is essential to determine the level of supervision
and intervention needed. Safety supersedes all other interventions.
2. A patient is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing
interventions is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to "snap out of it" and focus on reality
B) Stay with the patient and provide a calm, quiet environment
C) Leave the patient alone to work through the attack independently
D) Encourage the patient to talk about the underlying cause of the anxiety
Correct Answer: Stay with the patient and provide a calm, quiet environment
Rationale: During a panic attack, the patient feels an overwhelming sense of
fear and loss of control. The nurse should remain with the patient to provide
reassurance and safety, reducing external stimuli to help the patient regain
composure.
,3. A patient with a history of schizophrenia is non-adherent with their
medication and is readmitted with acute psychosis. Which of the following is
a common precipitating factor for relapse?
A) Strict adherence to a daily routine
B) Participation in supportive therapy
C) Stressful life events
D) Adequate sleep and nutrition
Correct Answer: Stressful life events
Rationale: Stressful life events are a common precipitant for relapse in
schizophrenia. Stress can exacerbate symptoms and disrupt coping
mechanisms, leading to a worsening of the condition. Adherence to routine,
therapy, and proper sleep/nutrition are protective factors.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient who is experiencing a manic episode. The
patient is pacing rapidly and speaking loudly. The nurse's best approach is
to:
A) Match the patient's energy level to build rapport
B) Provide a quiet, structured environment with clear limits
C) Encourage the patient to participate in competitive activities
D) Allow the patient to make their own decisions about activities
Correct Answer: Provide a quiet, structured environment with clear limits
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are often hyperactive,
distractible, and have impaired judgment. Providing a structured
environment with limited stimuli, clear limits, and consistent routines helps
promote safety and reduce agitation.
,5. 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.
6. A patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient that the full therapeutic
effect may not be seen for:
A) 1-2 days
B) 1-2 weeks
C) 4-6 weeks
D) 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: 4-6 weeks
Rationale: SSRIs typically take 4 to 6 weeks to reach their full therapeutic
effect for depression. Patients need to be educated to continue taking the
medication as prescribed and to report any worsening of symptoms or
suicidal ideation.
, 7. A patient is prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for
depression. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the
following foods?
A) Milk and cheese
B) Aged cheeses and cured meats
C) Fresh fruits and vegetables
D) Bread and pasta
Correct Answer: Aged cheeses and cured meats
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to
hypertensive crisis when combined with foods high in tyramine, such as aged
cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods. Patients must follow a strict
dietary restriction.
8. A patient prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level
of 1.8 mEq/L. The nurse should:
A) Continue to monitor the patient as ordered
B) Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C) Administer the next dose as scheduled
D) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids
Correct Answer: Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8
mEq/L is above the therapeutic range and indicates lithium toxicity. The
nurse should hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
