1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive
disorder. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to
observe?
a) Decreased energy
b) Increased appetite
c) Excessive talking
d) Euphoric mood
Answer: a) Decreased energy
Rationale: Major depressive disorder often presents with symptoms
such as decreased energy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
Increased appetite, excessive talking, and euphoric mood are more
typical of conditions like bipolar disorder.
2. A client with schizophrenia is being discharged with a prescription
for an antipsychotic medication. The nurse should educate the client
about which of the following common side effects?
a) Sedation
b) Hyperactivity
c) Increased blood pressure
d) Insomnia
Answer: a) Sedation
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation ones,
commonly cause sedation and drowsiness. Hyperactivity, increased
blood pressure, and insomnia are not typical side effects of
antipsychotics.
,3. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of alcohol withdrawal. Which
of the following findings would be most concerning for the nurse?
a) Tremors
b) Nausea
c) Seizures
d) Headache
Answer: c) Seizures
Rationale: Seizures are a severe complication of alcohol withdrawal and
can be life-threatening. Tremors, nausea, and headache are common
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they are less dangerous than
seizures.
4. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions would be most
appropriate to help the client manage flashbacks?
a) Remind the client of reality by telling them the traumatic event did
not occur
b) Encourage the client to engage in physical activity to "snap out of it"
c) Offer reassurance and a safe, quiet environment
d) Give the client a sedative to help them relax
Answer: c) Offer reassurance and a safe, quiet environment
Rationale: Flashbacks can be distressing, and creating a safe
environment, offering reassurance, and remaining calm are effective
strategies. Reminding the client of reality or giving a sedative may not
be effective or therapeutic.
, 5. A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is demonstrating
impulsive behaviors, such as frequent changes in jobs and
relationships. The nurse should understand that this is characteristic
of which of the following?
a) Affective instability
b) Compulsive behavior
c) Chronic anxiety
d) Emotional detachment
Answer: a) Affective instability
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is often characterized by
affective instability, which includes rapid mood changes, impulsivity,
and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Compulsive behavior and
emotional detachment are not typical of BPD.
6. Which of the following interventions should a nurse prioritize when
working with a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
a) Provide the client with opportunities to talk about their feelings
b) Encourage the client to participate in physical activities
c) Monitor the client's nutritional intake and weight
d) Recommend cognitive behavioral therapy
Answer: c) Monitor the client's nutritional intake and weight
Rationale: The priority intervention for clients with anorexia nervosa is
ensuring they are receiving proper nutrition and monitoring their
weight. Addressing psychological aspects and recommending therapy
are also important but come after addressing immediate physical health
needs.
disorder. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to
observe?
a) Decreased energy
b) Increased appetite
c) Excessive talking
d) Euphoric mood
Answer: a) Decreased energy
Rationale: Major depressive disorder often presents with symptoms
such as decreased energy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
Increased appetite, excessive talking, and euphoric mood are more
typical of conditions like bipolar disorder.
2. A client with schizophrenia is being discharged with a prescription
for an antipsychotic medication. The nurse should educate the client
about which of the following common side effects?
a) Sedation
b) Hyperactivity
c) Increased blood pressure
d) Insomnia
Answer: a) Sedation
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation ones,
commonly cause sedation and drowsiness. Hyperactivity, increased
blood pressure, and insomnia are not typical side effects of
antipsychotics.
,3. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of alcohol withdrawal. Which
of the following findings would be most concerning for the nurse?
a) Tremors
b) Nausea
c) Seizures
d) Headache
Answer: c) Seizures
Rationale: Seizures are a severe complication of alcohol withdrawal and
can be life-threatening. Tremors, nausea, and headache are common
symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they are less dangerous than
seizures.
4. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Which of the following interventions would be most
appropriate to help the client manage flashbacks?
a) Remind the client of reality by telling them the traumatic event did
not occur
b) Encourage the client to engage in physical activity to "snap out of it"
c) Offer reassurance and a safe, quiet environment
d) Give the client a sedative to help them relax
Answer: c) Offer reassurance and a safe, quiet environment
Rationale: Flashbacks can be distressing, and creating a safe
environment, offering reassurance, and remaining calm are effective
strategies. Reminding the client of reality or giving a sedative may not
be effective or therapeutic.
, 5. A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is demonstrating
impulsive behaviors, such as frequent changes in jobs and
relationships. The nurse should understand that this is characteristic
of which of the following?
a) Affective instability
b) Compulsive behavior
c) Chronic anxiety
d) Emotional detachment
Answer: a) Affective instability
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is often characterized by
affective instability, which includes rapid mood changes, impulsivity,
and difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Compulsive behavior and
emotional detachment are not typical of BPD.
6. Which of the following interventions should a nurse prioritize when
working with a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
a) Provide the client with opportunities to talk about their feelings
b) Encourage the client to participate in physical activities
c) Monitor the client's nutritional intake and weight
d) Recommend cognitive behavioral therapy
Answer: c) Monitor the client's nutritional intake and weight
Rationale: The priority intervention for clients with anorexia nervosa is
ensuring they are receiving proper nutrition and monitoring their
weight. Addressing psychological aspects and recommending therapy
are also important but come after addressing immediate physical health
needs.
