1. Which of the following is a primary symptom of major depressive
disorder (MDD)?
A) Grandiosity
B) Irritability
C) Decreased energy
D) Increased talkativeness
Answer: C) Decreased energy
Rationale: One of the hallmark symptoms of major depressive disorder
(MDD) is a significant decrease in energy, which can lead to fatigue and
difficulty performing daily activities. Other symptoms of MDD include
feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness.
2. A patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is most
likely to exhibit which of the following?
A) Sudden, unexpected episodes of fear
B) Chronic, excessive worry
C) Paranoia and delusions
D) Persistent low mood for at least 2 weeks
Answer: B) Chronic, excessive worry
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive and chronic worry about a variety of events or activities. The
anxiety is often disproportionate to the situation, and the patient may
find it difficult to control the worry.
3. A nurse is educating a client about cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT). Which of the following is the best description of the goal of
CBT?
,A) To explore the unconscious mind
B) To change negative thought patterns
C) To develop insight into past trauma
D) To provide medication for mood stabilization
Answer: B) To change negative thought patterns
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying
and changing negative or distorted thought patterns and behaviors that
contribute to mental health issues. The goal is to help clients develop
healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed lithium for
bipolar disorder. Which of the following is the most important to
monitor while the patient is taking this medication?
A) Blood glucose levels
B) Renal function
C) Serum lithium levels
D) Liver enzymes
Answer: C) Serum lithium levels
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the
difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.
Monitoring serum lithium levels is essential to prevent toxicity.
Symptoms of lithium toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
tremors, and confusion.
5. A patient is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Which behavior is most characteristic of this disorder?
, A) A pattern of avoiding social situations
B) A history of unstable relationships
C) A tendency to show excessive politeness
D) A lack of interest in maintaining personal hygiene
Answer: B) A history of unstable relationships
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions.
Clients often experience intense, unstable relationships, and may have
difficulty maintaining a consistent sense of self.
6. Which of the following is an example of a defense mechanism
commonly seen in clients with anxiety disorders?
A) Denial
B) Sublimation
C) Projection
D) Repression
Answer: D) Repression
Rationale: Repression is a defense mechanism in which distressing
thoughts or memories are unconsciously blocked from awareness. It is
commonly seen in individuals with anxiety disorders, where the person
may push unpleasant feelings or memories out of conscious thought to
avoid anxiety.
7. A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The
patient reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. What
is the nurse's priority action?
disorder (MDD)?
A) Grandiosity
B) Irritability
C) Decreased energy
D) Increased talkativeness
Answer: C) Decreased energy
Rationale: One of the hallmark symptoms of major depressive disorder
(MDD) is a significant decrease in energy, which can lead to fatigue and
difficulty performing daily activities. Other symptoms of MDD include
feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness.
2. A patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is most
likely to exhibit which of the following?
A) Sudden, unexpected episodes of fear
B) Chronic, excessive worry
C) Paranoia and delusions
D) Persistent low mood for at least 2 weeks
Answer: B) Chronic, excessive worry
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive and chronic worry about a variety of events or activities. The
anxiety is often disproportionate to the situation, and the patient may
find it difficult to control the worry.
3. A nurse is educating a client about cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT). Which of the following is the best description of the goal of
CBT?
,A) To explore the unconscious mind
B) To change negative thought patterns
C) To develop insight into past trauma
D) To provide medication for mood stabilization
Answer: B) To change negative thought patterns
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying
and changing negative or distorted thought patterns and behaviors that
contribute to mental health issues. The goal is to help clients develop
healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed lithium for
bipolar disorder. Which of the following is the most important to
monitor while the patient is taking this medication?
A) Blood glucose levels
B) Renal function
C) Serum lithium levels
D) Liver enzymes
Answer: C) Serum lithium levels
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the
difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small.
Monitoring serum lithium levels is essential to prevent toxicity.
Symptoms of lithium toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
tremors, and confusion.
5. A patient is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Which behavior is most characteristic of this disorder?
, A) A pattern of avoiding social situations
B) A history of unstable relationships
C) A tendency to show excessive politeness
D) A lack of interest in maintaining personal hygiene
Answer: B) A history of unstable relationships
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions.
Clients often experience intense, unstable relationships, and may have
difficulty maintaining a consistent sense of self.
6. Which of the following is an example of a defense mechanism
commonly seen in clients with anxiety disorders?
A) Denial
B) Sublimation
C) Projection
D) Repression
Answer: D) Repression
Rationale: Repression is a defense mechanism in which distressing
thoughts or memories are unconsciously blocked from awareness. It is
commonly seen in individuals with anxiety disorders, where the person
may push unpleasant feelings or memories out of conscious thought to
avoid anxiety.
7. A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The
patient reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. What
is the nurse's priority action?
