Question 1:
A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The nurse understands that which of the following is a primary
characteristic of GAD?
A) Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
B) Intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors
C) Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics
D) Flashbacks to past traumatic events
Answer: C) Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics
Rationale:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and
excessive worry or anxiety about various aspects of life, including work,
health, and social interactions. This excessive worry occurs more days
than not for at least six months.
Question 2:
A client with major depressive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit.
The nurse recognizes that which of the following is a common symptom
of major depressive disorder?
A) Hallucinations
B) Elevated mood
C) Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
D) Euphoria
Answer: C) Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Rationale:
In major depressive disorder, clients often experience cognitive
symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and
,feelings of hopelessness. Hallucinations and euphoria are not
characteristic of depression.
Question 3:
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of
the following is a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A) Blood pressure
B) Respiratory rate
C) Level of consciousness
D) Extrapyramidal side effects
Answer: D) Extrapyramidal side effects
Rationale:
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tremors, rigidity,
bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. Monitoring for EPS is critical, as
these side effects can impair motor function and affect the client’s
safety.
Question 4:
A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is admitted to the
psychiatric unit. Which of the following behaviors would the nurse
expect to observe in this client?
A) Chronic sense of emptiness
B) Detachment from reality
C) Avoidance of social situations
D) Sudden loss of interest in activities
,Answer: A) Chronic sense of emptiness
Rationale:
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by emotional instability,
impulsive behaviors, and a chronic sense of emptiness. Clients may
experience intense and unstable relationships, fear of abandonment,
and difficulty managing emotions.
Question 5:
A nurse is assessing a client who has recently been diagnosed with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse recognizes that which of the
following is a key symptom of PTSD?
A) Persistent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event
B) Decreased need for sleep
C) Elevated mood and energy
D) Increased attention to detail and focus
Answer: A) Persistent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event
Rationale:
PTSD is characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
related to a traumatic event. Clients may also experience
hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders, and emotional numbness.
Question 6:
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions is most
appropriate to help the client manage obsessive thoughts?
, A) Encourage the client to suppress all thoughts of fear
B) Allow the client to perform compulsive rituals to reduce anxiety
C) Help the client identify and challenge irrational thoughts
D) Provide a quiet, isolated space to prevent external distractions
Answer: C) Help the client identify and challenge irrational thoughts
Rationale:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for clients with OCD,
particularly by helping them identify and challenge irrational thoughts.
While some ritualistic behaviors may temporarily reduce anxiety,
allowing the client to engage in compulsions reinforces the disorder.
Question 7:
A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client prescribed lithium for
bipolar disorder. The nurse should emphasize which of the following?
A) Increase fluid intake and maintain a consistent salt intake
B) Take the medication only during manic episodes
C) Discontinue the medication if experiencing tremors
D) Limit fluid intake to prevent weight gain
Answer: A) Increase fluid intake and maintain a consistent salt intake
Rationale:
Lithium can cause dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, leading to
toxicity. Clients should maintain a consistent fluid intake (around 2-3
liters per day) and a stable salt intake to avoid fluctuations in lithium
levels.
Question 8:
A nurse is caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The nurse understands that which of the following is a primary
characteristic of GAD?
A) Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
B) Intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors
C) Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics
D) Flashbacks to past traumatic events
Answer: C) Persistent and excessive worry about a variety of topics
Rationale:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and
excessive worry or anxiety about various aspects of life, including work,
health, and social interactions. This excessive worry occurs more days
than not for at least six months.
Question 2:
A client with major depressive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit.
The nurse recognizes that which of the following is a common symptom
of major depressive disorder?
A) Hallucinations
B) Elevated mood
C) Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
D) Euphoria
Answer: C) Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Rationale:
In major depressive disorder, clients often experience cognitive
symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and
,feelings of hopelessness. Hallucinations and euphoria are not
characteristic of depression.
Question 3:
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of
the following is a priority for the nurse to monitor?
A) Blood pressure
B) Respiratory rate
C) Level of consciousness
D) Extrapyramidal side effects
Answer: D) Extrapyramidal side effects
Rationale:
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause
extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tremors, rigidity,
bradykinesia, and tardive dyskinesia. Monitoring for EPS is critical, as
these side effects can impair motor function and affect the client’s
safety.
Question 4:
A client with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is admitted to the
psychiatric unit. Which of the following behaviors would the nurse
expect to observe in this client?
A) Chronic sense of emptiness
B) Detachment from reality
C) Avoidance of social situations
D) Sudden loss of interest in activities
,Answer: A) Chronic sense of emptiness
Rationale:
Borderline personality disorder is characterized by emotional instability,
impulsive behaviors, and a chronic sense of emptiness. Clients may
experience intense and unstable relationships, fear of abandonment,
and difficulty managing emotions.
Question 5:
A nurse is assessing a client who has recently been diagnosed with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse recognizes that which of the
following is a key symptom of PTSD?
A) Persistent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event
B) Decreased need for sleep
C) Elevated mood and energy
D) Increased attention to detail and focus
Answer: A) Persistent, intrusive memories of the traumatic event
Rationale:
PTSD is characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
related to a traumatic event. Clients may also experience
hypervigilance, avoidance of reminders, and emotional numbness.
Question 6:
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions is most
appropriate to help the client manage obsessive thoughts?
, A) Encourage the client to suppress all thoughts of fear
B) Allow the client to perform compulsive rituals to reduce anxiety
C) Help the client identify and challenge irrational thoughts
D) Provide a quiet, isolated space to prevent external distractions
Answer: C) Help the client identify and challenge irrational thoughts
Rationale:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for clients with OCD,
particularly by helping them identify and challenge irrational thoughts.
While some ritualistic behaviors may temporarily reduce anxiety,
allowing the client to engage in compulsions reinforces the disorder.
Question 7:
A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client prescribed lithium for
bipolar disorder. The nurse should emphasize which of the following?
A) Increase fluid intake and maintain a consistent salt intake
B) Take the medication only during manic episodes
C) Discontinue the medication if experiencing tremors
D) Limit fluid intake to prevent weight gain
Answer: A) Increase fluid intake and maintain a consistent salt intake
Rationale:
Lithium can cause dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, leading to
toxicity. Clients should maintain a consistent fluid intake (around 2-3
liters per day) and a stable salt intake to avoid fluctuations in lithium
levels.
Question 8:
