PSYCHIATRIC/MENTAL HEALTH NURSING EXAMS
➢ A client in the mental health clinic has a phobia about closed spaces. Which desensitization
method should the nurse expect to be used successfully with this client? - correct Answer-
Imagery
➢ What treatment should a nurse anticipate will be prescribed for a client with severe, persistent,
intractable depression and suicidal ideation? - correct Answer-Electroconvulsive therapy
➢ An older adult, accompanied by family members, is admitted to a long-term care facility with
symptoms of dementia. During the admission procedure the initial statement by the nurse most
helpful to this client is: - correct Answer-"Don't be afraid. I'm your nurse, and everyone here in
the hospital is here to help you."
➢ An older depressed person at an independent living facility constantly complains about her
health problems to anyone who will listen. One day the client says, "I'm not going to any more
activities. All these old crabby people do is talk about their problems." What defense mechanism
does the nurse conclude that the client is using? - correct Answer-Projection
➢ A client with alcohol dependence problem asks whether the nurse can see the bugs that are
crawling on the bed. What is the nurse's initial reply? - correct Answer-"No, I don't see any
bugs."
➢ A client is responding within an hour of receiving naloxone to combat respiratory depression
from an overdose of heroin. Why should a nurse continue to closely monitor this client's status?
- correct Answer-Symptoms of the heroin overdose may return after the naloxone is
metabolized.
➢ A client tells the nurse, "The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes,
and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles." What is the best initial response by
the nurse? - correct Answer-"I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to
know that I don't hear them."
➢ A parent of a 17-year-old girl who has been hospitalized for extremely disturbed acting-out
behavior leaves a gift for the daughter but says, "I'm too busy to visit today." The daughter
becomes upset and tearful after being given the message and opening the package. What does
the nurse conclude that the parent's actions represent? - correct Answer-Double-bind message
➢ A client with schizophrenia is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client is talking while walking in
the hall, is unkempt, and obviously has not washed in several days. What should the nurse say
when trying to help this client shower? - correct Answer-"I'll help you take your shower now."
➢ When a client is expressing severe anxiety by sobbing in the fetal position on her bed, the
nurse's priority is: - correct Answer-Ensuring a safe therapeutic milieu
,➢ A nurse is caring for several clients who are going through withdrawal from alcohol. The primary
reason for the ingestion of alcohol by clients with a history of alcohol abuse is that they: - correct
Answer-Are dependent on it
➢ A nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which action is
most appropriate for the nurse to implement? - correct Answer-Assuring the client that the
symptoms are part of the withdrawal syndrome
➢ A 30-year-old woman reports to the mental health clinic on the recommendation of her primary
health care provider. She has been unable to carry out everyday activities because of increased
pain in her lower back and legs. Numerous neurological and orthopedic workups indicate that
her symptoms seem excessive when compared with the physical problems shown on physical
examination and repeated MRIs and x-rays. She says that no one understands how difficult it has
been to care for her 32-year-old husband, who has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing
chemotherapy. In light of the history and symptoms, what disorder should the nurse suspect? -
correct Answer-Conversion
➢ A client is admitted to the hospital because of incapacitating obsessive-compulsive behavior. The
statement that best describes how clients with obsessive-compulsive behavior view this disorder
is: - correct Answer-"I know there's no reason to do these things, but I can't help myself."
➢ A client with schizophrenia is demonstrating waxy flexibility. Which intervention is the best way
to manage the possible outcome of this behavior? - correct Answer-Passive range-of-motion
exercises three times a day for effective joint health
➢ A client has been on the psychiatric unit for several days. The client arouses anxiety and
frustration in the staff and manipulates them so well that staff members are afraid to approach
the client. One morning the client shouts at the nurse, "You've worked it so I can't go for a walk
with the group today. You're as cunning as a fox. I hate you! Get out, or I'll hit you!" What is the
best response by the nurse? - correct Answer-"I don't like hearing your threats, but tell me more
about your feelings."
➢ An adult client confides to a clinic nurse, "I fantasize about having sex with children, and I get the
urge to do it, too." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse? - correct Answer-Asking
the client, "Have you ever acted on these thoughts?"
➢ In her eighth month of pregnancy, a 24-year-old client is brought to the hospital by the police,
who were called when she barricaded herself in a ladies' restroom of a restaurant. During
admission the client shouts, "Don't come near me! My stomach is filled with bombs, and I'll blow
up this place if anyone comes near me." The nurse concludes that the client is exhibiting: -
correct Answer-Delusional thinking
➢ A client who is on the third day of detoxification therapy becomes agitated and restless. What
are the signs and symptoms that indicate impending alcohol withdrawal delirium? (Select all that
apply.) - correct Answer-Diaphoresis
➢ Tachycardia
➢ Hypertension
, ➢ A client is lonely and extremely depressed, and the health care provider prescribes a tricyclic
antidepressant. The client asks the nurse what the medication will do. What is the best response
by the nurse? - correct Answer-"The medication will increase your appetite and make you feel
better."
➢ A client with a diagnosis of panic disorder who had a panic attack on the previous day says to the
nurse, "That was a terrible feeling I had yesterday. I'm so afraid to talk about it." What is the
most therapeutic response by the nurse? - correct Answer-"What were you doing yesterday
when you first noticed the feeling?"
➢ A client believes that doorknobs are contaminated and refuses to touch them except with a
paper tissue. What nursing intervention will be most therapeutic for this client? - correct
Answer-Supplying the client with tissues to maintain function until the anxiety eases
➢ A man is admitted to the psychiatric unit after attempting suicide. The client's history reveals
that his first child died of sudden infant death syndrome 2 years ago, that he has been unable to
work since the death of the child, and that he has attempted suicide before. When talking with
the nurse he says, "I hear my son telling me to come over to the other side." What should the
nurse conclude that the client is experiencing? - correct Answer-Command hallucination
➢ A nurse recalls that language development in the autistic child resembles: - correct Answer-
Echolalia
➢ What is a therapeutic nursing action in the care of a depressed client? - correct Answer-Sitting
down next to the client at frequent intervals
➢ A nurse is caring for a client who uses ritualistic behavior. What common antiobsessional
medication does the nurse anticipate will be prescribed? - correct Answer-Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
➢ A client is found to have a borderline personality disorder. What behavior does the nurse
consider is most typical of these clients? - correct Answer-Impulsive
➢ An older adult with a diagnosis of delirium on the mental health unit begins acting out while in
the dayroom. What is the initial nursing intervention? - correct Answer-Giving the client one
simple direction at a time in a firm low-pitched voice
➢ A hyperactive 9-year-old child with a history of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is
admitted for observation after a motor vehicle collision. On what should nursing actions be
focused when the nurse is teaching about personal safety? - correct Answer-Talking with the
child about the importance of using a seat belt
➢ A female client who is severely incapacitated by obsessive-compulsive behavior has been
admitted to the mental health hospital. The client's compulsive ritual involves changing her
clothing 8 to 12 times a day. She continually asks the nurse for advice regarding her problems
but then ignores it. This is an example of the conflict of: - correct Answer-Dependence versus
independence
➢ A client in the mental health clinic has a phobia about closed spaces. Which desensitization
method should the nurse expect to be used successfully with this client? - correct Answer-
Imagery
➢ What treatment should a nurse anticipate will be prescribed for a client with severe, persistent,
intractable depression and suicidal ideation? - correct Answer-Electroconvulsive therapy
➢ An older adult, accompanied by family members, is admitted to a long-term care facility with
symptoms of dementia. During the admission procedure the initial statement by the nurse most
helpful to this client is: - correct Answer-"Don't be afraid. I'm your nurse, and everyone here in
the hospital is here to help you."
➢ An older depressed person at an independent living facility constantly complains about her
health problems to anyone who will listen. One day the client says, "I'm not going to any more
activities. All these old crabby people do is talk about their problems." What defense mechanism
does the nurse conclude that the client is using? - correct Answer-Projection
➢ A client with alcohol dependence problem asks whether the nurse can see the bugs that are
crawling on the bed. What is the nurse's initial reply? - correct Answer-"No, I don't see any
bugs."
➢ A client is responding within an hour of receiving naloxone to combat respiratory depression
from an overdose of heroin. Why should a nurse continue to closely monitor this client's status?
- correct Answer-Symptoms of the heroin overdose may return after the naloxone is
metabolized.
➢ A client tells the nurse, "The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes,
and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles." What is the best initial response by
the nurse? - correct Answer-"I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to
know that I don't hear them."
➢ A parent of a 17-year-old girl who has been hospitalized for extremely disturbed acting-out
behavior leaves a gift for the daughter but says, "I'm too busy to visit today." The daughter
becomes upset and tearful after being given the message and opening the package. What does
the nurse conclude that the parent's actions represent? - correct Answer-Double-bind message
➢ A client with schizophrenia is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client is talking while walking in
the hall, is unkempt, and obviously has not washed in several days. What should the nurse say
when trying to help this client shower? - correct Answer-"I'll help you take your shower now."
➢ When a client is expressing severe anxiety by sobbing in the fetal position on her bed, the
nurse's priority is: - correct Answer-Ensuring a safe therapeutic milieu
,➢ A nurse is caring for several clients who are going through withdrawal from alcohol. The primary
reason for the ingestion of alcohol by clients with a history of alcohol abuse is that they: - correct
Answer-Are dependent on it
➢ A nurse is caring for a client with the diagnosis of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which action is
most appropriate for the nurse to implement? - correct Answer-Assuring the client that the
symptoms are part of the withdrawal syndrome
➢ A 30-year-old woman reports to the mental health clinic on the recommendation of her primary
health care provider. She has been unable to carry out everyday activities because of increased
pain in her lower back and legs. Numerous neurological and orthopedic workups indicate that
her symptoms seem excessive when compared with the physical problems shown on physical
examination and repeated MRIs and x-rays. She says that no one understands how difficult it has
been to care for her 32-year-old husband, who has an inoperable brain tumor and is undergoing
chemotherapy. In light of the history and symptoms, what disorder should the nurse suspect? -
correct Answer-Conversion
➢ A client is admitted to the hospital because of incapacitating obsessive-compulsive behavior. The
statement that best describes how clients with obsessive-compulsive behavior view this disorder
is: - correct Answer-"I know there's no reason to do these things, but I can't help myself."
➢ A client with schizophrenia is demonstrating waxy flexibility. Which intervention is the best way
to manage the possible outcome of this behavior? - correct Answer-Passive range-of-motion
exercises three times a day for effective joint health
➢ A client has been on the psychiatric unit for several days. The client arouses anxiety and
frustration in the staff and manipulates them so well that staff members are afraid to approach
the client. One morning the client shouts at the nurse, "You've worked it so I can't go for a walk
with the group today. You're as cunning as a fox. I hate you! Get out, or I'll hit you!" What is the
best response by the nurse? - correct Answer-"I don't like hearing your threats, but tell me more
about your feelings."
➢ An adult client confides to a clinic nurse, "I fantasize about having sex with children, and I get the
urge to do it, too." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse? - correct Answer-Asking
the client, "Have you ever acted on these thoughts?"
➢ In her eighth month of pregnancy, a 24-year-old client is brought to the hospital by the police,
who were called when she barricaded herself in a ladies' restroom of a restaurant. During
admission the client shouts, "Don't come near me! My stomach is filled with bombs, and I'll blow
up this place if anyone comes near me." The nurse concludes that the client is exhibiting: -
correct Answer-Delusional thinking
➢ A client who is on the third day of detoxification therapy becomes agitated and restless. What
are the signs and symptoms that indicate impending alcohol withdrawal delirium? (Select all that
apply.) - correct Answer-Diaphoresis
➢ Tachycardia
➢ Hypertension
, ➢ A client is lonely and extremely depressed, and the health care provider prescribes a tricyclic
antidepressant. The client asks the nurse what the medication will do. What is the best response
by the nurse? - correct Answer-"The medication will increase your appetite and make you feel
better."
➢ A client with a diagnosis of panic disorder who had a panic attack on the previous day says to the
nurse, "That was a terrible feeling I had yesterday. I'm so afraid to talk about it." What is the
most therapeutic response by the nurse? - correct Answer-"What were you doing yesterday
when you first noticed the feeling?"
➢ A client believes that doorknobs are contaminated and refuses to touch them except with a
paper tissue. What nursing intervention will be most therapeutic for this client? - correct
Answer-Supplying the client with tissues to maintain function until the anxiety eases
➢ A man is admitted to the psychiatric unit after attempting suicide. The client's history reveals
that his first child died of sudden infant death syndrome 2 years ago, that he has been unable to
work since the death of the child, and that he has attempted suicide before. When talking with
the nurse he says, "I hear my son telling me to come over to the other side." What should the
nurse conclude that the client is experiencing? - correct Answer-Command hallucination
➢ A nurse recalls that language development in the autistic child resembles: - correct Answer-
Echolalia
➢ What is a therapeutic nursing action in the care of a depressed client? - correct Answer-Sitting
down next to the client at frequent intervals
➢ A nurse is caring for a client who uses ritualistic behavior. What common antiobsessional
medication does the nurse anticipate will be prescribed? - correct Answer-Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
➢ A client is found to have a borderline personality disorder. What behavior does the nurse
consider is most typical of these clients? - correct Answer-Impulsive
➢ An older adult with a diagnosis of delirium on the mental health unit begins acting out while in
the dayroom. What is the initial nursing intervention? - correct Answer-Giving the client one
simple direction at a time in a firm low-pitched voice
➢ A hyperactive 9-year-old child with a history of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is
admitted for observation after a motor vehicle collision. On what should nursing actions be
focused when the nurse is teaching about personal safety? - correct Answer-Talking with the
child about the importance of using a seat belt
➢ A female client who is severely incapacitated by obsessive-compulsive behavior has been
admitted to the mental health hospital. The client's compulsive ritual involves changing her
clothing 8 to 12 times a day. She continually asks the nurse for advice regarding her problems
but then ignores it. This is an example of the conflict of: - correct Answer-Dependence versus
independence
