RASMUSSEN MENTAL HEALTH REAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES 2025
1)A patient with schizophrenia begins to talks about "volmers" hiding in
the warehouse at work. The term "volmers" should be documented as:
a. neologism
b. concrete thinking
c. thought insertion
d. idea of reference correct answersANS: A
-A neologism is a newly coined word having special meaning to the patient.
"Volmer" is not a known common noun.
- Concrete thinking refers to the inability to think abstractly.
- Thought insertion refers to thoughts of others that are implanted in one's
mind.
-An idea of reference is a type of delusion in which trivial events are
given personal significance.
2) A patient with suicidal impulses is placed on the highest level of suicide
precautions. Which measures should be incorporated into the plan of care by
the nurse caring for the patient? (More than one answer is correct.)
a. Maintain arm's-length, one-on-one nursing observation around the clock.
b. Allow no glass or metal on meal trays.
c.Keep patient within visual range while awake. Check every 15 to 30
minutes while the patient is sleeping.
d.Check the patient's whereabouts every 15 minutes and make
frequent verbal contacts.
e. Check whereabouts every hour. Make verbal contact at least three
times each shift.
f.Remove all potentially harmful objects from the patient's
possession. correct answersANS: A, B, F
One-on-one observation is necessary for anyone who has limited control
over suicidal impulses.
- Plastic dishes on trays and the removal of potentially harmful objects from
the patient's possession are measures included in any-level suicide
precautions.
, The remaining options are used in less stringent levels of suicide precautions.
3) A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left
side of my body merging with the wall, then my face appears and
disappears in the mirror." While listening, the nurse should:
a. sit close to the patient.
b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders.
c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure.
d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient. correct
answersANS: D
The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary
difficulties. The nurse should maintain an appropriate social distance and not
touch the patient, because the patient is anxious about the inability to
maintain ego boundaries and merging with or being swallowed by the
environment. Physical closeness or touch could precipitate panic.
4)Which statement indicates a patient with major depression is most
likely outlook on life during the acute phase of the illness? correct
answersDuring an acute phase of major depression, the client may feel
worthless and deserve bad things to happen personally.
5)A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase
of treatment. The patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even
though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's appropriate response.
a. "You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."
b. "Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."
c. "Usually patients take medication for approximately 6 months after
discharge."
d."It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your
medication." correct answersANS: B
Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be maintained on lithium
indefinitely to prevent recurrences. Helping the patient understand this
need will promote medication compliance.
6) A person has had difficulty keeping a job because of arguing with co-
workers and accusing them of conspiracy. Today the person shouts,
"They're all plotting to destroy me. Isn't that true?" Select the nurse's most
therapeutic response.
a."Everyone here is trying to help you. No one wants to harm you."
b. "Feeling that people want to destroy you must be very frightening."
c. "That is not true. People here are trying to help you if you will let them."
d."Staff members are health care professionals who are qualified to help
you." correct answersANS: B
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES 2025
1)A patient with schizophrenia begins to talks about "volmers" hiding in
the warehouse at work. The term "volmers" should be documented as:
a. neologism
b. concrete thinking
c. thought insertion
d. idea of reference correct answersANS: A
-A neologism is a newly coined word having special meaning to the patient.
"Volmer" is not a known common noun.
- Concrete thinking refers to the inability to think abstractly.
- Thought insertion refers to thoughts of others that are implanted in one's
mind.
-An idea of reference is a type of delusion in which trivial events are
given personal significance.
2) A patient with suicidal impulses is placed on the highest level of suicide
precautions. Which measures should be incorporated into the plan of care by
the nurse caring for the patient? (More than one answer is correct.)
a. Maintain arm's-length, one-on-one nursing observation around the clock.
b. Allow no glass or metal on meal trays.
c.Keep patient within visual range while awake. Check every 15 to 30
minutes while the patient is sleeping.
d.Check the patient's whereabouts every 15 minutes and make
frequent verbal contacts.
e. Check whereabouts every hour. Make verbal contact at least three
times each shift.
f.Remove all potentially harmful objects from the patient's
possession. correct answersANS: A, B, F
One-on-one observation is necessary for anyone who has limited control
over suicidal impulses.
- Plastic dishes on trays and the removal of potentially harmful objects from
the patient's possession are measures included in any-level suicide
precautions.
, The remaining options are used in less stringent levels of suicide precautions.
3) A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left
side of my body merging with the wall, then my face appears and
disappears in the mirror." While listening, the nurse should:
a. sit close to the patient.
b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders.
c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure.
d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient. correct
answersANS: D
The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary
difficulties. The nurse should maintain an appropriate social distance and not
touch the patient, because the patient is anxious about the inability to
maintain ego boundaries and merging with or being swallowed by the
environment. Physical closeness or touch could precipitate panic.
4)Which statement indicates a patient with major depression is most
likely outlook on life during the acute phase of the illness? correct
answersDuring an acute phase of major depression, the client may feel
worthless and deserve bad things to happen personally.
5)A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase
of treatment. The patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even
though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's appropriate response.
a. "You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."
b. "Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."
c. "Usually patients take medication for approximately 6 months after
discharge."
d."It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your
medication." correct answersANS: B
Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be maintained on lithium
indefinitely to prevent recurrences. Helping the patient understand this
need will promote medication compliance.
6) A person has had difficulty keeping a job because of arguing with co-
workers and accusing them of conspiracy. Today the person shouts,
"They're all plotting to destroy me. Isn't that true?" Select the nurse's most
therapeutic response.
a."Everyone here is trying to help you. No one wants to harm you."
b. "Feeling that people want to destroy you must be very frightening."
c. "That is not true. People here are trying to help you if you will let them."
d."Staff members are health care professionals who are qualified to help
you." correct answersANS: B
