Mental Health Final Exam Study
Questions & Answers
A client is diagnosed with persistent depressive (dysthymia) disorder. Which should a nurse
classify as an affective symptom of this disorder?
A. Social isolation with a focus on self
B. Low energy level
C. Difficulty concentrating
D. Gloomy and pessimistic outlook on life - ANSWERSANS: D
A client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse
assign to this client to address a behavioral symptom of this disorder?
A. Altered communication R/T feelings of worthlessness AEB anhedonia
B. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
C. Altered thought processes R/T hopelessness AEB persecutory delusions
D. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T high anxiety AEB anorexia -
ANSWERSANS: B
,A nurse assesses a client suspected of having major depressive disorder. Which client symptom
would eliminate this diagnosis?
A. The client is disheveled and malodorous.
B. The client refuses to interact with others.
C. The client is unable to feel any pleasure.
D. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous behaviors. - ANSWERSANS:
D
A nurse reviews the laboratory data of a 29-year-old client suspected of having major depressive
disorder. Which laboratory value would potentially rule out this diagnosis?
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 6.2 U/mL
B. Potassium (K+) level of 4.2 mEq/L
C. Sodium (Na+) level of 140 mEq/L
D. Calcium (Ca2+) level of 9.5 mg/dL - ANSWERSANS: A
A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family estrangement, and
cocaine abuse. According to learning theory, what is the cause of this clients symptoms?
A. Depression is a result of anger turned inward.
, B. Depression is a result of abandonment.
C. Depression is a result of repeated failures.
D. Depression is a result of negative thinking. - ANSWERSANS: C
What is the priority reason for a nurse to perform a full physical health assessment on a client
admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
A. The attention during the assessment is beneficial in decreasing social isolation.
B. Depression is a symptom of several medical conditions.
C. Physical health complications are likely to arise from antidepressant therapy.
D. Depressed clients avoid addressing physical health and ignore medical problems. -
ANSWERSANS: B
A nurse is planning care for a child who is experiencing depression. Which medication is
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in
children and adolescents?
A. Paroxetine (Paxil)
B. Sertraline (Zoloft)
Questions & Answers
A client is diagnosed with persistent depressive (dysthymia) disorder. Which should a nurse
classify as an affective symptom of this disorder?
A. Social isolation with a focus on self
B. Low energy level
C. Difficulty concentrating
D. Gloomy and pessimistic outlook on life - ANSWERSANS: D
A client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse
assign to this client to address a behavioral symptom of this disorder?
A. Altered communication R/T feelings of worthlessness AEB anhedonia
B. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room
C. Altered thought processes R/T hopelessness AEB persecutory delusions
D. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T high anxiety AEB anorexia -
ANSWERSANS: B
,A nurse assesses a client suspected of having major depressive disorder. Which client symptom
would eliminate this diagnosis?
A. The client is disheveled and malodorous.
B. The client refuses to interact with others.
C. The client is unable to feel any pleasure.
D. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous behaviors. - ANSWERSANS:
D
A nurse reviews the laboratory data of a 29-year-old client suspected of having major depressive
disorder. Which laboratory value would potentially rule out this diagnosis?
A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 6.2 U/mL
B. Potassium (K+) level of 4.2 mEq/L
C. Sodium (Na+) level of 140 mEq/L
D. Calcium (Ca2+) level of 9.5 mg/dL - ANSWERSANS: A
A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family estrangement, and
cocaine abuse. According to learning theory, what is the cause of this clients symptoms?
A. Depression is a result of anger turned inward.
, B. Depression is a result of abandonment.
C. Depression is a result of repeated failures.
D. Depression is a result of negative thinking. - ANSWERSANS: C
What is the priority reason for a nurse to perform a full physical health assessment on a client
admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?
A. The attention during the assessment is beneficial in decreasing social isolation.
B. Depression is a symptom of several medical conditions.
C. Physical health complications are likely to arise from antidepressant therapy.
D. Depressed clients avoid addressing physical health and ignore medical problems. -
ANSWERSANS: B
A nurse is planning care for a child who is experiencing depression. Which medication is
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in
children and adolescents?
A. Paroxetine (Paxil)
B. Sertraline (Zoloft)
