Mental Health NGN Study Guide - 2025 Edition
Comprehensive Review for Next Generation NCLEX Mental Health Questions
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Mental Health NGN
2. Anxiety and Mood Disorders
3. Psychotic Disorders
4. Substance Use Disorders
5. Personality Disorders
6. Therapeutic Communication
7. Psychopharmacology
8. Crisis Intervention
9. Legal and Ethical Issues
10. NGN Question Formats Guide
Introduction to Mental Health NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasizes clinical judgment and decision-making in mental
health nursing. This study guide provides practice questions in various NGN formats to help you
develop critical thinking skills essential for safe psychiatric nursing practice.
Key Mental Health Nursing Concepts:
Therapeutic relationship building
Safety assessment and management
Medication administration and monitoring
Crisis de-escalation techniques
Patient advocacy and rights
Evidence-based interventions
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Case Study 1: Major Depressive Disorder
, Clinical Scenario: Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher, is admitted to the psychiatric unit with major
depressive disorder. She reports feeling hopeless, has lost 15 pounds in the past month, sleeps only 2-
3 hours per night, and states "I can't concentrate on anything anymore. My students deserve better."
NGN Question 1 (Multiple Response - Select All That Apply)
Which assessment findings are consistent with major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.
A) ☐ Significant weight loss
B) ☐ Insomnia
C) ☐ Difficulty concentrating
D) ☐ Feelings of worthlessness
E) ☐ Increased energy levels
F) ☐ Psychomotor agitation or retardation
G) ☐ Euphoric mood
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, F
Rationale:
A) Weight loss is a common symptom of depression due to appetite changes
B) Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are core symptoms
C) Concentration difficulties are cognitive symptoms of depression
D) Feelings of worthlessness and guilt are characteristic
E) INCORRECT - Depression typically involves decreased energy (fatigue)
F) Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation) are diagnostic criteria
G) INCORRECT - Euphoric mood would suggest mania, not depression
NGN Question 2 (Drag and Drop - Prioritization)
Drag the nursing interventions in order of priority for Sarah's care (1 = highest priority, 5 = lowest
priority):
Available Options:
Assess suicide risk and implement safety measures
Encourage participation in group therapy
Monitor food and fluid intake
Administer prescribed antidepressant medication
Establish therapeutic rapport
Comprehensive Review for Next Generation NCLEX Mental Health Questions
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Mental Health NGN
2. Anxiety and Mood Disorders
3. Psychotic Disorders
4. Substance Use Disorders
5. Personality Disorders
6. Therapeutic Communication
7. Psychopharmacology
8. Crisis Intervention
9. Legal and Ethical Issues
10. NGN Question Formats Guide
Introduction to Mental Health NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasizes clinical judgment and decision-making in mental
health nursing. This study guide provides practice questions in various NGN formats to help you
develop critical thinking skills essential for safe psychiatric nursing practice.
Key Mental Health Nursing Concepts:
Therapeutic relationship building
Safety assessment and management
Medication administration and monitoring
Crisis de-escalation techniques
Patient advocacy and rights
Evidence-based interventions
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Case Study 1: Major Depressive Disorder
, Clinical Scenario: Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher, is admitted to the psychiatric unit with major
depressive disorder. She reports feeling hopeless, has lost 15 pounds in the past month, sleeps only 2-
3 hours per night, and states "I can't concentrate on anything anymore. My students deserve better."
NGN Question 1 (Multiple Response - Select All That Apply)
Which assessment findings are consistent with major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.
A) ☐ Significant weight loss
B) ☐ Insomnia
C) ☐ Difficulty concentrating
D) ☐ Feelings of worthlessness
E) ☐ Increased energy levels
F) ☐ Psychomotor agitation or retardation
G) ☐ Euphoric mood
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, F
Rationale:
A) Weight loss is a common symptom of depression due to appetite changes
B) Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are core symptoms
C) Concentration difficulties are cognitive symptoms of depression
D) Feelings of worthlessness and guilt are characteristic
E) INCORRECT - Depression typically involves decreased energy (fatigue)
F) Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation) are diagnostic criteria
G) INCORRECT - Euphoric mood would suggest mania, not depression
NGN Question 2 (Drag and Drop - Prioritization)
Drag the nursing interventions in order of priority for Sarah's care (1 = highest priority, 5 = lowest
priority):
Available Options:
Assess suicide risk and implement safety measures
Encourage participation in group therapy
Monitor food and fluid intake
Administer prescribed antidepressant medication
Establish therapeutic rapport
