Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Exam Prep [Latest 2025/2026 Edition] | Complete
Test Bank with 200+ Verified Questions and Correct
Answers | Study Guide, Practice Exams, and
Detailed Rationales for Nursing Students, HESI,
ATI, and NCLEX Success
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with major depressive disorder who expresses feelings of
hopelessness and worthlessness. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encouraging the patient to engage in activities
B) Establishing a safety plan. (Correct Option)
C) Discussing medication options
D) Providing psychoeducation on depression
RATIONALE: Establishing a safety plan is crucial for a patient expressing hopelessness
and worthlessness, as it addresses the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide.
QUESTION 2
During a therapeutic group session, a patient begins to dominate the conversation,
interrupting others. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A) Ignore the behavior and let the group continue
B) Gently remind the patient to allow others to speak. (Correct Option)
C) Ask the patient to leave the group
D) Encourage the other members to speak up
RATIONALE: Gently reminding the patient to allow others to speak helps maintain the
group dynamics and encourages a respectful environment for all participants.
QUESTION 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to describe the hallucinations. (Correct Option)
B) Tell the patient that the voices are not real
C) Distract the patient with activities
D) Ask the patient to ignore the voices
RATIONALE: Encouraging the patient to describe the hallucinations helps the nurse
assess the patient’s experience and can provide insight into the patient's condition,
fostering therapeutic communication.
,QUESTION 4
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase. Which behavior would the
nurse expect to observe?
A) Withdrawal from social interactions
B) Excessive talking and racing thoughts. (Correct Option)
C) Low energy and fatigue
D) Difficulty making decisions
RATIONALE: During a manic phase, patients often exhibit excessive talking, racing
thoughts, and heightened energy levels, contrasting with depressive symptoms.
QUESTION 5
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). What should the nurse educate the patient about regarding the
medication?
A) It will provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
B) It may take several weeks to notice the full effects. (Correct Option)
C) It can be stopped abruptly if symptoms improve
D) It is non-addictive and can be taken as needed
RATIONALE: SSRIs typically take several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effects,
and patients should be informed about this timeframe to manage expectations.
QUESTION 6
In a mental health assessment, a nurse notes that a patient has a flat affect and limited
emotional expression. What might this indicate?
A) High levels of anxiety
B) Possible depressive or psychotic disorders. (Correct Option)
C) Increased mood stability
D) Open communication with the nurse
RATIONALE: A flat affect is often associated with depressive or psychotic disorders,
indicating a reduced ability to express emotions.
QUESTION 7
A nurse is working with a patient who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which
strategy is most effective for helping the patient process trauma?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). (Correct Option)
B) Medication management alone
C) Avoiding discussions about the trauma
D) Relaxation techniques only
,RATIONALE: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for PTSD as it helps patients
process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies.
QUESTION 8
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is undergoing exposure and
response prevention (ERP) therapy. Which behavior would indicate progress in
treatment?
A) The patient refuses to engage with triggers
B) The patient gradually exposes themselves to feared situations. (Correct Option)
C) The patient expresses increased anxiety
D) The patient engages in compulsive behaviors less frequently
RATIONALE: Gradual exposure to feared situations indicates that the patient is
engaging in the therapeutic process and working to overcome their compulsions.
QUESTION 9
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which symptom is
most characteristic of a panic attack?
A) Persistent sadness
B) Palpitations or accelerated heart rate. (Correct Option)
C) Social withdrawal
D) Memory loss
RATIONALE: Palpitations and an accelerated heart rate are hallmark symptoms of a
panic attack, along with feelings of intense fear or discomfort.
QUESTION 10
A nurse is planning discharge for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Which intervention should be included to support ongoing recovery?
A) Referral to a community support group. (Correct Option)
B) Discontinuation of therapy
C) Advising complete isolation to avoid stress
D) Encouraging avoidance of social interactions
RATIONALE: Referring the patient to a community support group provides ongoing
support and resources, which are crucial for recovery and prevention of relapse.
QUESTION 11
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with schizophrenia. What is
the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A) Establish a trusting relationship. (Correct Option)
B) Administer antipsychotic medication
, C) Encourage the patient to express their feelings
D) Implement a strict daily routine
RATIONALE: Establishing a trusting relationship is essential for patients with
schizophrenia, as it fosters a therapeutic environment where they can feel safe and
supported.
QUESTION 12
During an assessment, a nurse observes that a patient with depression has poor
grooming and hygiene. What might this indicate?
A) Worsening of depressive symptoms. (Correct Option)
B) Increased self-care motivation
C) Physical health issues
D) High levels of anxiety
RATIONALE: Poor grooming and hygiene are often signs of worsening depressive
symptoms, indicating that the patient may be struggling with self-care.
QUESTION 13
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is being taught relaxation techniques. Which
technique should the nurse emphasize as most effective?
A) Deep breathing exercises. (Correct Option)
B) High-intensity workouts
C) Talking about fears
D) Avoiding stressful situations
RATIONALE: Deep breathing exercises are effective in reducing anxiety and promoting
relaxation by calming the nervous system.
QUESTION 14
A nurse is providing psychoeducation to a family of a patient with bipolar disorder.
Which statement indicates that the family understands the condition?
A) "We should avoid all stressors."
B) "We need to recognize the signs of mania and depression." (Correct Option)
C) "Medication is not necessary for this disorder."
D) "Bipolar disorder is just mood swings."
RATIONALE: Understanding the signs of mania and depression is crucial for families to
help manage the condition and seek timely intervention.
QUESTION 15
A nurse is evaluating a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder who is undergoing
Exam Prep [Latest 2025/2026 Edition] | Complete
Test Bank with 200+ Verified Questions and Correct
Answers | Study Guide, Practice Exams, and
Detailed Rationales for Nursing Students, HESI,
ATI, and NCLEX Success
QUESTION 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with major depressive disorder who expresses feelings of
hopelessness and worthlessness. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encouraging the patient to engage in activities
B) Establishing a safety plan. (Correct Option)
C) Discussing medication options
D) Providing psychoeducation on depression
RATIONALE: Establishing a safety plan is crucial for a patient expressing hopelessness
and worthlessness, as it addresses the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide.
QUESTION 2
During a therapeutic group session, a patient begins to dominate the conversation,
interrupting others. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A) Ignore the behavior and let the group continue
B) Gently remind the patient to allow others to speak. (Correct Option)
C) Ask the patient to leave the group
D) Encourage the other members to speak up
RATIONALE: Gently reminding the patient to allow others to speak helps maintain the
group dynamics and encourages a respectful environment for all participants.
QUESTION 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to describe the hallucinations. (Correct Option)
B) Tell the patient that the voices are not real
C) Distract the patient with activities
D) Ask the patient to ignore the voices
RATIONALE: Encouraging the patient to describe the hallucinations helps the nurse
assess the patient’s experience and can provide insight into the patient's condition,
fostering therapeutic communication.
,QUESTION 4
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase. Which behavior would the
nurse expect to observe?
A) Withdrawal from social interactions
B) Excessive talking and racing thoughts. (Correct Option)
C) Low energy and fatigue
D) Difficulty making decisions
RATIONALE: During a manic phase, patients often exhibit excessive talking, racing
thoughts, and heightened energy levels, contrasting with depressive symptoms.
QUESTION 5
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI). What should the nurse educate the patient about regarding the
medication?
A) It will provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
B) It may take several weeks to notice the full effects. (Correct Option)
C) It can be stopped abruptly if symptoms improve
D) It is non-addictive and can be taken as needed
RATIONALE: SSRIs typically take several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effects,
and patients should be informed about this timeframe to manage expectations.
QUESTION 6
In a mental health assessment, a nurse notes that a patient has a flat affect and limited
emotional expression. What might this indicate?
A) High levels of anxiety
B) Possible depressive or psychotic disorders. (Correct Option)
C) Increased mood stability
D) Open communication with the nurse
RATIONALE: A flat affect is often associated with depressive or psychotic disorders,
indicating a reduced ability to express emotions.
QUESTION 7
A nurse is working with a patient who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which
strategy is most effective for helping the patient process trauma?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). (Correct Option)
B) Medication management alone
C) Avoiding discussions about the trauma
D) Relaxation techniques only
,RATIONALE: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for PTSD as it helps patients
process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies.
QUESTION 8
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is undergoing exposure and
response prevention (ERP) therapy. Which behavior would indicate progress in
treatment?
A) The patient refuses to engage with triggers
B) The patient gradually exposes themselves to feared situations. (Correct Option)
C) The patient expresses increased anxiety
D) The patient engages in compulsive behaviors less frequently
RATIONALE: Gradual exposure to feared situations indicates that the patient is
engaging in the therapeutic process and working to overcome their compulsions.
QUESTION 9
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which symptom is
most characteristic of a panic attack?
A) Persistent sadness
B) Palpitations or accelerated heart rate. (Correct Option)
C) Social withdrawal
D) Memory loss
RATIONALE: Palpitations and an accelerated heart rate are hallmark symptoms of a
panic attack, along with feelings of intense fear or discomfort.
QUESTION 10
A nurse is planning discharge for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Which intervention should be included to support ongoing recovery?
A) Referral to a community support group. (Correct Option)
B) Discontinuation of therapy
C) Advising complete isolation to avoid stress
D) Encouraging avoidance of social interactions
RATIONALE: Referring the patient to a community support group provides ongoing
support and resources, which are crucial for recovery and prevention of relapse.
QUESTION 11
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with schizophrenia. What is
the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A) Establish a trusting relationship. (Correct Option)
B) Administer antipsychotic medication
, C) Encourage the patient to express their feelings
D) Implement a strict daily routine
RATIONALE: Establishing a trusting relationship is essential for patients with
schizophrenia, as it fosters a therapeutic environment where they can feel safe and
supported.
QUESTION 12
During an assessment, a nurse observes that a patient with depression has poor
grooming and hygiene. What might this indicate?
A) Worsening of depressive symptoms. (Correct Option)
B) Increased self-care motivation
C) Physical health issues
D) High levels of anxiety
RATIONALE: Poor grooming and hygiene are often signs of worsening depressive
symptoms, indicating that the patient may be struggling with self-care.
QUESTION 13
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is being taught relaxation techniques. Which
technique should the nurse emphasize as most effective?
A) Deep breathing exercises. (Correct Option)
B) High-intensity workouts
C) Talking about fears
D) Avoiding stressful situations
RATIONALE: Deep breathing exercises are effective in reducing anxiety and promoting
relaxation by calming the nervous system.
QUESTION 14
A nurse is providing psychoeducation to a family of a patient with bipolar disorder.
Which statement indicates that the family understands the condition?
A) "We should avoid all stressors."
B) "We need to recognize the signs of mania and depression." (Correct Option)
C) "Medication is not necessary for this disorder."
D) "Bipolar disorder is just mood swings."
RATIONALE: Understanding the signs of mania and depression is crucial for families to
help manage the condition and seek timely intervention.
QUESTION 15
A nurse is evaluating a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder who is undergoing
