UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
The nurse is working with a client with depression in a mental health clinic. During the
interaction, the nurse uses the technique of self-disclosure. In order for this technique to be
therapeutic, which step must be a priority for the nurse? - CORRECT ANSWERS
ensuring relevance to, and quickly refocusing upon, the client's experience
The nurse's self-disclosure should be brief and to the point so that the interaction can be
refocused on the client's experience. Because the client is the focus of the nurse-client
relationship, the discussion should not dwell on the nurse's own experience.
A nurse is reviewing home medications for a client recently admitted to a long-term psychiatric
unit. The charge nurse asks why this client has frequent blood draws over the next few weeks.
The nurse would be correct to state which home medication dosages vary according to the
blood levels of the drug? - CORRECT ANSWERS lithium carbonate
Dosages for lithium, an antimania drug, are individualized to achieve a maintenance blood level
of 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L for acute mania and 0.8 to 1.0 mEq/L for long-term control of bipolar
disorder. Although clozapine use requires monitoring of white blood cell counts and
clonazepam use requires monitoring of complete blood count and liver function tests, these
tests aren't used to individualize dosages of the drugs. Alprazolam dosages aren't based on
blood levels of the drug.
A healthcare provider has ordered a new antipsychotic medication for a client with
schizophrenia whose previous medication no longer provides the expected symptom relief. The
client tells the nurse, "I can't afford the additional cost of this new medication." What is the first
action the nurse should take to be a client advocate? - CORRECT ANSWERS Help the
client explore other financial options for obtaining medication reimbursement with a social
worker.
Helping the client find other financial options for obtaining this medication is an important
client advocacy strategy. Simply stating the client should contact friends or family is not
,UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
assisting the client with this problem. The healthcare provider ordered this drug as a result of
symptom exacerbation; reassessing the client's need for this medication is appropriate only
after exhausting other options. Teaching the client to accept that financial reimbursement is
not available does not facilitate client advocacy.
A client in a group therapy setting is very demanding. The client repeatedly interrupts others
and monopolizes most of the group time. The nurse's best response would be: - CORRECT
ANSWERS "Will you briefly summarize your point? Others also need time."
Asking the client to summarize directs the client to focus the comments and allows the client to
make a point. Saying the client's behavior is obnoxious is judgmental. Telling the client that the
behavior is frustrating doesn't facilitate communication. Ignoring the client's behavior focuses
more on the nurse's need than on the client's.
A nurse is teaching the families of clients with chronic mental illnesses about causes of relapse
and rehospitalization. What should the nurse include as the primary cause? - CORRECT
ANSWERS noncompliance with medications
Noncompliance with medications is documented as the primary cause of relapse. Although loss
of family support, sudden changes in medications, and nonattendance at treatment programs
may contribute to relapse, these factors are not as significant as medication noncompliance as
causes of relapse.
The nurse teaches a group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about providing care to
clients with depression. Which approach by one of the UAPs indicates an understanding of the
mosteffective approach to a depressed client? - CORRECT ANSWERS empathetic
To care effectively for clients with depression, the nurse should teach the importance of
demonstrating empathetic concern. Caregivers must accept clients as they are even though
,UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
many will be angry and negative, acknowledge their emotional pain, and offer to help them
work through their pain. For the client who is depressed, using a cheerful demeanor or a
humorous, light-hearted approach may be overwhelming because the client will be unable to
meet the caregiver's expectations, subsequently leading to decreased self-worth. A serious,
business-like affect may threaten the client and inhibit the development of trust.
What client behaviors would be most important for the nurse to consider in deciding to
institute suicide precautions because of high-risk behavior? - CORRECT ANSWERS The
client recently attempted suicide with a lethal method.
A recent suicide attempt using a lethal method always indicates the need for suicide
precautions. The client is at high risk for suicide, and his life must be protected and safety
maintained.Having feelings of being in control of suicidal thoughts, worrying about a child's
reaction, or expressing guilt and shame about a suicide attempt indicates a lower risk for
suicide.
The nurse who uses self-disclosure should: - CORRECT ANSWERS refocus on the client's
experience as quickly as possible.
The nurse's self-disclosure should be brief and to the point so that the interaction can be
refocused on the client's experience. Because the client is the focus of the nurse-client
relationship, discussion shouldn't dwell on the nurse's experience.
A 6-year-old client is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When
asking this client to complete a task, what techniques should the nurse use to communicate
mosteffectively with him? - CORRECT ANSWERS Obtain eye contact before speaking,
use simple language, and have him repeat what was said. Praise him if he completes the task.
, UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
Because the client with ADHD is easily distractible, it is important to obtain eye contact before
explaining the task. Simple language and having him repeat what he is told are necessary
because of his age. Praise encourages the client to repeat the task in the future as well as
building the client's self-esteem. A full explanation with verbal praise and a food reward is
inappropriate because a food reward increases the chance that he will expect a physical reward
for completing tasks. In addition, a full explanation might be too confusing for someone his age.
Explaining consequences focuses on punishment, rather than praise. Although demonstration
and imitation is an effective teaching method, rewarding with food fosters dependence on food
reward for task completion.
As the nurse stands near the window in the client's room, the client shouts, "Come away from
the window! They will see you!" Which response by the nurse would be best? - CORRECT
ANSWERS "Who are 'they'?"
Asking the client who "they" are when he is fearful helps the nurse understand his behavior and
is least demanding of the client. The client is unlikely to accept statements that indicate that no
one will see the nurse. The client is unlikely to accept statements that there is no reason to be
afraid. Asking the client what will happen if someone sees the nurse is also unlikely to be
acceptable and validates the client's delusion.
Nursing implications for a client taking central nervous system (CNS) stimulants include
monitoring the client for which conditions? - CORRECT ANSWERS tachycardia, weight
loss, and mood swings
Stimulants produce mood swings, anorexia and weight loss, and tachycardia. Hyperpyrexia,
slow pulse, weight gain, hypotension, listlessness, increased appetite, slowing of sensorium,
and arrhythmias indicate CNS depression.
A client refuses the evening dose of haloperidol and then becomes extremely agitated in the
day room while other clients are watching television. The client begins cursing and throwing
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
The nurse is working with a client with depression in a mental health clinic. During the
interaction, the nurse uses the technique of self-disclosure. In order for this technique to be
therapeutic, which step must be a priority for the nurse? - CORRECT ANSWERS
ensuring relevance to, and quickly refocusing upon, the client's experience
The nurse's self-disclosure should be brief and to the point so that the interaction can be
refocused on the client's experience. Because the client is the focus of the nurse-client
relationship, the discussion should not dwell on the nurse's own experience.
A nurse is reviewing home medications for a client recently admitted to a long-term psychiatric
unit. The charge nurse asks why this client has frequent blood draws over the next few weeks.
The nurse would be correct to state which home medication dosages vary according to the
blood levels of the drug? - CORRECT ANSWERS lithium carbonate
Dosages for lithium, an antimania drug, are individualized to achieve a maintenance blood level
of 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L for acute mania and 0.8 to 1.0 mEq/L for long-term control of bipolar
disorder. Although clozapine use requires monitoring of white blood cell counts and
clonazepam use requires monitoring of complete blood count and liver function tests, these
tests aren't used to individualize dosages of the drugs. Alprazolam dosages aren't based on
blood levels of the drug.
A healthcare provider has ordered a new antipsychotic medication for a client with
schizophrenia whose previous medication no longer provides the expected symptom relief. The
client tells the nurse, "I can't afford the additional cost of this new medication." What is the first
action the nurse should take to be a client advocate? - CORRECT ANSWERS Help the
client explore other financial options for obtaining medication reimbursement with a social
worker.
Helping the client find other financial options for obtaining this medication is an important
client advocacy strategy. Simply stating the client should contact friends or family is not
,UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
assisting the client with this problem. The healthcare provider ordered this drug as a result of
symptom exacerbation; reassessing the client's need for this medication is appropriate only
after exhausting other options. Teaching the client to accept that financial reimbursement is
not available does not facilitate client advocacy.
A client in a group therapy setting is very demanding. The client repeatedly interrupts others
and monopolizes most of the group time. The nurse's best response would be: - CORRECT
ANSWERS "Will you briefly summarize your point? Others also need time."
Asking the client to summarize directs the client to focus the comments and allows the client to
make a point. Saying the client's behavior is obnoxious is judgmental. Telling the client that the
behavior is frustrating doesn't facilitate communication. Ignoring the client's behavior focuses
more on the nurse's need than on the client's.
A nurse is teaching the families of clients with chronic mental illnesses about causes of relapse
and rehospitalization. What should the nurse include as the primary cause? - CORRECT
ANSWERS noncompliance with medications
Noncompliance with medications is documented as the primary cause of relapse. Although loss
of family support, sudden changes in medications, and nonattendance at treatment programs
may contribute to relapse, these factors are not as significant as medication noncompliance as
causes of relapse.
The nurse teaches a group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about providing care to
clients with depression. Which approach by one of the UAPs indicates an understanding of the
mosteffective approach to a depressed client? - CORRECT ANSWERS empathetic
To care effectively for clients with depression, the nurse should teach the importance of
demonstrating empathetic concern. Caregivers must accept clients as they are even though
,UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
many will be angry and negative, acknowledge their emotional pain, and offer to help them
work through their pain. For the client who is depressed, using a cheerful demeanor or a
humorous, light-hearted approach may be overwhelming because the client will be unable to
meet the caregiver's expectations, subsequently leading to decreased self-worth. A serious,
business-like affect may threaten the client and inhibit the development of trust.
What client behaviors would be most important for the nurse to consider in deciding to
institute suicide precautions because of high-risk behavior? - CORRECT ANSWERS The
client recently attempted suicide with a lethal method.
A recent suicide attempt using a lethal method always indicates the need for suicide
precautions. The client is at high risk for suicide, and his life must be protected and safety
maintained.Having feelings of being in control of suicidal thoughts, worrying about a child's
reaction, or expressing guilt and shame about a suicide attempt indicates a lower risk for
suicide.
The nurse who uses self-disclosure should: - CORRECT ANSWERS refocus on the client's
experience as quickly as possible.
The nurse's self-disclosure should be brief and to the point so that the interaction can be
refocused on the client's experience. Because the client is the focus of the nurse-client
relationship, discussion shouldn't dwell on the nurse's experience.
A 6-year-old client is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When
asking this client to complete a task, what techniques should the nurse use to communicate
mosteffectively with him? - CORRECT ANSWERS Obtain eye contact before speaking,
use simple language, and have him repeat what was said. Praise him if he completes the task.
, UNIT 4: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS A COMPLETE SOLUTION COVERS
2025/2026 ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED BEST
GRADED A+ FOR SUCCESS
Because the client with ADHD is easily distractible, it is important to obtain eye contact before
explaining the task. Simple language and having him repeat what he is told are necessary
because of his age. Praise encourages the client to repeat the task in the future as well as
building the client's self-esteem. A full explanation with verbal praise and a food reward is
inappropriate because a food reward increases the chance that he will expect a physical reward
for completing tasks. In addition, a full explanation might be too confusing for someone his age.
Explaining consequences focuses on punishment, rather than praise. Although demonstration
and imitation is an effective teaching method, rewarding with food fosters dependence on food
reward for task completion.
As the nurse stands near the window in the client's room, the client shouts, "Come away from
the window! They will see you!" Which response by the nurse would be best? - CORRECT
ANSWERS "Who are 'they'?"
Asking the client who "they" are when he is fearful helps the nurse understand his behavior and
is least demanding of the client. The client is unlikely to accept statements that indicate that no
one will see the nurse. The client is unlikely to accept statements that there is no reason to be
afraid. Asking the client what will happen if someone sees the nurse is also unlikely to be
acceptable and validates the client's delusion.
Nursing implications for a client taking central nervous system (CNS) stimulants include
monitoring the client for which conditions? - CORRECT ANSWERS tachycardia, weight
loss, and mood swings
Stimulants produce mood swings, anorexia and weight loss, and tachycardia. Hyperpyrexia,
slow pulse, weight gain, hypotension, listlessness, increased appetite, slowing of sensorium,
and arrhythmias indicate CNS depression.
A client refuses the evening dose of haloperidol and then becomes extremely agitated in the
day room while other clients are watching television. The client begins cursing and throwing
