NUR384 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING FINAL EXAM
(CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2027 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is conducting an initial psychiatric assessment with
a client who states, “I don’t see any reason to keep going.”
Which response by the nurse is the priority?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
C. “Why do you feel this way?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes.”
Correct Answer: B. “Are you thinking about harming
yourself?”
Rationale: The priority is assessing for suicidal ideation and
safety risk. Directly asking about self-harm does not increase
risk and allows appropriate intervention.
2. A client with depression tells the nurse, “I am worthless and
nothing will ever improve.” Which nursing response
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You need to stop thinking negatively.”
B. “I understand exactly how you feel.”
,C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
D. “You have many good qualities.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel
worthless.”
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression of
feelings and allow the nurse to explore the client’s thoughts.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing acute mania.
Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide a highly stimulating environment
B. Encourage long group therapy sessions
C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior
D. Allow unlimited activity to reduce frustration
Correct Answer: C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from structure,
consistent expectations, and reduced stimulation.
4. A client taking lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and
severe tremors. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer the next lithium dose
B. Encourage increased caffeine intake
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Reassure the client these effects are expected
,Correct Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms and severe tremors may
indicate lithium toxicity, which requires prompt evaluation.
5. Which statement by a client taking an antidepressant
indicates understanding of treatment?
A. “I will stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
B. “The medication may take several weeks before improving
symptoms.”
C. “I should double my dose if I miss one.”
D. “This medication will immediately eliminate depression.”
Correct Answer: B. “The medication may take several weeks
before improving symptoms.”
Rationale: Antidepressants commonly require several weeks
before therapeutic effects are noticeable.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports
hearing voices. Which response is appropriate?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “I do not hear the voices, but I understand they are real to
you.”
C. “What are the voices telling you to do?”
D. “Ignore the voices.”
, Correct Answer: B. “I do not hear the voices, but I understand
they are real to you.”
Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client’s experience
without reinforcing the hallucination.
7. Which finding requires immediate intervention for a client
receiving antipsychotic medication?
A. Dry mouth
B. Mild sedation
C. Fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C. Fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate neuroleptic malignant
syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
8. A client with anxiety is experiencing rapid breathing and
panic. What should the nurse do first?
A. Teach complex coping strategies
B. Leave the client alone
C. Use calm communication and remain with the client
D. Ask the client to describe childhood experiences
Correct Answer: C. Use calm communication and remain with
the client
(CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2027 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A nurse is conducting an initial psychiatric assessment with
a client who states, “I don’t see any reason to keep going.”
Which response by the nurse is the priority?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
C. “Why do you feel this way?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes.”
Correct Answer: B. “Are you thinking about harming
yourself?”
Rationale: The priority is assessing for suicidal ideation and
safety risk. Directly asking about self-harm does not increase
risk and allows appropriate intervention.
2. A client with depression tells the nurse, “I am worthless and
nothing will ever improve.” Which nursing response
demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You need to stop thinking negatively.”
B. “I understand exactly how you feel.”
,C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
D. “You have many good qualities.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel
worthless.”
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression of
feelings and allow the nurse to explore the client’s thoughts.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing acute mania.
Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide a highly stimulating environment
B. Encourage long group therapy sessions
C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior
D. Allow unlimited activity to reduce frustration
Correct Answer: C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from structure,
consistent expectations, and reduced stimulation.
4. A client taking lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and
severe tremors. What should the nurse do first?
A. Administer the next lithium dose
B. Encourage increased caffeine intake
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Reassure the client these effects are expected
,Correct Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms and severe tremors may
indicate lithium toxicity, which requires prompt evaluation.
5. Which statement by a client taking an antidepressant
indicates understanding of treatment?
A. “I will stop taking the medication once I feel better.”
B. “The medication may take several weeks before improving
symptoms.”
C. “I should double my dose if I miss one.”
D. “This medication will immediately eliminate depression.”
Correct Answer: B. “The medication may take several weeks
before improving symptoms.”
Rationale: Antidepressants commonly require several weeks
before therapeutic effects are noticeable.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports
hearing voices. Which response is appropriate?
A. “The voices are not real.”
B. “I do not hear the voices, but I understand they are real to
you.”
C. “What are the voices telling you to do?”
D. “Ignore the voices.”
, Correct Answer: B. “I do not hear the voices, but I understand
they are real to you.”
Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client’s experience
without reinforcing the hallucination.
7. Which finding requires immediate intervention for a client
receiving antipsychotic medication?
A. Dry mouth
B. Mild sedation
C. Fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C. Fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion
Rationale: These symptoms may indicate neuroleptic malignant
syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
8. A client with anxiety is experiencing rapid breathing and
panic. What should the nurse do first?
A. Teach complex coping strategies
B. Leave the client alone
C. Use calm communication and remain with the client
D. Ask the client to describe childhood experiences
Correct Answer: C. Use calm communication and remain with
the client
