NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH
MIDTERM PREPARATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia suddenly stops talking and remains in a fixed
position for hours. Which symptom is the nurse observing?
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Avolition
C. Anhedonia
D. Echolalia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom of schizophrenia
where the patient maintains a posture for long periods even if it is uncomfortable.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily (Form 4). What legal right does the client retain despite
the involuntary status?
A. The right to a lawyer and to be informed of the reason for detention
B. The right to refuse psychiatric medications
C. The right to leave the facility immediately
,D. The right to choose their own treating psychiatrist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Even involuntary patients have the right to legal counsel and to
know why they are being detained under the Mental Health Act.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with Lithium toxicity?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) cause the
kidneys to retain lithium, leading to toxic levels in the blood.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises
B. Administering a PRN antidepressant
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences
D. Asking the client to identify the trigger of the panic
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities. Short sentences are
necessary because the client’s cognitive processing is severely limited during panic.
5. A client says, ‘I am the King of Canada, and I own all the gold mines.’ This is an example of
which thought content?
A. Delusions of persecution
B. Thought broadcasting
C. Ideas of reference
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Delusions of grandeur involve a false belief that one is famous,
powerful, or possesses extraordinary wealth.
6. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C
MIDTERM PREPARATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia suddenly stops talking and remains in a fixed
position for hours. Which symptom is the nurse observing?
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Avolition
C. Anhedonia
D. Echolalia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom of schizophrenia
where the patient maintains a posture for long periods even if it is uncomfortable.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily (Form 4). What legal right does the client retain despite
the involuntary status?
A. The right to a lawyer and to be informed of the reason for detention
B. The right to refuse psychiatric medications
C. The right to leave the facility immediately
,D. The right to choose their own treating psychiatrist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Even involuntary patients have the right to legal counsel and to
know why they are being detained under the Mental Health Act.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with Lithium toxicity?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) cause the
kidneys to retain lithium, leading to toxic levels in the blood.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises
B. Administering a PRN antidepressant
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences
D. Asking the client to identify the trigger of the panic
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities. Short sentences are
necessary because the client’s cognitive processing is severely limited during panic.
5. A client says, ‘I am the King of Canada, and I own all the gold mines.’ This is an example of
which thought content?
A. Delusions of persecution
B. Thought broadcasting
C. Ideas of reference
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Delusions of grandeur involve a false belief that one is famous,
powerful, or possesses extraordinary wealth.
6. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C
