NURSING MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS 1. Question : A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? • a. Excessive worry for at least 6 months • b. Obsessions and compulsions • c. Delusional thinking • d. Recurrent panic attacks Answer : a. Excessive worry for at least 6 months Rationale : Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The worry is difficult to control and often impacts daily functioning. 2. Question : A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? • a. Tell the client that the voices are not real • b. Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices • c. Ask the client what the voices are saying • d. Ignore the client's hallucinations Answer : c. Ask the client what the voices are saying Rationale : Understanding what the voices are saying helps the nurse assess the risk of harm to the client or others. This can guide appropriate interventions and ensure the client's safety. 3. Question : A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan? • a. Provide a structured environment • b. Encourage group activities • c. Allow the client to set their own limits • d. Offer high -calorie, finger foods Answer : a. Provide a structured environment Rationale : A structured environment helps reduce stimuli and provides consistency, which can help manage manic symptoms. High -calorie, finger foods (d) are also appropriate as they meet the nutritional needs of clients who may not sit down for meals. 4. Question : A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed fluoxetine. Which of the following information should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication? • a. "You should feel a significant improvement in your symptoms within 48 hours." • b. "It's important to report any thoughts of self -
harm immediately." • c. "You can stop taking the medication as soon as you feel better." • d. "This medication might cause you to have high blood pressure." Answer : b. "It's important to report any thoughts of self-harm immediately." Rationale : Clients should be informed about the risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially when starting an antidepressant. Fluoxetine typically takes several weeks to show improvement in symptoms, and it is not associated with high blood pressure. 5. Question : A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has been newly diagnosed with panic disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse include? • a. "It is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol." • b. "Panic attacks usually last for several hours." • c. "You should try to avoid any situation that causes stress." • d. "Daily exercise will likely worsen your symptoms." Answer : a. "It is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol." Rationale : Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and panic attacks. Panic attacks typically last for minutes, not hours. Avoiding all stress (c) is unrealistic and can lead to increased avoidance behaviors. 6. Question : A client with obsessive -compulsive disorder (OCD) is constantly washing their hands. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
harm immediately." • c. "You can stop taking the medication as soon as you feel better." • d. "This medication might cause you to have high blood pressure." Answer : b. "It's important to report any thoughts of self-harm immediately." Rationale : Clients should be informed about the risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially when starting an antidepressant. Fluoxetine typically takes several weeks to show improvement in symptoms, and it is not associated with high blood pressure. 5. Question : A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has been newly diagnosed with panic disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse include? • a. "It is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol." • b. "Panic attacks usually last for several hours." • c. "You should try to avoid any situation that causes stress." • d. "Daily exercise will likely worsen your symptoms." Answer : a. "It is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol." Rationale : Caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and panic attacks. Panic attacks typically last for minutes, not hours. Avoiding all stress (c) is unrealistic and can lead to increased avoidance behaviors. 6. Question : A client with obsessive -compulsive disorder (OCD) is constantly washing their hands. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
