Swift River Mental Health Questions and
Answers Latest Version Graded A+
A patient with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of hopelessness and talks about not
wanting to go on. What is the nurse’s first priority?
✔✔ Assess the patient for suicidal ideation and ensure safety.
A patient with schizophrenia exhibits disorganized speech and behavior. What is the best
approach?
✔✔ Use simple, clear, and direct communication while providing structure.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is having a panic attack. What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔ Stay with the patient and offer reassurance while focusing on slow, deep breathing.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder washes their hands repeatedly. How should the
nurse address this behavior?
✔✔ Acknowledge the anxiety and encourage the patient to gradually reduce the compulsion.
1
,A patient with bipolar disorder in the manic phase is talking excessively and jumping from topic
to topic. What is the nurse’s priority?
✔✔ Set clear boundaries and redirect the conversation to prevent overstimulation.
A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) starts to cry when reminded of a traumatic
event. What should the nurse do?
✔✔ Offer support and allow the patient to express feelings at their own pace.
A patient with borderline personality disorder exhibits extreme mood swings and impulsivity.
What is the nurse's approach?
✔✔ Set consistent boundaries and provide a calm, non-judgmental environment.
A patient with depression says, "I feel worthless." What is the best response by the nurse?
✔✔ "I hear that you're feeling very low right now. Let's talk about what might be contributing to
these feelings."
A patient with anorexia nervosa is refusing to eat. How should the nurse respond?
✔✔ Focus on building trust and offer small, manageable portions while respecting the patient's
autonomy.
2
, A patient with schizophrenia is hearing voices telling them to harm themselves. What is the
immediate nursing intervention?
✔✔ Ensure the patient’s safety and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours checking locks. How can the
nurse help manage this behavior?
✔✔ Work with the patient to develop a structured routine and limit the time spent on rituals.
A patient with a history of substance abuse relapses and feels guilty. What should the nurse focus
on during this conversation?
✔✔ Encourage the patient to talk openly about their feelings and explore strategies for relapse
prevention.
A patient diagnosed with agoraphobia is afraid to leave their home. What should be the nurse's
approach?
✔✔ Gradually expose the patient to feared situations in a safe and controlled manner.
3
Answers Latest Version Graded A+
A patient with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of hopelessness and talks about not
wanting to go on. What is the nurse’s first priority?
✔✔ Assess the patient for suicidal ideation and ensure safety.
A patient with schizophrenia exhibits disorganized speech and behavior. What is the best
approach?
✔✔ Use simple, clear, and direct communication while providing structure.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is having a panic attack. What should the nurse do
first?
✔✔ Stay with the patient and offer reassurance while focusing on slow, deep breathing.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder washes their hands repeatedly. How should the
nurse address this behavior?
✔✔ Acknowledge the anxiety and encourage the patient to gradually reduce the compulsion.
1
,A patient with bipolar disorder in the manic phase is talking excessively and jumping from topic
to topic. What is the nurse’s priority?
✔✔ Set clear boundaries and redirect the conversation to prevent overstimulation.
A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) starts to cry when reminded of a traumatic
event. What should the nurse do?
✔✔ Offer support and allow the patient to express feelings at their own pace.
A patient with borderline personality disorder exhibits extreme mood swings and impulsivity.
What is the nurse's approach?
✔✔ Set consistent boundaries and provide a calm, non-judgmental environment.
A patient with depression says, "I feel worthless." What is the best response by the nurse?
✔✔ "I hear that you're feeling very low right now. Let's talk about what might be contributing to
these feelings."
A patient with anorexia nervosa is refusing to eat. How should the nurse respond?
✔✔ Focus on building trust and offer small, manageable portions while respecting the patient's
autonomy.
2
, A patient with schizophrenia is hearing voices telling them to harm themselves. What is the
immediate nursing intervention?
✔✔ Ensure the patient’s safety and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours checking locks. How can the
nurse help manage this behavior?
✔✔ Work with the patient to develop a structured routine and limit the time spent on rituals.
A patient with a history of substance abuse relapses and feels guilty. What should the nurse focus
on during this conversation?
✔✔ Encourage the patient to talk openly about their feelings and explore strategies for relapse
prevention.
A patient diagnosed with agoraphobia is afraid to leave their home. What should be the nurse's
approach?
✔✔ Gradually expose the patient to feared situations in a safe and controlled manner.
3
