Guide – Practice Questions
with Verified Answers with
Rationales. GRADED A+. Latest
2026/2027 Update
A nurse is explaining interpersonal therapy to a client with major depressive
disorder. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of
the therapy's primary focus?
A. "It will help me change my core beliefs about myself."
B. "It will help me improve my relationships and communication with others."
C. "It will train me to replace negative thoughts with positive ones."
D. "It will expose me gradually to situations I fear."
B. "It will help me improve my relationships and communication with others."
Rationale:IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and
communication patterns to reduce psychiatric symptoms, particularly
depression (Halter, 2022).
A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder throws a meal tray
across the room after being told their request cannot be fulfilled. What is the
most appropriate nursing response?
,A. "If you don't stop, you will lose your privileges."
B. "Why did you throw the tray? You need to explain yourself."
C. "I can see you're upset, but throwing the tray is not acceptable behavior."
D. "Ignore the behavior and walk away to avoid escalating the situation.
C. "I can see you're upset, but throwing the tray is not acceptable behavior."
Rationale:Clients with borderline personality disorder often struggle with
emotional regulation and may express distress through impulsive or aggressive
behavior. The nurse should use a calm, nonjudgmental, and firm approach—
acknowledging the client’s feelings while also setting clear boundaries about
acceptable behavior.
A nurse is reviewing medications for a client with a history of seizures. Which
medication should the nurse question?
A. Sertraline
B. Bupropion
C. Lorazepam
D. Gabapentin
B. Bupropion
Rationale: Bupropion is contraindicated in clients with a history of seizures
because it lowers the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizure activity.
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) who
is currently homeless. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this
individual?
A. Risk for acute confusion
B. Chronic low self-esteem
C. Impaired verbal communication
D. Disturbed sensory perception
B. Chronic low self-esteem
Rationale: Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are also
experiencing homelessness often struggle with chronic low self-esteem due to
,factors like stigma, social isolation, lack of support, and repeated failures in
employment, housing, or relationships.
How does dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) work?
Changes severe reactions to moderate
A nurse is educating a client who has been prescribed ramelteon for insomnia.
Which statement by the nurse best explains how this medication works?
A. "It increases serotonin levels to help you sleep."
B. "It slows brain activity by enhancing GABA."
C. "It works by acting as a melatonin receptor agonist."
D. "It blocks dopamine to calm your mind before sleep."
C. “It works by acting as a melatonin receptor agonist.”
Rationale: Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist that specifically targets
MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of natural
melatonin.
Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client
beginning sertraline therapy?
A. Limit intake of dairy products while taking this medication.
B. Take this medication only as needed for symptoms.
C. Avoid combining this medication with St. John's Wort.
D. Stop the medication if you feel better after one week.
C. Avoid combining this medication with St. John's Wort.
Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to
treat depression and anxiety disorders. Combining it with St. John’s Wort, a
herbal supplement, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially
life-threatening condition due to excessive serotonin levels.
A nurse is reviewing a new prescription for bupropion for a client. Which of the
following client conditions would require the nurse to contact the provider
before administration?
, A. History of seasonal affective disorder
B. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
C. Seizure disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Seizure disorder
Rationale: Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and is contraindicated in
clients with a history of seizure disorders.
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
who is undergoing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). What is the primary
goal of this therapeutic approach?
A. Eliminate all impulsive behaviors
B. Promote emotional regulation
C. Encourage complete dependence on the therapist
D. Suppress all emotional responses
B. Promote emotional regulation
Rationale:Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy
developed specifically for clients with borderline personality disorder. Its
primary goal is to promote emotional regulation by helping clients identify and
manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, improve
interpersonal relationships, and develop distress tolerance skills.
The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed zolpidem for insomnia.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Take the medication in the morning with food
B. Avoid taking the medication after a high-fat meal
C. Take the medication right before going to bed
D. Take the medication at least 3 hours before bedtime
C. Take the medication right before going to bed
Rationale:Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used for short-term treatment of
insomnia. It works quickly, and should be taken immediately before going to