ACTUAL EXAM EACH FORM CONTAINS 150+ QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the
following is the nurse's priority intervention?
A) Teach relaxation techniques.
B) Encourage deep breathing and stay with the client.
C) Explore the client's past trauma.
D) Administer a PRN antidepressant.
E) Discuss potential triggers.
Correct Answer: B) Encourage deep breathing and stay with the client.
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client needs immediate
reassurance and assistance to regain control. Staying with the client
and guiding them through slow, deep breathing helps to de-escalate
anxiety and re-establish a sense of safety.
Question 2
A client with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been prescribed a
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Which of the following
statements indicates the client understands the medication teaching?
A) "I should expect to feel better within 24 hours of taking this."
B) "I can stop taking this medication when my mood improves."
C) "It may take several weeks for me to feel the full effects of this
medication."
D) "I can drink alcohol in moderation while on this medication."
E) "I should take this medication only when I feel sad."
Correct Answer: C) "It may take several weeks for me to feel the full
effects of this medication."
Rationale: SSRIs typically take 4-6 weeks to reach full therapeutic
effect. Clients need to be educated about this delay to manage
expectations and ensure adherence.
,Question 3
A nurse is interacting with a client who states, "The voices are telling me to
jump out the window." Which of the following is the nurse's priority
assessment?
A) Ask the client about their childhood.
B) Determine the content of the voices and the client's intent to act on them.
C) Offer a PRN sedative.
D) Document the statement in the chart.
E) Distract the client with an activity.
Correct Answer: B) Determine the content of the voices and the
client's intent to act on them.
Rationale: Any statement indicating harm to self or others is a
priority. The nurse must assess the immediate risk by asking about
the command content, the client's belief in the voices, and their
intent to follow them.
Question 4
A client with Bipolar Disorder in a manic phase is exhibiting hyperactivity and
refusing to eat. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing
intervention?
A) Allow the client to skip meals to avoid confrontation.
B) Provide nutrient-dense, finger foods and fluids frequently.
C) Insist the client sit down for a full meal.
D) Administer a sedative every hour.
E) Engage the client in a lengthy conversation about their diet.
Correct Answer: B) Provide nutrient-dense, finger foods and fluids
frequently.
Rationale: Clients in a manic phase often have too much energy to sit
for full meals. Offering nutrient-dense, portable foods and fluids
allows them to maintain calorie and fluid intake while on the go.
,Question 5
Which of the following communication techniques is an example of
"therapeutic communication"?
A) "Why did you feel that way?"
B) "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing."
D) "That's a silly thing to be upset about."
E) "I know exactly how you feel."
Correct Answer: C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing."
Rationale: This is an open-ended statement that encourages the
client to elaborate, fostering exploration of their feelings and
experiences without judgment, advice, or false reassurance.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which
of the following medications would the nurse anticipate as a first-line
treatment for long-term management?
A) Lorazepam (Ativan)
B) Alprazolam (Xanax)
C) Buspirone (Buspar)
D) Clonazepam (Klonopin)
E) Zolpidem (Ambien)
Correct Answer: C) Buspirone (Buspar)
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic often used
for long-term management of GAD because it lacks the high abuse
potential and withdrawal symptoms associated with
benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are typically for short-term,
acute anxiety.
Question 7
A client with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which of
the following is the most appropriate nursing response?
, A) "Those voices aren't real; just ignore them."
B) "I don't hear any voices, but I understand that you do."
C) "Tell me what the voices are saying."
D) "Why are you hearing voices?"
E) "You need to take your medication to stop the voices."
Correct Answer: B) "I don't hear any voices, but I understand that you
do."
Rationale: This response validates the client's experience without
confirming the hallucination, while also grounding the client in
reality. It is an empathetic and therapeutic approach.
Question 8
What is the primary characteristic of a "borderline personality disorder" client
that poses a significant challenge for nurses?
A) Extreme shyness and social isolation.
B) Grandiose delusions and paranoia.
C) Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable relationships.
D) Rigid perfectionism and preoccupation with order.
E) Excessive attention-seeking and theatricality.
Correct Answer: C) Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable
relationships.
Rationale: Clients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often
struggle with intense, rapidly shifting moods, impulsive behaviors
(e.g., self-harm), and turbulent interpersonal relationships, making
consistency and boundary setting crucial and challenging for staff.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a client who is agitated and pacing rapidly. Which of the
following is the most appropriate de-escalation technique?
A) Stand directly in front of the client to block their path.
B) Speak in a loud, demanding tone.
C) Maintain a calm demeanor, offer a quiet space, and speak in a low, even