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Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing · Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions

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Showing all 15 practice questions with expert explanatory rationales.

Question 1 of 15

Case excerpt

A client who is prescribed benzodiazepines for short-term anxiety says they also drink wine each evening.

Which teaching is most important?

A. Drive only short distances after combining them
B. Take both together to improve sleep
C. Avoid combining alcohol with benzodiazepines because sedation and respiratory depression can be amplified
D. Increase the benzodiazepine dose on drinking days
E. Stop the medication abruptly after daily use

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: C. Avoid combining alcohol with benzodiazepines because sedation and respiratory depression can be amplified

Alcohol and benzodiazepines have additive central nervous system depressant effects and can cause dangerous sedation and respiratory depression.

Question 2 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with a history of intimate partner violence asks the nurse not to leave a printed safety plan where the partner might find it.

What is the best nursing response?

A. Tell the client to leave immediately without planning
B. Collaborate on a discreet, individualized safety plan and respect the client's assessment of danger
C. Insist on giving the client a brightly labeled handout
D. Document the plan on a shared family portal
E. Call the partner to discuss the concern

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: B. Collaborate on a discreet, individualized safety plan and respect the client's assessment of danger

Safety planning must be individualized and confidential, considering how written or electronic materials could increase danger.

Question 3 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with dementia repeatedly attempts to leave the unit and becomes distressed when redirected.

Which approach is most appropriate?

A. Use restraints as the first intervention
B. Assess unmet needs and use a safe, structured walking or activity plan
C. Ignore the behavior until the client stops
D. Give sedating medication without assessment
E. Argue forcefully that the client cannot leave

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: B. Assess unmet needs and use a safe, structured walking or activity plan

Wandering may reflect unmet needs, discomfort, or restlessness. Assess causes and use individualized environmental and activity strategies.

Question 4 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with a substance use disorder says, 'I know my drug use is hurting me, but I am not ready to quit.'

Which response best reflects motivational interviewing?

A. There is nothing to discuss until you agree to treatment.'
B. Your family is right and you are wrong.'
C. You must stop today or you do not want help.'
D. What concerns, if any, do you have about how substances are affecting your life?'
E. I will decide your goals for you.'

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: D. What concerns, if any, do you have about how substances are affecting your life?'

Open-ended, nonjudgmental questions explore ambivalence and support the client's own reasons for change.

Question 5 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with an eating disorder asks to use the bathroom immediately after every meal.

Which nursing intervention is appropriate within the treatment plan?

A. Follow the agreed post-meal supervision protocol and monitor for compensatory behaviors
B. Skip meal documentation
C. Shame the client for the request
D. Encourage vigorous exercise after eating
E. Allow unrestricted bathroom access without assessment

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Follow the agreed post-meal supervision protocol and monitor for compensatory behaviors

Structured post-meal support may be part of an individualized plan to reduce purging and other compensatory behaviors.

Question 6 of 15

Case excerpt

A client receiving electroconvulsive therapy returns to the recovery area.

Which assessment is the priority immediately after the procedure?

A. Airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness
B. Independent ambulation without assistance
C. Ability to complete a complex math problem
D. Long-term memory testing before vital signs
E. Detailed discussion of treatment consent

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness

Post-ECT care prioritizes recovery from anesthesia, airway and respiratory status, circulation, and level of consciousness.

Question 7 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder asks why a regular sleep schedule is emphasized.

Which explanation is most accurate?

A. Sleep has no relationship to mood symptoms
B. Only weekend sleep matters
C. Sleep disruption can contribute to mood episode instability, so consistent routines support relapse prevention
D. Staying awake longer prevents mania
E. Sleep schedules replace medication

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: C. Sleep disruption can contribute to mood episode instability, so consistent routines support relapse prevention

Regular sleep and daily routines are important components of mood stabilization and relapse prevention.

Question 8 of 15

Case excerpt

A client with depression is prescribed bupropion and has a history of bulimia nervosa.

Which concern should the nurse raise with the prescriber?

A. The medication must be taken only with alcohol
B. Bupropion always causes severe kidney failure
C. Bulimia makes antidepressants ineffective
D. Bupropion is used to treat acute mania
E. Bupropion is generally contraindicated in clients with current or prior bulimia because of seizure risk

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: E. Bupropion is generally contraindicated in clients with current or prior bulimia because of seizure risk

Bupropion increases seizure risk and is contraindicated in clients with current or prior bulimia or anorexia nervosa.

Question 9 of 15

Case excerpt

For Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A client is taking benzodiazepines daily and asks about stopping them abruptly. Which information should the nurse provide.

A client is taking benzodiazepines daily and asks about stopping them abruptly. Which information should the nurse provide? (Select all that apply)

A. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives unless approved
B. Seizures can occur with severe withdrawal
C. Doubling the dose after a missed dose is recommended
D. A taper may be needed under prescriber supervision
E. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives unless approved; B. Seizures can occur with severe withdrawal; D. A taper may be needed under prescriber supervision; E. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal

Long-term benzodiazepines should not be stopped abruptly; supervised tapering may be needed, and alcohol or sedative combinations are dangerous.

Question 10 of 15

Case excerpt

For Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A nurse is using motivational interviewing with a client who is ambivalent about substance treatment. Which techniques are appropriate.

A nurse is using motivational interviewing with a client who is ambivalent about substance treatment. Which techniques are appropriate? (Select all that apply)

A. Affirm the client's strengths
B. Use confrontation to force agreement
C. Ask open-ended questions
D. Summarize the client's reasons for change
E. Reflect the client's statements

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Affirm the client's strengths; C. Ask open-ended questions; D. Summarize the client's reasons for change; E. Reflect the client's statements

Motivational interviewing uses open questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries to explore ambivalence.

Question 11 of 15

Case excerpt

For Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A caregiver is learning how to support a family member with dementia. Which strategies should the nurse recommend.

A caregiver is learning how to support a family member with dementia. Which strategies should the nurse recommend? (Select all that apply)

A. Correct every mistaken statement firmly
B. Offer one choice at a time
C. Use short, simple instructions
D. Keep daily routines predictable
E. Use calm redirection during distress

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: B. Offer one choice at a time; C. Use short, simple instructions; D. Keep daily routines predictable; E. Use calm redirection during distress

Simple communication, predictable routines, limited choices, and calm redirection can reduce confusion and distress.

Question 12 of 15

Case excerpt

For Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A client with depression is starting a new antidepressant. Which changes should the family be asked to report promptly.

A client with depression is starting a new antidepressant. Which changes should the family be asked to report promptly? (Select all that apply)

A. Gradual improvement in sleep without other concerns
B. Unusual agitation or restlessness
C. Marked increase in energy with persistent hopelessness
D. New or worsening suicidal thoughts
E. New impulsive or risky behavior

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: B. Unusual agitation or restlessness; C. Marked increase in energy with persistent hopelessness; D. New or worsening suicidal thoughts; E. New impulsive or risky behavior

Early treatment changes can alter energy before mood improves; worsening suicidality, agitation, impulsivity, or unusual activation needs prompt review.

Question 13 of 15

Case excerpt

For Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A client with an eating disorder is admitted with dizziness and palpitations. Which assessments are priorities.

A client with an eating disorder is admitted with dizziness and palpitations. Which assessments are priorities? (Select all that apply)

A. Cardiac rhythm when indicated
B. Weight and recent intake pattern
C. Electrolytes and hydration status
D. Body-image discussion before physical assessment
E. Vital signs, including orthostatic measurements

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Cardiac rhythm when indicated; B. Weight and recent intake pattern; C. Electrolytes and hydration status; E. Vital signs, including orthostatic measurements

Eating disorders can cause medical instability; assess circulation, electrolyte abnormalities, hydration, and cardiac risk first.

Question 14 of 15

Case excerpt

Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A client is prescribed 40 mg of a medication. Tablets available contain 20 mg each. How many tablets make one dose? Enter the number only.

A client is prescribed 40 mg of a medication. Tablets available contain 20 mg each. How many tablets make one dose? Enter the number only.

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: 2

40 mg ÷ 20 mg/tablet = 2 tablets.

Question 15 of 15

Case excerpt

Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions: A client with dementia becomes distressed during evening care. Place the nursing approach in the most appropriate order.

A client with dementia becomes distressed during evening care. Place the nursing approach in the most appropriate order.

A. Pause and assess immediate safety and possible unmet needs
B. Approach calmly and identify pain, toileting, hunger, or fatigue
C. Reduce noise and use familiar cues
D. Offer one simple choice or a calming activity
E. Reassess distress and adjust the care approach

Expert Explanatory Rationale

Correct Answer: A. Pause and assess immediate safety and possible unmet needs; B. Approach calmly and identify pain, toileting, hunger, or fatigue; C. Reduce noise and use familiar cues; D. Offer one simple choice or a calming activity; E. Reassess distress and adjust the care approach

Assess safety and causes first, then use calm communication, reduce triggers, offer simple choices, and reassess.

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