Sample Questions and Answers
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Auditory hallucinations
B) Increased energy levels
C) Fear of being in public places
D) Apathy toward loved ones
Answer: A) Auditory hallucinations
The nurse is caring for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to avoid stressful situations
B) Teach relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises
C) Limit opportunities for social interaction to reduce anxiety
D) Provide the patient with a sedative for immediate relief
Answer: B) Teach relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises
A patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) is receiving therapy. Which of the following should the nurse assess for as a potential side effect of the antidepressant?
A) Weight loss
B) Excessive sleepiness
C) Suicidal thoughts
D) High blood pressure
Answer: C) Suicidal thoughts
A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of the manic phase of the illness?
A) Withdrawal from social activities
B) Decreased energy and increased sleep
C) Grandiosity and excessive talkativeness
D) Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Answer: C) Grandiosity and excessive talkativeness
A nurse is teaching a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) how to manage symptoms. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A) “I will avoid situations that trigger memories of the trauma.”
B) “I will practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.”
C) “I will talk about the trauma with my family and friends.”
D) “I will seek professional counseling to help process my experiences.”
Answer: C) “I will talk about the trauma with my family and friends.”
A patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is engaging in compulsive hand washing. The nurse should:
A) Ignore the behavior and encourage normal activities
B) Set limits on the behavior to reduce anxiety
C) Allow the patient to wash their hands as needed
D) Remind the patient to stop the hand washing
Answer: B) Set limits on the behavior to reduce anxiety
The nurse is caring for a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following should be a priority in the nursing care plan?
A) Encourage the patient to eat high-calorie foods
B) Establish a structured eating schedule
C) Provide information about nutrition and exercise
D) Develop a reward system for weight gain
Answer: B) Establish a structured eating schedule
A nurse is assessing a patient with schizophrenia. The nurse observes that the patient is speaking in a way that is disconnected and fragmented. This behavior is known as:
A) Tangential speech
B) Flight of ideas
C) Word salad
D) Clang association
Answer: C) Word salad
A nurse is providing care to a patient with borderline personality disorder. Which of the following is the most effective way to manage this patient’s behavior?
A) Set clear and consistent boundaries
B) Allow the patient to make independent decisions
C) Ignore the patient’s manipulative behaviors
D) Be flexible with the rules to reduce anxiety
Answer: A) Set clear and consistent boundaries
A patient diagnosed with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?
A) Decreased appetite
B) Insomnia and agitation
C) Hypotension
D) Weight gain
Answer: B) Insomnia and agitation
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a panic disorder. The nurse understands that the main feature of a panic attack is:
A) Muscle weakness
B) Increased desire for sleep
C) Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort
D) Prolonged sadness and hopelessness
Answer: C) Sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort
A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing an alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is a priority intervention?
A) Monitor vital signs closely
B) Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration
C) Encourage the patient to eat solid foods
D) Provide a quiet environment with minimal stimuli
Answer: A) Monitor vital signs closely
A patient with depression is prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Which side effect should the nurse educate the patient about?
A) Drowsiness
B) Nausea
C) Weight loss
D) Decreased libido
Answer: A) Drowsiness
The nurse is caring for a patient with an eating disorder who has been hospitalized for weight restoration. The nurse should be aware that which of the following could indicate a medical emergency?
A) The patient refuses to eat breakfast
B) The patient exhibits obsessive thoughts about food
C) The patient experiences an electrolyte imbalance
D) The patient is constantly weighing themselves
Answer: C) The patient experiences an electrolyte imbalance
A patient diagnosed with depression expresses feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The nurse should respond with:
A) “Try not to think about the past; look toward the future.”
B) “I can see you’re feeling very bad about yourself. Let’s talk about it.”
C) “You’re being too hard on yourself; everyone makes mistakes.”
D) “You should be grateful for what you have, not feel sorry for yourself.”
Answer: B) “I can see you’re feeling very bad about yourself. Let’s talk about it.”
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits delusional thinking. The nurse should:
A) Confront the delusion directly
B) Ignore the delusion and continue with care
C) Acknowledge the delusion and focus on reality
D) Reinforce the delusion to provide comfort
Answer: C) Acknowledge the delusion and focus on reality
A nurse is assessing a patient with a history of substance use disorder. Which of the following is a priority assessment?
A) Blood pressure and heart rate
B) Level of consciousness
C) History of withdrawal symptoms
D) Nutritional status
Answer: C) History of withdrawal symptoms
A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The patient is refusing to take medication. The nurse should:
A) Force the patient to take the medication
B) Explain the benefits of the medication and encourage adherence
C) Administer the medication covertly
D) Allow the patient to decide whether to take the medication or not
Answer: B) Explain the benefits of the medication and encourage adherence
A nurse is caring for a patient with a manic episode. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
A) Provide a structured routine and minimize distractions
B) Allow the patient to make decisions based on their impulses
C) Offer the patient a high-calorie, high-protein diet
D) Encourage excessive exercise to release energy
Answer: A) Provide a structured routine and minimize distractions
A nurse is caring for a patient with an anxiety disorder. Which of the following strategies should the nurse prioritize in the care plan?
A) Reducing exposure to anxiety-provoking situations
B) Encouraging the patient to face anxiety triggers gradually
C) Prescribing antianxiety medications as needed
D) Avoiding any discussions about the patient’s anxiety
Answer: B) Encouraging the patient to face anxiety triggers gradually
A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is exhibiting hypervigilance. The nurse should:
A) Encourage the patient to avoid talking about the trauma
B) Ensure the environment is calm and predictable
C) Allow the patient to make decisions about their care independently
D) Encourage the patient to confront their fear directly
Answer: B) Ensure the environment is calm and predictable
A nurse is caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder (DID). Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Challenge the patient’s alternate identities
B) Acknowledge and accept the patient’s identities
C) Ignore the presence of the alternate personalities
D) Encourage the patient to discuss their trauma in detail
Answer: B) Acknowledge and accept the patient’s identities
A patient with bipolar disorder is being discharged after a manic episode. The nurse should provide which of the following instructions to the patient?
A) “Engage in high-energy activities to burn off extra energy.”
B) “Monitor your mood and seek help if you feel you’re becoming manic.”
C) “Limit your social interactions to avoid overwhelming stimulation.”
D) “Sleep as much as possible to recover from your manic episode.”
Answer: B) “Monitor your mood and seek help if you feel you’re becoming manic.”
A patient is receiving treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following is an appropriate goal for this patient?
A) The patient will cease all compulsive behaviors within one week.
B) The patient will recognize the need to control compulsive behaviors.
C) The patient will engage in compulsive behaviors to decrease anxiety.
D) The patient will avoid situations that trigger obsessive thoughts.
Answer: B) The patient will recognize the need to control compulsive behaviors.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of self-harm. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encourage the patient to stop self-harming immediately
B) Monitor the patient for signs of suicidal ideation
C) Provide a quiet, isolated environment for the patient
D) Discuss the patient’s feelings of anger and frustration
Answer: B) Monitor the patient for signs of suicidal ideation
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a psychotic disorder who exhibits catatonia. The nurse should:
A) Provide medications to reduce the patient’s symptoms
B) Encourage the patient to engage in physical activity
C) Provide sensory stimulation to break the stupor
D) Monitor the patient closely for any changes in behavior
Answer: D) Monitor the patient closely for any changes in behavior
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with depression. The nurse should prioritize which of the following?
A) Establishing a therapeutic relationship
B) Providing family therapy
C) Teaching the patient about the risks of antidepressants
D) Encouraging the patient to increase their physical activity
Answer: A) Establishing a therapeutic relationship
A nurse is providing care to a patient experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is a priority?
A) Monitor for signs of delirium tremens
B) Encourage oral fluid intake to prevent dehydration
C) Provide a low-sugar diet to prevent hypoglycemia
D) Establish a routine for medication administration
Answer: A) Monitor for signs of delirium tremens
A nurse is providing care for a patient with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to observe?
A) Excessive guilt and remorse
B) Difficulty maintaining relationships
C) Exhibiting impulsive and reckless behavior
D) A strong desire to please others
Answer: C) Exhibiting impulsive and reckless behavior
A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is exhibiting auditory hallucinations. The nurse should:
A) Tell the patient that the voices are not real
B) Provide a quiet environment and limit stimulation
C) Encourage the patient to confront the voices directly
D) Ignore the hallucinations and focus on reality
Answer: B) Provide a quiet environment and limit stimulation
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