Mental Health Quiz

Question 1

A client with anxiety asks, “Am I going crazy?” What’s the best response?

Accepted Answer

“You are not crazy. Anxiety is very real.”

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client with PTSD. Which intervention is most appropriate during a flashback?

Accepted Answer

Reorient the client to time and place

Question 3

A nurse observes a client with OCD repeatedly washing hands. What is the most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

“Let’s talk about what’s making you anxious.”

Question 4

A nurse gives a sedative to a combative client to control behavior without an order. What has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Chemical restraint without consent (battery)

Question 5

Which client behavior indicates a potential for violence?

Accepted Answer

Pacing and clenched fists

Question 6

Which action supports therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

“Tell me more about how you’re feeling today.”

Question 7

What legal document allows a nurse to treat a client during a psychiatric emergency without prior consent?

Accepted Answer

Implied consent

Question 8

A client states, “I hear voices telling me to harm myself.” What is the nurse’s immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Place the client on 1:1 observation

Question 9

A client newly prescribed lithium asks about diet. What’s the best instruction?

Accepted Answer

“Maintain consistent sodium intake.”

Question 10

Which is a therapeutic response to a client saying, “I don’t want to live anymore”?

Accepted Answer

“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Question 11

A client with anorexia nervosa is exercising in her room. What is the nurse’s priority?

Accepted Answer

Set limits and stop the behavior

Question 12

A client admitted involuntarily is refusing all medications. What is the nurse’s best initial response?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and notify the provider

Question 13

Which is an expected outcome of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thought patterns

Question 14

A nurse observes a client with depression staring at the floor. What’s the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Say, “You seem sad. Want to talk?”

Question 15

A client with depression says, “I feel like I’m a burden.” What’s the best response?

Accepted Answer

“It sounds like you’re struggling right now.”

Question 16

A client threatens to harm another person. What is the nurse’s legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Warn the potential victim and notify authorities

Question 17

A nurse is leading a group therapy for clients with anxiety disorders. What communication technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Using open-ended questions

Question 18

What’s a priority outcome for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

The client sleeps at least 6 hours per night

Question 19

A client is involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric unit. Which condition must be met to justify this admission?

Accepted Answer

The client is a danger to self or others

Question 20

Which intervention is most therapeutic for a client in acute mania?

Accepted Answer

Offer finger foods and fluids

Question 21

A client on sertraline reports restlessness, confusion, and sweating. What should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Question 22

A client with schizophrenia is on risperidone. Which finding requires immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of 103°F (39.4°C)

Question 23

Which behavior by a client with dementia warrants immediate follow-up?

Accepted Answer

Wandering into other rooms

Question 24

A client taking clozapine reports a sore throat and fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Accepted Answer

Check white blood cell count

Question 25

A client with somatic symptom disorder frequently reports vague pain. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

“Let’s focus on how you’re feeling emotionally.”

Question 26

A client is experiencing akathisia from antipsychotic medication. What symptom should the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

Constant pacing and restlessness

Question 27

A client refuses ECT. The provider insists it’s medically necessary. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the client’s right to refuse treatment

Question 28

Which situation would justify the use of seclusion?

Accepted Answer

Client is attempting to harm staff

Question 29

Which finding indicates effective treatment of PTSD?

Accepted Answer

The client can verbalize emotions related to trauma

Question 30

A nurse sees a client with antisocial personality disorder manipulating peers. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

“Let’s talk privately about appropriate behavior.”

Question 31

A nurse is caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations. What of the following is the best nursing response?

Accepted Answer

"What are the voices saying to you?"

Question 32

Which goal is most appropriate for a client with social anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

“The client will attend one small group session this week.”

Question 33

Which is the best activity for a client with depression?

Accepted Answer

Painting in a quiet room

Question 34

A nurse applies physical restraints to a client without a provider’s order. What legal issue does this represent?

Accepted Answer

False imprisonment

Question 35

A client is newly prescribed buspirone. What should the nurse teach?

Accepted Answer

“Take it consistently for several weeks.”

Question 36

A client with bipolar disorder is throwing objects in the dayroom. What’s the nurse’s priority action?

Accepted Answer

Remove other clients from the room

Question 37

A client voluntarily admitted to the psych unit states, “I want to leave now.” What is the nurse's legal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Notify the healthcare provider and assess safety

Question 38

A client with schizophrenia says, “The FBI is controlling my mind.” What’s the best response?

Accepted Answer

“That must be very frightening for you.”

Question 39

A nurse is planning care for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. Which intervention is best?

Accepted Answer

Use short, simple directions

Question 40

A nurse overhears a peer discussing a client in the hospital cafeteria. What action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Remind the colleague privately about HIPAA

Question 41

A client with major depressive disorder says, “I just want to go to bed and never wake up.” What is the nurse’s action?

Accepted Answer

Ask the client if they have a plan to harm themselves.

Question 42

What is the nurse’s best response to a client with paranoid personality disorder refusing medications?

Accepted Answer

“Can you help me understand your concerns?”

Question 43

A client with delusional disorder believes the nurse is poisoning their food. What’s the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Offer sealed or packaged food

Question 44

A nurse is teaching about ECT. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

“You may have short-term memory loss after.”

Question 45

Which statement by a client taking MAOIs like phenelzine requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

“I had cheddar cheese at a party yesterday.”

Question 46

What’s the most therapeutic nursing action during a group session for substance use recovery?

Accepted Answer

Encourage honest sharing without judgment

Question 47

Which activity would be most appropriate for a client with acute schizophrenia and poor focus?

Accepted Answer

One-on-one painting session

Question 48

What’s the most therapeutic response to a client with bipolar disorder who says, “I can do anything—I’m unstoppable!”?

Accepted Answer

“Let’s sit and rest for a while together.”

Question 49

Which behavior indicates improvement in a client with major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Requests to lead a group meeting

Question 50

A client taking haloperidol is drooling and has a stiff neck. What’s the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Administer benztropine

Mental Health Quiz

Questions 50

Mental Health Quiz

Questions 50