BSN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Question 1

A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse that the television is sending them personal messages. The nurse correctly identifies this as:

Accepted Answer

An idea of reference

Answer

An idea of reference is a delusion in which a patient believes that external events, objects, or people have a special personal meaning directed at them.

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which nursing intervention takes priority during the first 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Assess for suicidal ideation and means

Answer

Safety assessment for suicidal ideation is always the first priority when caring for a patient with major depressive disorder.

Question 3

A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a patient who says, 'I don't know what to do about my marriage.' Which response best demonstrates the technique of reflection?

Accepted Answer

'It sounds like you're feeling confused about your marriage.'

Answer

Reflection restates the emotional content of the patient's message back to them, encouraging further exploration of feelings.

Question 4

A patient with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode and is pacing the hallway, talking rapidly, and refusing to eat. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Provide high-calorie finger foods the patient can eat while moving

Answer

During mania, patients cannot focus long enough to sit and eat; portable, high-calorie foods maintain nutrition without increasing agitation.

Question 5

A patient is taking haloperidol (Haldol) and develops sustained muscle spasms in the neck, facial grimacing, and tongue protrusion. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Acute dystonia

Answer

Acute dystonia is an early extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics characterized by involuntary muscle contractions typically affecting the head and neck.

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing