CPNRE - Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination Mental Health Nursing Concepts Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the practical nurse, 'It's pointless.
Nothing will ever get better for me.' Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

I understand you're feeling hopeless right now. I'll sit with you for a while.

Answer

You need to have a more positive outlook on life.

Answer

Why do you feel that way? What has happened?

Answer

Don't worry, everyone feels down sometimes. You'll feel better tomorrow.

Question 2

A practical nurse is caring for a client who has been taking a first-generation antipsychotic medication for several years. The nurse observes the client exhibiting involuntary, repetitive facial movements, including lip-smacking and grimacing. The nurse recognizes these signs as being consistent with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Akathisia

Answer

Acute dystonia

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 3

A client is admitted to the mental health unit after a family member reports they have been giving away prized possessions and talking about 'ending it all.' Which of the following is the priority assessment for the practical nurse to complete?

Accepted Answer

Assessing for a specific suicide plan and its lethality.

Answer

Determining the client's recent stressors and coping mechanisms.

Answer

Exploring the client's family and social support system.

Answer

Obtaining a detailed history of past psychiatric admissions.

Question 4

A client who was recently passed over for a promotion at work tells the practical nurse, 'It's probably for the best. The extra responsibility would have been too stressful anyway.' The nurse identifies this as an example of which defense mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Projection

Answer

Denial

Answer

Sublimation

Question 5

During which phase of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship is a plan of care implemented and the client is encouraged to problem-solve and test new behaviours?

Accepted Answer

Working phase

Answer

Orientation phase

Answer

Termination phase

Answer

Pre-interaction phase

Question 6

A client in a common area of the psychiatric unit becomes visibly upset, pacing and speaking loudly. What is the practical nurse's most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Approach the client in a calm manner, maintain a safe distance, and ask what is troubling them.

Answer

Tell the client to lower their voice and sit down immediately.

Answer

Call security for a show of force to prevent escalation.

Answer

Ignore the behaviour, as acknowledging it may reinforce it.

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the practical nurse, 'It's pointless.Nothing will ever get better for me.' Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the practical nurse, 'It's pointless.
Nothing will ever get better for me.' Which of the following is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?