DOH Nursing Psychiatric Nursing

Question 1

Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate when a patient says 'I feel like no one understands me'?

Accepted Answer

Reflect and validate: 'It sounds like you're feeling very alone and misunderstood.'

Answer

Offer false reassurance: 'I'm sure everyone understands you'

Answer

Change the subject to reduce patient distress

Answer

Give advice: 'You should talk to your family'

Question 2

A patient with schizophrenia reports hearing voices that command them to harm others. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess for immediate danger to self or others and initiate safety measures

Answer

Administer PRN antipsychotic medication only and document

Answer

Reassure the patient that the voices are not real

Answer

Isolate the patient until the voices stop

Question 3

Which finding is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech

Answer

Flat affect and social withdrawal

Answer

Alogia (poverty of speech)

Answer

Avolition (lack of motivation)

Question 4

What is the priority assessment for a patient admitted following a suicide attempt?

Accepted Answer

Assess current suicidal ideation, intent, plan, lethality of method, and means access

Answer

Obtain a complete medical history before any psychiatric assessment

Answer

Administer standardized depression scale questionnaire first

Answer

Contact family for collateral history before speaking with the patient

Question 5

Which medication class is the first-line pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Answer

Benzodiazepines as long-term therapy

Answer

Antipsychotics for all anxiety disorders

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants as first choice

Question 6

A patient with depression is started on an SSRI. What is the most important safety teaching for the first 1–2 weeks?

Accepted Answer

Energy and motivation may improve before mood does, increasing suicide risk — monitor closely

Answer

The medication works immediately and they will feel better within 48 hours

Answer

Sedation is the primary concern; do not drive

Answer

SSRIs cause immediate mood elevation that lasts only 3 days