NMBI Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing an acute psychotic episode. What is the most important immediate safety consideration?

Accepted Answer

The safety of the patient and others — de-escalate calmly, minimise stimuli, and call for support if needed

Answer

During acute psychosis, safety of both the patient and staff is paramount. De-escalation, environmental management, and summoning support are priorities. Restraint is a last resort and medication requires assessment.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a 'risk assessment' in mental health nursing?

Accepted Answer

To identify, evaluate, and document a patient's risk of harm to themselves or others, to guide care planning

Answer

Mental health risk assessment evaluates risk of suicide, self-harm, violence, and vulnerability. It informs care planning, level of observation, and safety interventions. It must be dynamic — updated as the patient's condition changes.

Question 3

Which nursing intervention is consistent with trauma-informed care?

Accepted Answer

Asking permission before touching a patient and explaining all procedures beforehand

Answer

Trauma-informed care recognises the widespread impact of trauma and ensures care practices do not re-traumatise patients. Key principles include safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Question 4

What is the hierarchy of evidence in evidence-based practice, from strongest to weakest?

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews/meta-analysis → RCTs → cohort studies → case studies → expert opinion

Answer

The evidence hierarchy places systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top (synthesising many studies), followed by RCTs (randomised controlled trials), then observational studies, case reports, and expert opinion at the base.

Question 5

A patient refuses a prescribed medication. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal, explore reasons, document it, and inform the prescriber

Answer

A competent patient has the right to refuse any treatment. The nurse must respect autonomy, explore reasons (which may reveal side effects, fears, or misunderstanding), document the refusal, and inform the prescriber.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Mental Health Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice 2