RPN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing

Question 1

A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices telling them to harm others. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety of the client and others by following facility protocols

Answer

Administer a PRN antipsychotic medication immediately

Answer

Encourage the client to ignore the voices and focus on activities

Answer

Document the report and notify the physician at the next scheduled call

Question 2

Which therapeutic communication technique involves restating the client's words in the nurse's own words to confirm understanding?

Accepted Answer

Paraphrasing

Answer

Reflection

Answer

Clarification

Answer

Summarizing

Question 3

A client with major depressive disorder states, 'There is no point in anything anymore.' Which nursing response is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

'It sounds like you are feeling hopeless. Can you tell me more?'

Answer

'Everyone feels that way sometimes — it will pass.'

Answer

'You have so much to live for. Think about your family.'

Answer

'Let's focus on positive things and schedule some activities.'

Question 4

Which defense mechanism is a client using when they say, 'My coworker is the one who is always angry, not me'?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Displacement

Answer

Reaction formation

Question 5

Which screening tool is most commonly used by nurses to assess for depression in adult clients?

Accepted Answer

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)

Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

AUDIT-C

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase. Which nursing intervention is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Provide a calm, low-stimulation environment and ensure adequate rest

Answer

Engage the client in group therapy to channel energy

Answer

Encourage the client to journal thoughts and feelings

Answer

Schedule structured high-activity tasks to reduce restlessness

Question 7

A client with generalized anxiety disorder is taught diaphragmatic breathing. What is the primary goal of this technique?

Accepted Answer

Activate the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce physiological arousal

Answer

Increase carbon dioxide levels to reduce respiratory alkalosis

Answer

Stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to improve alertness

Answer

Improve oxygen saturation to prevent hypoxia during anxiety episodes