RPN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 3

Question 1

A client with schizophrenia has been stable on risperidone for two years and now shows involuntary, repetitive facial movements. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset, potentially irreversible movement disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic use, characterized by involuntary repetitive movements especially of the face and mouth.

Question 2

A client refuses psychiatric medication citing personal beliefs. The nurse's most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal, inform the prescriber, and continue to respect the client's right to refuse

Answer

Competent clients have the legal and ethical right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document the refusal, notify the prescriber, and respect autonomy while continuing to monitor the client.

Question 3

Which component is included in a comprehensive Mental Status Examination (MSE)?

Accepted Answer

Appearance, behavior, mood, affect, thought process, cognition, and insight

Answer

The MSE is a structured psychiatric assessment covering appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process and content, perceptions, cognition, insight, and judgment.

Question 4

A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered in the unit and begins to dissociate. What is the nurse's immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Use a calm, steady voice and simple grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method

Answer

Grounding techniques reconnect the client to the present moment during dissociation; speaking calmly and guiding sensory awareness is safe, effective, and non-pharmacological.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most closely associated with major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin deficiency

Answer

Depression is most strongly associated with deficiencies in serotonin (and norepinephrine), which is the basis for SSRI and SNRI pharmacotherapy.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 3