PRN 1562/PRN1562 Final Exam V3 |
Principles of Mental Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted involuntarily to a mental health facility.
Which of the following rights does the client maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
C. The right to skip all scheduled therapy sessions.
D. The right to refuse prescribed medications.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically result in the loss of the
right to refuse treatment or medications. Clients still retain their civil rights unless a court
has specifically ruled them incompetent. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy
while following the facility’s legal protocols regarding refusal.
2. A client tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking my thoughts through the television.’ Which
therapeutic response should the nurse provide?
A. That is impossible; the television cannot track your thoughts.
B. Why do you think the FBI would be interested in you?
C. I agree that the government sometimes monitors people.
,D. It must be very frightening to feel like you are being watched.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: This response focuses on the client’s feelings rather than the content
of the delusion. It acknowledges the emotional distress the client is experiencing without
validating the false belief. Validating feelings is a core component of therapeutic
communication in mental health nursing.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for lithium toxicity. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as an early sign of toxicity?
A. Seizures and hypotension
B. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
C. Oliguria and blurred vision
D. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting are early
indicators of lithium toxicity. Fine hand tremors are often a common side effect of lithium
within the therapeutic range, whereas coarse tremors indicate toxicity. The nurse must
recognize these early signs to prevent progression to severe neurological complications.
4. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting negative symptoms. Which of the following should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Auditory hallucinations
, B. Flat affect and social withdrawal
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve a loss or reduction in
normal functioning, such as flat affect, alogia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions
are categorized as positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of
normal function. Understanding this distinction is vital for developing an effective care
plan.
5. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse caring for a client experiencing a panic level of
anxiety?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Ask the client to identify the cause of the anxiety.
C. Stay with the client and maintain a calm demeanor.
D. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The primary goal during a panic attack is to ensure the client’s safety
and provide a sense of security. Clients in panic cannot process complex information or
Principles of Mental Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted involuntarily to a mental health facility.
Which of the following rights does the client maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
C. The right to skip all scheduled therapy sessions.
D. The right to refuse prescribed medications.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically result in the loss of the
right to refuse treatment or medications. Clients still retain their civil rights unless a court
has specifically ruled them incompetent. The nurse must respect the client’s autonomy
while following the facility’s legal protocols regarding refusal.
2. A client tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking my thoughts through the television.’ Which
therapeutic response should the nurse provide?
A. That is impossible; the television cannot track your thoughts.
B. Why do you think the FBI would be interested in you?
C. I agree that the government sometimes monitors people.
,D. It must be very frightening to feel like you are being watched.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: This response focuses on the client’s feelings rather than the content
of the delusion. It acknowledges the emotional distress the client is experiencing without
validating the false belief. Validating feelings is a core component of therapeutic
communication in mental health nursing.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for lithium toxicity. Which of the following findings should the
nurse identify as an early sign of toxicity?
A. Seizures and hypotension
B. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
C. Oliguria and blurred vision
D. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting are early
indicators of lithium toxicity. Fine hand tremors are often a common side effect of lithium
within the therapeutic range, whereas coarse tremors indicate toxicity. The nurse must
recognize these early signs to prevent progression to severe neurological complications.
4. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting negative symptoms. Which of the following should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Auditory hallucinations
, B. Flat affect and social withdrawal
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve a loss or reduction in
normal functioning, such as flat affect, alogia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions
are categorized as positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of
normal function. Understanding this distinction is vital for developing an effective care
plan.
5. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse caring for a client experiencing a panic level of
anxiety?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Ask the client to identify the cause of the anxiety.
C. Stay with the client and maintain a calm demeanor.
D. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The primary goal during a panic attack is to ensure the client’s safety
and provide a sense of security. Clients in panic cannot process complex information or
