NUR 2459
Rasmussen Mental
Health Exam 2
2023/24 Questions
and Answers
,1) A patient with schizophrenia begins to talks about "volmers" hiding in the warehouse at
work. The term "volmers" should be documented as:
a. neologism
b. concrete thinking
c. thought insertion
d. idea of reference - (answer)ANS: A
- A neologism is a newly coined word having special meaning to the patient. "Volmer" is not a
known common noun.
- Concrete thinking refers to the inability to think abstractly.
- Thought insertion refers to thoughts of others that are implanted in one's mind.
- An idea of reference is a type of delusion in which trivial events are given personal
significance.
2) A patient with suicidal impulses is placed on the highest level of suicide precautions. Which
measures should be incorporated into the plan of care by the nurse caring for the patient?
(More than one answer is correct.)
a. Maintain arm's-length, one-on-one nursing observation around the clock.
b. Allow no glass or metal on meal trays.
c. Keep patient within visual range while awake. Check every 15 to 30 minutes while the patient
is sleeping.
d. Check the patient's whereabouts every 15 minutes and make frequent verbal contacts.
e. Check whereabouts every hour. Make verbal contact at least three times each shift.
f. Remove all potentially harmful objects from the patient's possession. - (answer)ANS: A, B, F
One-on-one observation is necessary for anyone who has limited control over suicidal impulses.
, - Plastic dishes on trays and the removal of potentially harmful objects from the patient's
possession are measures included in any-level suicide precautions.
The remaining options are used in less stringent levels of suicide precautions.
3) A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left side of my body
merging with the wall, then my face appears and disappears in the mirror." While listening, the
nurse should:
a. sit close to the patient.
b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders.
c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure.
d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient. - (answer)ANS: D
The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary difficulties. The nurse
should maintain an appropriate social distance and not touch the patient, because the patient
is anxious about the inability to maintain ego boundaries and merging with or being swallowed
by the environment. Physical closeness or touch could precipitate panic.
4) Which statement indicates a patient with major depression is most likely outlook on life
during the acute phase of the illness? - (answer) During an acute phase of major depression, the
client may feel worthless and deserve bad things to happen personally.
5) A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The
patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select
the nurse's appropriate response.
a. "You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."
b. "Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."
c. "Usually patients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge."
Rasmussen Mental
Health Exam 2
2023/24 Questions
and Answers
,1) A patient with schizophrenia begins to talks about "volmers" hiding in the warehouse at
work. The term "volmers" should be documented as:
a. neologism
b. concrete thinking
c. thought insertion
d. idea of reference - (answer)ANS: A
- A neologism is a newly coined word having special meaning to the patient. "Volmer" is not a
known common noun.
- Concrete thinking refers to the inability to think abstractly.
- Thought insertion refers to thoughts of others that are implanted in one's mind.
- An idea of reference is a type of delusion in which trivial events are given personal
significance.
2) A patient with suicidal impulses is placed on the highest level of suicide precautions. Which
measures should be incorporated into the plan of care by the nurse caring for the patient?
(More than one answer is correct.)
a. Maintain arm's-length, one-on-one nursing observation around the clock.
b. Allow no glass or metal on meal trays.
c. Keep patient within visual range while awake. Check every 15 to 30 minutes while the patient
is sleeping.
d. Check the patient's whereabouts every 15 minutes and make frequent verbal contacts.
e. Check whereabouts every hour. Make verbal contact at least three times each shift.
f. Remove all potentially harmful objects from the patient's possession. - (answer)ANS: A, B, F
One-on-one observation is necessary for anyone who has limited control over suicidal impulses.
, - Plastic dishes on trays and the removal of potentially harmful objects from the patient's
possession are measures included in any-level suicide precautions.
The remaining options are used in less stringent levels of suicide precautions.
3) A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left side of my body
merging with the wall, then my face appears and disappears in the mirror." While listening, the
nurse should:
a. sit close to the patient.
b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders.
c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure.
d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient. - (answer)ANS: D
The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary difficulties. The nurse
should maintain an appropriate social distance and not touch the patient, because the patient
is anxious about the inability to maintain ego boundaries and merging with or being swallowed
by the environment. Physical closeness or touch could precipitate panic.
4) Which statement indicates a patient with major depression is most likely outlook on life
during the acute phase of the illness? - (answer) During an acute phase of major depression, the
client may feel worthless and deserve bad things to happen personally.
5) A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The
patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select
the nurse's appropriate response.
a. "You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."
b. "Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."
c. "Usually patients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge."
