NURSING 7341
Advanced Psychiatric &
Mental Health Nursing
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A client with bipolar disorder has been experiencing
symptoms of mania for the past week. Which nursing
intervention would be most appropriate for this client?
a) Providing a safe environment with minimal stimulation.
b) Encouraging participation in group therapy sessions.
c) Administering antipsychotic medications as prescribed.
d) Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours.
Answer: a) Providing a safe environment with minimal
stimulation.
Rationale: Clients experiencing symptoms of mania are
often hyperactive, have decreased need for sleep, and
engage in risky behaviors. Providing a safe environment
with minimal stimulation helps prevent harm and promotes
a calm atmosphere.
2. The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with
major depressive disorder. Which statement by the nurse is
most appropriate when addressing the client's feelings of
hopelessness?
a) "Why do you feel hopeless? There are so many things to
be happy about."
b) "Try not to think negatively. Focus on positive aspects
of your life."
c) "It must be really difficult for you to feel hopeless. Can
you talk more about it?"
d) "You shouldn't feel hopeless. Your family and friends
care about you."
, Answer: c) "It must be really difficult for you to feel
hopeless. Can you talk more about it?"
Rationale: Showing empathy and encouraging the client to
express their feelings of hopelessness can facilitate open
communication and enhance trust between the nurse and
the client.
3. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone
(atypical antipsychotic). Which adverse effect is important
for the nurse to monitor since this client started taking the
medication?
a) Drowsiness and sedation.
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
c) Hypertensive crisis.
d) Elevated blood glucose levels.
Answer: b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotics, including risperidone,
can cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors,
rigidity, and akathisia. Monitoring for these symptoms is
essential to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
4. A client with anxiety disorder is experiencing panic
attacks. The nurse should prioritize which intervention
during an acute panic attack?
a) Encouraging deep breathing exercises.
b) Offering distractions, such as puzzles or coloring pages.
Advanced Psychiatric &
Mental Health Nursing
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A client with bipolar disorder has been experiencing
symptoms of mania for the past week. Which nursing
intervention would be most appropriate for this client?
a) Providing a safe environment with minimal stimulation.
b) Encouraging participation in group therapy sessions.
c) Administering antipsychotic medications as prescribed.
d) Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours.
Answer: a) Providing a safe environment with minimal
stimulation.
Rationale: Clients experiencing symptoms of mania are
often hyperactive, have decreased need for sleep, and
engage in risky behaviors. Providing a safe environment
with minimal stimulation helps prevent harm and promotes
a calm atmosphere.
2. The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with
major depressive disorder. Which statement by the nurse is
most appropriate when addressing the client's feelings of
hopelessness?
a) "Why do you feel hopeless? There are so many things to
be happy about."
b) "Try not to think negatively. Focus on positive aspects
of your life."
c) "It must be really difficult for you to feel hopeless. Can
you talk more about it?"
d) "You shouldn't feel hopeless. Your family and friends
care about you."
, Answer: c) "It must be really difficult for you to feel
hopeless. Can you talk more about it?"
Rationale: Showing empathy and encouraging the client to
express their feelings of hopelessness can facilitate open
communication and enhance trust between the nurse and
the client.
3. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone
(atypical antipsychotic). Which adverse effect is important
for the nurse to monitor since this client started taking the
medication?
a) Drowsiness and sedation.
b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
c) Hypertensive crisis.
d) Elevated blood glucose levels.
Answer: b) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotics, including risperidone,
can cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors,
rigidity, and akathisia. Monitoring for these symptoms is
essential to ensure early detection and timely intervention.
4. A client with anxiety disorder is experiencing panic
attacks. The nurse should prioritize which intervention
during an acute panic attack?
a) Encouraging deep breathing exercises.
b) Offering distractions, such as puzzles or coloring pages.
