Varcarolis, Psychiatric Nursing:
Exam 1 Application Questions And
Answers
1. Which individuals are most at risk for displaying aggressive behavior?
Select all that apply.
a. An adolescent embarrassed in front of friends.
b. A young male who feels rejected by the social group.
c. A young adult depressed after the death of a friend.
d. A middle-aged adult who feels that concerns are going unheard.
e. A patient who was discovered telling a lie. - -A, B,D,E
- 1. Which patient statement does not demonstrate an understanding of
a suicide safety plan?
a. "I know that when I start thinking about my dad, I'm going to start
thinking about killing myself."
b. "Going for a really long, hard run helps clear my mind and stops the
suicidal thoughts."
c. "My sister is always there for me when I start getting suicidal."
d. "I keep the suicide prevention phone number in my wallet." - -B
- 1. Which response by a 15-year-old demonstrates a common symptom
observed in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
a. "I'm so restless. I can't seem to sit still."
b. "I spend most of my time studying. I have to get into a good college."
c. "I'm not trying to diet, but I've lost about 5 pounds in the past 5
months."
d. "I go to sleep around 11 p.m. but I'm always up by 3 a.m. and can't go
back to sleep." - -D
- 10. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, spinal injury, seizure
disorder, and pregnancy are conditions that:
a. Frequently result in out of control behavior.
b. Respond well to therapeutic holding.
c. Necessitate the use of only two-point restraint.
d. Contraindicate restraint and seclusion. - -D
- 10. Kara is a 23-year-old patient admitted with depression and suicidal
ideation. Which intervention(s) would be therapeutic for Kara? Select all
that apply.
a. Focus primarily on developing solutions to the problems leading the
patient to feel suicidal.
b. Assess the patient thoroughly and reassess the patient at regular
intervals as levels of risk fluctuate.
,c. Avoid talking about the suicidal ideation as this may increase the
patient's risk for suicidal behavior.
d. Meet regularly with the patient to provide opportunities for the patient
to express and explore feelings.
e. Administer antidepressant medications cautiously and conservatively
because of their potential to increase the suicide risk in Kara's age group.
f. Help the patient to identify positive self-attributes and to question
negative self-perceptions that are unrealistic. - -B,D,E,F
- 10. Two months ago, Natasha's husband died suddenly and she has
been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed
with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true
statement?
a. "Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major
loss."
b. "Bereavement and depression are the same problem."
c. "Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior."
d. "Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression." - -A
- 2. A newly admitted male patient has a long history of aggressive
behavior toward staff. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the
need for more information about the use of restraint?
a. "If his behavior warrants restraints, someone will stay with him the
entire time he's restrained."
b. "I'll call the primary provider and get an as needed (prn)
seclusion/restraint order."
c. "If he is restrained, be sure he is offered food and fluids regularly."
d. "Remember that physical restraints are our last resort." - -B
- 2. Which assessment question asked by the nurse demonstrates an
understanding of comorbid mental health conditions associated with
major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.
a. "Do rules apply to you?"
b. "What do you do to manage anxiety?"
c. "Do you have a history of disordered eating?"
d. "Do you think that you drink too much?"
e. "Have you ever been arrested for committing a crime?" - -B,C,D
- 2. Which interventions will help make the environment on the unit
safer for suicidal patients? Select all that apply.
a. All windows are kept locked.
b. Every shower has a breakaway shower rod.
c. Eating utensils are counted when trays are collected.
d. Patient doors are kept open.
e. Staying within listening distance of the patient. - -A,B,C,D
- 3. What are the nursing responsibilities to a patient expressing suicidal
thoughts? Select all that apply.
a. Instituting one-to-one observation.
,b. Documenting the patient's whereabouts and mood every 15 to 30
minutes.
c. Ensuring that the patient has no contact with glass or metal utensils.
d. Ensuring that patient has swallowed each individual dose of medication.
e. Discussing triggers of depression. - -A,B,C,D
- 3. Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement when helping a
patient expresses anger in an inappropriate manner? Select all that apply.
a. Approach the patient in a calm, reassuring manner.
b. Provide suggestions regarding acceptable ways of communicating
anger.
c. Warn the patient that being angry is not a healthy emotional state.
d. Set limits on the angry behavior that will be tolerated.
e. Allow any expression of anger as long as no one is hurt. - -A,B,D
- 3. Which nursing intervention focuses on managing a common
characteristic of major depressive disorder associated with the older
population?
a. Conducting routine suicide screenings at a senior center.
b. Identifying depression as a natural, but treatable result of aging.
c. Identifying males as being at a greater risk for developing depression.
d. Stressing that most individuals experience just a single episode of
major depression in a lifetime. - -A
- 4. When considering community suicide prevention programs, what
population should the nurse plan to service with regular suicide
screenings? Select all that apply.
a. 10- to 34-year-olds
b. Males
c. College-educated adults
d. Rural population
e. Native American - -A,B,E
- 4. Which characteristic identified during an assessment serves to
support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder? Select all
that apply.
a. Female
b. 7 years old
c. Comorbid autism diagnosis
d. Outbursts occur at least once a week
e. Temper tantrums occur at home and in school - -B,C,E
- 4. Which guidelines should direct nursing care when deescalating an
angry patient? Select all that apply.
a. Intervene as quickly as possible
b. Identify the trigger for the anger
c. Behave calmly and respectfully
d. Recognize the patient's need for increased personal space
, e. Demands are agreed to as long as they won't result in harm to anyone -
-A,B,C,D
- 5. Research supports which intervention implemented on a long-term
basis significantly reduces the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts in
a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
a. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
b. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
c. One-on-one observation
d. Lithium - -D
- 5. Which chronic medical condition is a common trigger for major
depressive disorder?
a. Pain
b. Hypertension
c. Hypothyroidism
d. Crohn's disease - -A
- 5. Which comorbid condition would result in cautious use of a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors for a patient with chronic aggression?
a. Asthma
b. Anxiety disorder
c. Glaucoma
d. Bipolar disorder - -D
- 6. Gladys is seeing a therapist because her husband committed suicide
6 months ago. Gladys tells her therapist, "I know he was in pain, but why
didn't he leave me a note?" The therapist's best response would be:
a. "He probably acted quickly on his impulse to kill himself."
b. "He did not want to think about the pain he would cause you."
c. "He was not able to think clearly due to his emotional pain."
d. "He thought you may think it was an accident if there was no note." - -
C
- 6. John Patrick is a widower with four daughters. He has enjoyed a
healthy relationship with all of them until they reached puberty. As each
girl began to mature physically, he acted in an aggressive manner,
beating her without provocation. John Patrick is most likely acting on:
a. Self-protective measures
b. Stress of raising four daughters
c. Frustration of unhealthy desire
d. Motivating his daughters to be chaste - -C
- 6. Tammy, a 28-year-old with major depressive disorder and bulimia
nervosa, is ready for discharge from the county hospital after 2 weeks of
inpatient therapy. Tammy is taking citalopram (Celexa) and reports that it
has made her feel more hopeful. With a secondary diagnosis of bulimia
nervosa, what is an alternative antidepressant to consider?
a. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Exam 1 Application Questions And
Answers
1. Which individuals are most at risk for displaying aggressive behavior?
Select all that apply.
a. An adolescent embarrassed in front of friends.
b. A young male who feels rejected by the social group.
c. A young adult depressed after the death of a friend.
d. A middle-aged adult who feels that concerns are going unheard.
e. A patient who was discovered telling a lie. - -A, B,D,E
- 1. Which patient statement does not demonstrate an understanding of
a suicide safety plan?
a. "I know that when I start thinking about my dad, I'm going to start
thinking about killing myself."
b. "Going for a really long, hard run helps clear my mind and stops the
suicidal thoughts."
c. "My sister is always there for me when I start getting suicidal."
d. "I keep the suicide prevention phone number in my wallet." - -B
- 1. Which response by a 15-year-old demonstrates a common symptom
observed in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
a. "I'm so restless. I can't seem to sit still."
b. "I spend most of my time studying. I have to get into a good college."
c. "I'm not trying to diet, but I've lost about 5 pounds in the past 5
months."
d. "I go to sleep around 11 p.m. but I'm always up by 3 a.m. and can't go
back to sleep." - -D
- 10. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, spinal injury, seizure
disorder, and pregnancy are conditions that:
a. Frequently result in out of control behavior.
b. Respond well to therapeutic holding.
c. Necessitate the use of only two-point restraint.
d. Contraindicate restraint and seclusion. - -D
- 10. Kara is a 23-year-old patient admitted with depression and suicidal
ideation. Which intervention(s) would be therapeutic for Kara? Select all
that apply.
a. Focus primarily on developing solutions to the problems leading the
patient to feel suicidal.
b. Assess the patient thoroughly and reassess the patient at regular
intervals as levels of risk fluctuate.
,c. Avoid talking about the suicidal ideation as this may increase the
patient's risk for suicidal behavior.
d. Meet regularly with the patient to provide opportunities for the patient
to express and explore feelings.
e. Administer antidepressant medications cautiously and conservatively
because of their potential to increase the suicide risk in Kara's age group.
f. Help the patient to identify positive self-attributes and to question
negative self-perceptions that are unrealistic. - -B,D,E,F
- 10. Two months ago, Natasha's husband died suddenly and she has
been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed
with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true
statement?
a. "Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major
loss."
b. "Bereavement and depression are the same problem."
c. "Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior."
d. "Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression." - -A
- 2. A newly admitted male patient has a long history of aggressive
behavior toward staff. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the
need for more information about the use of restraint?
a. "If his behavior warrants restraints, someone will stay with him the
entire time he's restrained."
b. "I'll call the primary provider and get an as needed (prn)
seclusion/restraint order."
c. "If he is restrained, be sure he is offered food and fluids regularly."
d. "Remember that physical restraints are our last resort." - -B
- 2. Which assessment question asked by the nurse demonstrates an
understanding of comorbid mental health conditions associated with
major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.
a. "Do rules apply to you?"
b. "What do you do to manage anxiety?"
c. "Do you have a history of disordered eating?"
d. "Do you think that you drink too much?"
e. "Have you ever been arrested for committing a crime?" - -B,C,D
- 2. Which interventions will help make the environment on the unit
safer for suicidal patients? Select all that apply.
a. All windows are kept locked.
b. Every shower has a breakaway shower rod.
c. Eating utensils are counted when trays are collected.
d. Patient doors are kept open.
e. Staying within listening distance of the patient. - -A,B,C,D
- 3. What are the nursing responsibilities to a patient expressing suicidal
thoughts? Select all that apply.
a. Instituting one-to-one observation.
,b. Documenting the patient's whereabouts and mood every 15 to 30
minutes.
c. Ensuring that the patient has no contact with glass or metal utensils.
d. Ensuring that patient has swallowed each individual dose of medication.
e. Discussing triggers of depression. - -A,B,C,D
- 3. Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement when helping a
patient expresses anger in an inappropriate manner? Select all that apply.
a. Approach the patient in a calm, reassuring manner.
b. Provide suggestions regarding acceptable ways of communicating
anger.
c. Warn the patient that being angry is not a healthy emotional state.
d. Set limits on the angry behavior that will be tolerated.
e. Allow any expression of anger as long as no one is hurt. - -A,B,D
- 3. Which nursing intervention focuses on managing a common
characteristic of major depressive disorder associated with the older
population?
a. Conducting routine suicide screenings at a senior center.
b. Identifying depression as a natural, but treatable result of aging.
c. Identifying males as being at a greater risk for developing depression.
d. Stressing that most individuals experience just a single episode of
major depression in a lifetime. - -A
- 4. When considering community suicide prevention programs, what
population should the nurse plan to service with regular suicide
screenings? Select all that apply.
a. 10- to 34-year-olds
b. Males
c. College-educated adults
d. Rural population
e. Native American - -A,B,E
- 4. Which characteristic identified during an assessment serves to
support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder? Select all
that apply.
a. Female
b. 7 years old
c. Comorbid autism diagnosis
d. Outbursts occur at least once a week
e. Temper tantrums occur at home and in school - -B,C,E
- 4. Which guidelines should direct nursing care when deescalating an
angry patient? Select all that apply.
a. Intervene as quickly as possible
b. Identify the trigger for the anger
c. Behave calmly and respectfully
d. Recognize the patient's need for increased personal space
, e. Demands are agreed to as long as they won't result in harm to anyone -
-A,B,C,D
- 5. Research supports which intervention implemented on a long-term
basis significantly reduces the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts in
a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
a. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
b. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
c. One-on-one observation
d. Lithium - -D
- 5. Which chronic medical condition is a common trigger for major
depressive disorder?
a. Pain
b. Hypertension
c. Hypothyroidism
d. Crohn's disease - -A
- 5. Which comorbid condition would result in cautious use of a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors for a patient with chronic aggression?
a. Asthma
b. Anxiety disorder
c. Glaucoma
d. Bipolar disorder - -D
- 6. Gladys is seeing a therapist because her husband committed suicide
6 months ago. Gladys tells her therapist, "I know he was in pain, but why
didn't he leave me a note?" The therapist's best response would be:
a. "He probably acted quickly on his impulse to kill himself."
b. "He did not want to think about the pain he would cause you."
c. "He was not able to think clearly due to his emotional pain."
d. "He thought you may think it was an accident if there was no note." - -
C
- 6. John Patrick is a widower with four daughters. He has enjoyed a
healthy relationship with all of them until they reached puberty. As each
girl began to mature physically, he acted in an aggressive manner,
beating her without provocation. John Patrick is most likely acting on:
a. Self-protective measures
b. Stress of raising four daughters
c. Frustration of unhealthy desire
d. Motivating his daughters to be chaste - -C
- 6. Tammy, a 28-year-old with major depressive disorder and bulimia
nervosa, is ready for discharge from the county hospital after 2 weeks of
inpatient therapy. Tammy is taking citalopram (Celexa) and reports that it
has made her feel more hopeful. With a secondary diagnosis of bulimia
nervosa, what is an alternative antidepressant to consider?
a. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
