RN Mental Health Proctored Exam
1. A client who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder suddenly reports, "I’m going to buy a
plane!" What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Discuss the need for medication compliance.
B. Assess the client’s financial status.
C. Monitor for increased manic behaviors.
D. Encourage the client to express feelings.
Answer: C. Monitor for increased manic behaviors.
2. Which behavior indicates that a client with schizophrenia is experiencing a positive symptom?
A. A lack of motivation to engage in activities.
B. The client neglects personal hygiene.
C. The client reports hearing voices.
D. The inability to express feelings.
Answer: C. The client reports hearing voices.
3. During a nursing assessment, a client says, “I feel like everyone is watching me.” This
statement indicates:
A. Grandiosity.
B. Hallucination.
C. Delusion of persecution.
D. Obsession.
Answer: C. Delusion of persecution.
4. A female client with a history of bulimia nervosa expresses concern about her dietary habits.
What should the nurse prioritize in the care plan?
A. Monitoring fluid intake and output.
B. Encouraging a high fiber diet.
,C. Providing education on meal planning.
D. Establishing caloric restrictions.
Answer: C. Providing education on meal planning.
5. The nurse is assessing a client who reports extreme anxiety. Which physiological symptom
might the nurse expect to find?
A. Bradycardia.
B. Increased appetite.
C. Hyperventilation.
D. Hypotension.
Answer: C. Hyperventilation.
6. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for a client who is experiencing anxiety
and is hyperventilating?
A. Provide oxygen therapy.
B. Encourage slow, deep breaths.
C. Isolate the client to reduce stimuli.
D. Administer a sedative immediately.
Answer: B. Encourage slow, deep breaths.
7. A client who is homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses suicidal thoughts. What
is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Notify the client's family.
B. Conduct a risk assessment.
C. Refer the client to outpatient services.
D. Document the statement in the chart.
Answer: B. Conduct a risk assessment.
8. When educating a client about the side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac), which information is
most important to convey?
,A. Weight loss is a common effect.
B. Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation.
C. Avoid caffeine while taking this medication.
D. This medication may cause hallucinations.
Answer: B. Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation.
9. A 50-year-old patient with major depressive disorder is being discharged. What is the most
important topic for the nurse to address?
A. Proper dietary habits.
B. Medication side effects.
C. Developing coping strategies.
D. Family involvement in care.
Answer: B. Medication side effects.
10. Which of the following describes a cognitive distortion often associated with depression?
A. Personalization.
B. Rationalization.
C. Ego-syntonicity.
D. Dissociation.
Answer: A. Personalization.
11. A nursing student is caring for a client with PTSD. Which statement made by the client
suggests that the therapy is effective?
A. “I still have nightmares every night.”
B. “I no longer avoid places that remind me of the attack.”
C. “I need to talk to my family more about my experience.”
D. “I often feel helpless and sad.”
Answer: B. “I no longer avoid places that remind me of the attack.”
, 12. A client hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors and elevated vital signs. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
B. Naltrexone (Revia).
C. Disulfiram (Antabuse).
D. Buspirone (Buspar).
Answer: A. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
13. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client exhibiting severe suicidal
ideation?
A. Use therapeutic communication to build rapport.
B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation.
D. Encourage group therapy participation.
Answer: B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
14. A client presents to the clinic with anxiety and substance abuse issues. Which assessment tool
can help identify potential alcohol abuse?
A. Beck Depression Inventory.
B. CAGE questionnaire.
C. Mental Status Examination.
D. Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
Answer: B. CAGE questionnaire.
15. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client exhibiting severe suicidal
ideation?
A. Use therapeutic communication to build rapport.
B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation.
D. Encourage group therapy participation.
1. A client who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder suddenly reports, "I’m going to buy a
plane!" What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Discuss the need for medication compliance.
B. Assess the client’s financial status.
C. Monitor for increased manic behaviors.
D. Encourage the client to express feelings.
Answer: C. Monitor for increased manic behaviors.
2. Which behavior indicates that a client with schizophrenia is experiencing a positive symptom?
A. A lack of motivation to engage in activities.
B. The client neglects personal hygiene.
C. The client reports hearing voices.
D. The inability to express feelings.
Answer: C. The client reports hearing voices.
3. During a nursing assessment, a client says, “I feel like everyone is watching me.” This
statement indicates:
A. Grandiosity.
B. Hallucination.
C. Delusion of persecution.
D. Obsession.
Answer: C. Delusion of persecution.
4. A female client with a history of bulimia nervosa expresses concern about her dietary habits.
What should the nurse prioritize in the care plan?
A. Monitoring fluid intake and output.
B. Encouraging a high fiber diet.
,C. Providing education on meal planning.
D. Establishing caloric restrictions.
Answer: C. Providing education on meal planning.
5. The nurse is assessing a client who reports extreme anxiety. Which physiological symptom
might the nurse expect to find?
A. Bradycardia.
B. Increased appetite.
C. Hyperventilation.
D. Hypotension.
Answer: C. Hyperventilation.
6. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for a client who is experiencing anxiety
and is hyperventilating?
A. Provide oxygen therapy.
B. Encourage slow, deep breaths.
C. Isolate the client to reduce stimuli.
D. Administer a sedative immediately.
Answer: B. Encourage slow, deep breaths.
7. A client who is homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia expresses suicidal thoughts. What
is the nurse's best initial action?
A. Notify the client's family.
B. Conduct a risk assessment.
C. Refer the client to outpatient services.
D. Document the statement in the chart.
Answer: B. Conduct a risk assessment.
8. When educating a client about the side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac), which information is
most important to convey?
,A. Weight loss is a common effect.
B. Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation.
C. Avoid caffeine while taking this medication.
D. This medication may cause hallucinations.
Answer: B. Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation.
9. A 50-year-old patient with major depressive disorder is being discharged. What is the most
important topic for the nurse to address?
A. Proper dietary habits.
B. Medication side effects.
C. Developing coping strategies.
D. Family involvement in care.
Answer: B. Medication side effects.
10. Which of the following describes a cognitive distortion often associated with depression?
A. Personalization.
B. Rationalization.
C. Ego-syntonicity.
D. Dissociation.
Answer: A. Personalization.
11. A nursing student is caring for a client with PTSD. Which statement made by the client
suggests that the therapy is effective?
A. “I still have nightmares every night.”
B. “I no longer avoid places that remind me of the attack.”
C. “I need to talk to my family more about my experience.”
D. “I often feel helpless and sad.”
Answer: B. “I no longer avoid places that remind me of the attack.”
, 12. A client hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors and elevated vital signs. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
B. Naltrexone (Revia).
C. Disulfiram (Antabuse).
D. Buspirone (Buspar).
Answer: A. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
13. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client exhibiting severe suicidal
ideation?
A. Use therapeutic communication to build rapport.
B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation.
D. Encourage group therapy participation.
Answer: B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
14. A client presents to the clinic with anxiety and substance abuse issues. Which assessment tool
can help identify potential alcohol abuse?
A. Beck Depression Inventory.
B. CAGE questionnaire.
C. Mental Status Examination.
D. Hamilton Anxiety Scale.
Answer: B. CAGE questionnaire.
15. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client exhibiting severe suicidal
ideation?
A. Use therapeutic communication to build rapport.
B. Conduct a risk assessment and ensure safety.
C. Refer to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation.
D. Encourage group therapy participation.
