SAUNDERS PN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM LATEST EXAM
2025 | (QUESTIONS AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS)
| LATEST VERSION 2025/26
The nurse is assisting in a group therapy session. Besides cost savings, which
advantages does group therapy have over individual therapy? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Mutual Learning
-Increased Feedback
-Instilling a sense of belonging
-An opportunity to practice...
The nurse is having a conversation with a depressed client in an inpatient psychiatric
unit. The client says to the nurse, "Things would be so much better for everyone if I just
wasn't around." Which response by the nurse would be appropriate at this time? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER You sound very unhappy. Are you thinking of harming
yourself?
The nurse in the emergency department is assisting in caring for a young female victim
of sexual assault. The client's physical assessment is complete, and physical evidence
has been collected. The nurse notes that the client is withdrawn, confused, and at times
physically immobile. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these behaviors? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER They are expected reactions to a devastating event.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with catatonic stupor. The client is lying on the
bed, with the body pulled into a fetal position. Which is the appropriate nursing
intervention? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Sit beside the client in silence and
verbalize occasional open-ended questions.
The spouse of a client admitted to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal says to the nurse,
"I should get out of this bad situation." The most helpful response by the nurse should
be which statement? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER What do you find difficult about
this situation?
The nurse employed in a psychiatric unit receives a client assignment for the day.
Which client assigned to the nurse is at the highest risk for committing suicide? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER A client with severe depression and terminal cancer
Which behaviors observed by the nurse might lead to the suspicion that a depressed
adolescent client could be suicidal? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client gives
away a DVD and a cherished autographed picture of the performer.
,The nurse is preparing for the hospital discharge of a client with a history of command
hallucinations to harm self or others. The nurse instructs the client about interventions
for hallucinations and anxiety and determines that the client understands the
interventions when the client makes which statement? -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER "I can call my therapist when I'm hallucinating so I can talk about my feelings
and plans and not hurt anyone."
A client tells the nurse that he is feeling out of control. The nurse observes that the
client is pacing back and forth. Which approach by the nurse is appropriate to maintain
a safe environment? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Move the client to a quiet room
and talk about his feelings.
The nurse is caring for an older depressed client whose son was killed in an armed
robbery after murdering two people. The client says, "I don't know what I did wrong. His
dad died a hero in Vietnam when he was only 2 years old, but he's had everything.
When he threw the cat up against the wall to see if it landed on its feet and stole money
from me and denied it, his sister covered for him." The nurse plans to make which
therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "It seems as if
you or your daughter feel regret?"
The nurse has been caring for a client with a diagnosis of depression. The client says to
the nurse, "I wish you would just be my friend." The appropriate response by the nurse
is which? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "Our relationship is a therapeutic and a
helping one."
The nurse is working with an older client who has a diagnosis of depression. To work
most effectively with this client, the nurse recalls that which information is accurate
regarding depression and the older client? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER -Suicide is a frequent cause of death among the older population.
-Some indications of dementia may actually originate as depression.
-Depression in an older person is likely to have physical manifestations.
The nurse is assisting with the data collection on a client admitted to the psychiatric unit.
After review of the obtained data, the nurse should identify which as a priority concern?
-CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client's report of self-destructive thoughts
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client recently diagnosed with depression.
Which data best supports that the client is at risk for self-harm? -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER reported hopelessness
A client who has just received a diagnosis of asthma says to the nurse, "This condition
is just another nail in my coffin." Which response by the nurse is therapeutic? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "You seem very distressed over learning you have
asthma."
,A client with a phobia will be treated for the condition using a behavior modification
technique known as systematic desensitization. The nurse describes the components of
this form of therapy to the client and reinforces which client instruction? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER The client will be introduced to short periods of exposure to the
phobic object while in a relaxed state.
A client with depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, "I should have
died. I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." The nurse should
make which therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER
"You've been feeling like a failure for a while?"
The registered nurse has written an outcome statement of, "Client will feel less anxious
by the end of session," for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. Which
interventions should the licensed practical nurse use to assist this client in meeting this
goal? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Stay with the client
-Administer anxiolytics medications
-Ensure the client is in an environment...
The parents of a teenager diagnosed with anorexia nervosa ask the nurse what part
they can play during the long recovery period. The nurse accurately relates that which
actions should the parents take? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Planning a non-
food related activity
An adolescent client is admitted to the inpatient unit after medical stabilization for an
overdose of acetaminophen. The history identifies that her boyfriend broke up with her 2
weeks ago and that she hasn't been eating well, resulting in a loss of 15 pounds. The
nurse assists in developing a plan of care that includes which interventions? Select all
that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Making
-Providing
-Ensuring
The nurse is assisting in developing a plan of care for a client with a psychotic disorder
who is experiencing altered thought processes. On review of the client's record, the
nurse notes documentation that the client believes that the food is being poisoned. The
nurse plans to use which communication technique when developing strategies that will
promote adequate nutrition and encourage the client to discuss feelings? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER Use open-ended questions and silence.
The nurse is caring for a client with severe depression. Which activity is appropriate for
this client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Drawing
A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse is asked to assist in preparing a
nursing care plan for the client. Which is important for the nurse to understand when
planning? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Until the client's thinking is cleared, the
nurse may need to assist the client with grooming and nutrition.
, The nurse is reviewing the record of a client admitted to the mental health unit and
notes that the client was admitted by voluntary status. The nurse makes which
determination? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client has the right to demand ...
The nurse is caring for a client who says, "I don't want you to touch me. I'll take care of
myself!" The nurse should make which therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER Sounds like you're feeling pretty troubled...
An oriented client is scheduled to have aversion therapy to change behavior. Before
initiating any aversive protocol, the therapist, treatment team, or society must
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER which questions? Select all that apply. -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER -Is it in the best interest of society?
-Does its use violate the client's rights?
-Is this therapy in the best interest of the client?
A female victim of a sexual assault is being seen in the crisis center. The client states
that she still feels "as though the rape just happened yesterday," even though it has
been a few months since the incident. Which nursing response is appropriate? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Tell me more about what causes you to...
A client who is suicidal tells the nurse, "All I want to do is end it all." Which is the
appropriate nursing response? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER What do you mean
by that?
A client with moderate depression who was admitted to the mental health unit 2 days
ago suddenly begins smiling and reporting that the crisis is over. The client says to the
nurse, "I'm finally cured." The nurse interprets this behavior as a cue to modify the
treatment plan by taking which action? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Increasing
the level of suicide precautions
Milieu therapy is prescribed for a client on the psychiatric unit. The nurse knows that
besides overcrowding on the unit, milieu characteristics conducive to violence include
which factors? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Poor limited
setting
-Staff inexperience
-Provocative or controlling staff
-Arbitrary revocation of privileges
The licensed practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse in admitting a client with
an exacerbation of schizophrenia and knows that which signs/symptoms displayed by
the client are considered positive symptoms? Select all that apply. -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER -Hallucinations
-Delusions
-Neologisms
2025 | (QUESTIONS AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS)
| LATEST VERSION 2025/26
The nurse is assisting in a group therapy session. Besides cost savings, which
advantages does group therapy have over individual therapy? Select all that apply. -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Mutual Learning
-Increased Feedback
-Instilling a sense of belonging
-An opportunity to practice...
The nurse is having a conversation with a depressed client in an inpatient psychiatric
unit. The client says to the nurse, "Things would be so much better for everyone if I just
wasn't around." Which response by the nurse would be appropriate at this time? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER You sound very unhappy. Are you thinking of harming
yourself?
The nurse in the emergency department is assisting in caring for a young female victim
of sexual assault. The client's physical assessment is complete, and physical evidence
has been collected. The nurse notes that the client is withdrawn, confused, and at times
physically immobile. Which interpretation should the nurse make of these behaviors? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER They are expected reactions to a devastating event.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with catatonic stupor. The client is lying on the
bed, with the body pulled into a fetal position. Which is the appropriate nursing
intervention? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Sit beside the client in silence and
verbalize occasional open-ended questions.
The spouse of a client admitted to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal says to the nurse,
"I should get out of this bad situation." The most helpful response by the nurse should
be which statement? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER What do you find difficult about
this situation?
The nurse employed in a psychiatric unit receives a client assignment for the day.
Which client assigned to the nurse is at the highest risk for committing suicide? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER A client with severe depression and terminal cancer
Which behaviors observed by the nurse might lead to the suspicion that a depressed
adolescent client could be suicidal? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client gives
away a DVD and a cherished autographed picture of the performer.
,The nurse is preparing for the hospital discharge of a client with a history of command
hallucinations to harm self or others. The nurse instructs the client about interventions
for hallucinations and anxiety and determines that the client understands the
interventions when the client makes which statement? -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER "I can call my therapist when I'm hallucinating so I can talk about my feelings
and plans and not hurt anyone."
A client tells the nurse that he is feeling out of control. The nurse observes that the
client is pacing back and forth. Which approach by the nurse is appropriate to maintain
a safe environment? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Move the client to a quiet room
and talk about his feelings.
The nurse is caring for an older depressed client whose son was killed in an armed
robbery after murdering two people. The client says, "I don't know what I did wrong. His
dad died a hero in Vietnam when he was only 2 years old, but he's had everything.
When he threw the cat up against the wall to see if it landed on its feet and stole money
from me and denied it, his sister covered for him." The nurse plans to make which
therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "It seems as if
you or your daughter feel regret?"
The nurse has been caring for a client with a diagnosis of depression. The client says to
the nurse, "I wish you would just be my friend." The appropriate response by the nurse
is which? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "Our relationship is a therapeutic and a
helping one."
The nurse is working with an older client who has a diagnosis of depression. To work
most effectively with this client, the nurse recalls that which information is accurate
regarding depression and the older client? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER -Suicide is a frequent cause of death among the older population.
-Some indications of dementia may actually originate as depression.
-Depression in an older person is likely to have physical manifestations.
The nurse is assisting with the data collection on a client admitted to the psychiatric unit.
After review of the obtained data, the nurse should identify which as a priority concern?
-CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client's report of self-destructive thoughts
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client recently diagnosed with depression.
Which data best supports that the client is at risk for self-harm? -CORRECT CORRECT
ANSWER reported hopelessness
A client who has just received a diagnosis of asthma says to the nurse, "This condition
is just another nail in my coffin." Which response by the nurse is therapeutic? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER "You seem very distressed over learning you have
asthma."
,A client with a phobia will be treated for the condition using a behavior modification
technique known as systematic desensitization. The nurse describes the components of
this form of therapy to the client and reinforces which client instruction? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER The client will be introduced to short periods of exposure to the
phobic object while in a relaxed state.
A client with depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, "I should have
died. I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." The nurse should
make which therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER
"You've been feeling like a failure for a while?"
The registered nurse has written an outcome statement of, "Client will feel less anxious
by the end of session," for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. Which
interventions should the licensed practical nurse use to assist this client in meeting this
goal? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Stay with the client
-Administer anxiolytics medications
-Ensure the client is in an environment...
The parents of a teenager diagnosed with anorexia nervosa ask the nurse what part
they can play during the long recovery period. The nurse accurately relates that which
actions should the parents take? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Planning a non-
food related activity
An adolescent client is admitted to the inpatient unit after medical stabilization for an
overdose of acetaminophen. The history identifies that her boyfriend broke up with her 2
weeks ago and that she hasn't been eating well, resulting in a loss of 15 pounds. The
nurse assists in developing a plan of care that includes which interventions? Select all
that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Making
-Providing
-Ensuring
The nurse is assisting in developing a plan of care for a client with a psychotic disorder
who is experiencing altered thought processes. On review of the client's record, the
nurse notes documentation that the client believes that the food is being poisoned. The
nurse plans to use which communication technique when developing strategies that will
promote adequate nutrition and encourage the client to discuss feelings? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER Use open-ended questions and silence.
The nurse is caring for a client with severe depression. Which activity is appropriate for
this client? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Drawing
A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse is asked to assist in preparing a
nursing care plan for the client. Which is important for the nurse to understand when
planning? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Until the client's thinking is cleared, the
nurse may need to assist the client with grooming and nutrition.
, The nurse is reviewing the record of a client admitted to the mental health unit and
notes that the client was admitted by voluntary status. The nurse makes which
determination? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER The client has the right to demand ...
The nurse is caring for a client who says, "I don't want you to touch me. I'll take care of
myself!" The nurse should make which therapeutic response to the client? -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER Sounds like you're feeling pretty troubled...
An oriented client is scheduled to have aversion therapy to change behavior. Before
initiating any aversive protocol, the therapist, treatment team, or society must
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER which questions? Select all that apply. -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER -Is it in the best interest of society?
-Does its use violate the client's rights?
-Is this therapy in the best interest of the client?
A female victim of a sexual assault is being seen in the crisis center. The client states
that she still feels "as though the rape just happened yesterday," even though it has
been a few months since the incident. Which nursing response is appropriate? -
CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Tell me more about what causes you to...
A client who is suicidal tells the nurse, "All I want to do is end it all." Which is the
appropriate nursing response? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER What do you mean
by that?
A client with moderate depression who was admitted to the mental health unit 2 days
ago suddenly begins smiling and reporting that the crisis is over. The client says to the
nurse, "I'm finally cured." The nurse interprets this behavior as a cue to modify the
treatment plan by taking which action? -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER Increasing
the level of suicide precautions
Milieu therapy is prescribed for a client on the psychiatric unit. The nurse knows that
besides overcrowding on the unit, milieu characteristics conducive to violence include
which factors? Select all that apply. -CORRECT CORRECT ANSWER -Poor limited
setting
-Staff inexperience
-Provocative or controlling staff
-Arbitrary revocation of privileges
The licensed practical nurse is assisting the registered nurse in admitting a client with
an exacerbation of schizophrenia and knows that which signs/symptoms displayed by
the client are considered positive symptoms? Select all that apply. -CORRECT
CORRECT ANSWER -Hallucinations
-Delusions
-Neologisms
