Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which side effects are typical of mirtazapine?

1. AInsomnia, agitation and weight loss
2. BPriapism and a dry cough
3. CSedation and increased appetite with weight gain
4. DHigh blood pressure and tremor

A patient says, "I'm scared about my surgery tomorrow." Which nurse response is an example of false reassurance?

1. A"What worries you most about tomorrow?"
2. B"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
3. C"Tell me more about how you're feeling."
4. D"You sound frightened."

A patient with dementia can no longer find the right words and has trouble understanding speech. What is this called?

1. AAphasia
2. BAgnosia
3. CAtaxia
4. DApraxia

A woman calls the emergency department after a sexual assault an hour ago. What advice helps to preserve forensic evidence?

1. AShower and wash her clothes before coming in, so she feels cleaner
2. BAvoid showering or changing clothes, and bring any clothing already removed in a paper bag
3. CWait a few days at home until she feels ready to talk before seeking any medical care or forensic examination
4. DPut all clothing in a sealed plastic bag

Which general principle applies to patients admitted involuntarily under mental health legislation?

1. AThey can be kept in hospital indefinitely without any independent review, as long as one doctor agrees it is needed
2. BThey keep their rights, except those specifically limited by law, and must be informed of their rights
3. CThey can never refuse any treatment
4. DThey lose all their rights

A patient taking fluoxetine says she has started taking St John's wort to feel even better. What is the main risk?

1. ALithium toxicity
2. BHypertensive crisis from tyramine
3. CAgranulocytosis
4. DSerotonin syndrome

An 8-year-old taking methylphenidate for 6 months has dropped from the 50th to the 25th centile for weight. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

1. AIgnore it, because weight changes in children are always normal
2. BAdvise giving a double dose at night instead, so that the medicine does not affect his appetite during the day
3. CReport the finding, review his eating pattern and suggest giving the medicine after breakfast
4. DStop the medicine immediately without telling the prescriber

On the second day after his last drink, a patient has a marked tremor, sees insects on the walls, a heart rate of 124/min, a blood pressure of 170/100 mmHg and heavy sweating. What is the priority?

1. ARestrict his fluid intake
2. BTreat it as possible delirium tremens: get urgent medical help, give benzodiazepines as prescribed and keep him safe
3. CGive him a small amount of alcohol to settle the symptoms, then let him sleep it off in a quiet side room with the door closed
4. DExplain that the insects are not real and leave him to rest