Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

A patient is having a panic attack. What should the nurse do?

1. AEncourage the patient to join a busy group activity
2. BLeave the patient alone to calm down
3. CStay with the patient, speak calmly in short, simple sentences and provide a quiet space
4. DExplain in detail how panic disorder develops so that the patient understands the attack

Which side effects are anticholinergic?

1. ADiarrhoea, sweating, watery eyes and increased saliva production
2. BDry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and blurred vision
3. CHigh fever and rash
4. DLow blood glucose and weight loss

Which of these is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

1. AHearing voices
2. BPersecutory delusions
3. CAvolition (lack of motivation)
4. DDisorganised behaviour

What advice about salt and fluid should a patient taking lithium receive?

1. AKeep a steady, normal salt intake and drink enough fluid, especially in hot weather or illness
2. BDrink as little water as possible
3. CTake salt tablets daily
4. DFollow a strict low-salt diet and drink as little fluid as possible, especially in hot weather

A patient says, "I'm worthless. Nobody cares about me." Which response is most therapeutic?

1. A"You shouldn't say such things."
2. B"Let's talk about something more cheerful."
3. C"That's not true; everyone here cares about you."
4. D"You're feeling that no one cares about you. Tell me more."

A young person who took LSD at a festival is frightened by what he is seeing. What is the most helpful nursing approach?

1. AStay with him in a calm, quiet place and reassure him that the effects are from the drug and will pass
2. BShine a bright light in his eyes every few minutes to check his pupils and keep him alert until it wears off
3. CArgue with him that what he sees is not real until he accepts it
4. DLeave him alone in a dark room so that he can sleep it off

Verbal de-escalation has failed, and a patient picks up a chair and threatens to throw it at the nurse. What should the nurse do first?

1. ATurn her back and walk away slowly without saying anything
2. BShout loudly at the patient to put the chair down at once, so that he knows the nurse is in charge
3. CGrab the chair from the patient quickly before he can use it
4. DKeep a safe distance, call for help and avoid trying to take the chair alone

A patient with capacity has signed consent for a course of ECT. After two sessions, she says she wants to stop. What is correct?

1. AShe must complete the course once she has signed
2. BShe can only stop if her family agrees
3. CHer signed consent becomes binding after the first session, so the agreed course must now be completed
4. DShe can withdraw her consent at any time, and her decision must be respected and reported to the team