Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

A man who is attracted to a colleague accuses his wife of wanting to have an affair. Which defence mechanism is this?

1. ARegression
2. BProjection
3. CSuppression
4. DRationalisation

Why might a nurse use a short silence during a conversation with a distressed patient?

1. AIt shows the patient that the nurse disagrees
2. BIt gives the patient time to think and to continue at their own pace
3. CIt signals that the conversation is over
4. DIt means the nurse can briefly stop listening actively and plan the next question

What is agoraphobia?

1. AFear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, such as crowds or public transport
2. BFear of having a serious, undiagnosed illness despite many normal medical test results and reassurance
3. CFear of being judged or embarrassed while speaking or eating in front of others
4. DFear of one specific object or animal, such as spiders, dogs or snakes

How does memantine work in Alzheimer's disease?

1. AIt blocks dopamine D₂ receptors
2. BIt increases serotonin by blocking its reuptake
3. CIt blocks NMDA glutamate receptors
4. DIt inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine

Which tool is widely used to screen for delirium at the bedside?

1. AThe CIWA-Ar
2. BThe Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
3. CThe CAGE questionnaire
4. DThe Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)

A patient says, "The doctor says I'm getting better, but I don't think anyone here really knows me." Which nurse response is most therapeutic?

1. A"The doctor is very experienced, so you should trust her."
2. B"Why do you think the doctor is wrong about you?"
3. C"You feel that people here don't really know you?"
4. D"Everyone here knows you well, so don't worry."

An older woman living with her son looks thin and unkempt. She says her son "looks after the money" and she is often hungry. What should the nurse do?

1. AIgnore it, because family finances are a private matter
2. BAsk the son in front of her whether he is stealing her money
3. CTell her that she must move out of her son's home at once and stay with friends until the matter is sorted out
4. DTalk to her privately, document the findings and raise an adult safeguarding concern

A 15-year-old tells the school nurse she has been cutting herself and asks her not to tell her parents. What is the best response?

1. APhone her parents at once without telling her
2. BPromise never to tell anyone about it, so that she keeps trusting the school nurse
3. CExplain that safety information must be shared, and involve her in how this is done
4. DTell her that cutting is a phase that many teenagers go through and it needs no help