Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

A patient says, "If I make one mistake at work, I'll be fired, lose my flat and end up on the street." Which cognitive distortion is this?

1. ACatastrophising
2. BMind reading
3. CEmotional reasoning
4. DPersonalisation

The nurse asks, "What would you do if you smelled smoke in a cinema?" Which part of the mental status examination does this assess?

1. ARecent memory
2. BJudgement
3. CPerception
4. DOrientation

What are the two core areas affected in autism spectrum disorder?

1. AMood and appetite, which change with the seasons
2. BMemory and orientation to time and place
3. CSocial communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviours or interests
4. DReading and writing only, with completely normal social skills and play

Which question is the best way to ask a patient about suicidal thoughts?

1. A"Things aren't that bad, are they?"
2. B"You wouldn't hurt yourself, would you?"
3. C"You're not thinking of doing anything silly, are you?"
4. D"Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?"

What should a patient starting zolpidem for insomnia be taught to report?

1. AFeeling slightly more rested and alert the next morning than before starting the medicine
2. BDoing things while not fully awake, such as sleepwalking or driving, with no memory of it
3. CSleeping through the night without waking up
4. DFeeling sleepy about 30 minutes after taking it at bedtime

A patient on lamotrigine for bipolar disorder develops a new rash. What should the nurse do?

1. AApply a moisturiser, and continue the drug as normal because rashes are common
2. BDouble the dose
3. CReport it promptly, because it may be the start of a serious skin reaction
4. DIgnore it, because rashes are always harmless

A patient says, "My boss didn't say hello this morning, so she must think I'm useless." Which cognitive distortion is shown, and what is a helpful nursing response?

1. AMind reading; ask what other reasons there might be for the boss's behaviour
2. BAll-or-nothing thinking; agree that the boss is being unfair
3. CCatastrophising; tell the patient that she will definitely not be fired
4. DPersonalisation; advise the patient to ask for a new manager

A man with gambling disorder has lost his savings and has large debts. He tells the nurse, "My family would be better off without me." What should the nurse do?

1. AChange the subject to his gambling triggers and how to avoid the betting shop
2. BAsk directly about suicidal thoughts and plans, and assess his risk
3. CReassure him that his family will forgive him
4. DFocus only on helping him create a budget