Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

The nurse says to a withdrawn patient, "I'll sit with you for a while." Which technique is this?

1. AOffering self
2. BPresenting reality
3. CPlacing the event in sequence
4. DGiving advice

A patient says she feels as if she is watching herself from outside her body, as if in a film. What is this called?

1. ADepersonalisation
2. BDerealisation
3. CA visual hallucination
4. DA delusion of control

How does binge-eating disorder differ from bulimia nervosa?

1. AThe person always has a very low body weight and a fear of gaining weight
2. BThe person never feels a loss of control while eating
3. CBinges happen only once a year, so they are not a problem
4. DThere are no regular compensatory behaviours, such as vomiting or laxative use

An 84-year-old asks for an over-the-counter sleep aid containing diphenhydramine. What is the main concern?

1. AIt is a strong opioid that causes severe dependence
2. BIt raises blood pressure to dangerous levels in older adults
3. CIts anticholinergic effects can cause confusion, urine retention and falls
4. DIt has no effects at all in people over 80, so it will not help her sleep

Which setting is best for an initial assessment interview with a new patient?

1. AA small office with the nurse sitting behind a high desk between herself and the door
2. BThe busy day room, so that the patient feels part of the ward
3. CThe corridor, so that the interview can be done quickly
4. DA quiet, private room with chairs at the same level and easy access to the door

A patient lies awake in bed for hours worrying about not sleeping. Which stimulus control advice is correct?

1. AStay in bed and watch television or use a phone until sleep finally comes
2. BLook at the clock often to check how much sleep is being lost
3. CIf still awake after about 20 minutes, get up, do something calm and return when sleepy
4. DDo vigorous exercise in the bedroom until tired enough to fall asleep straight away

A patient who has taken haloperidol for many years now has repeated lip smacking and tongue movements. Which action is most appropriate?

1. AReassure the patient that the movements will soon stop on their own
2. BIncrease the haloperidol dose, because a higher dose suppresses the abnormal movements of the mouth and tongue
3. CGive benztropine, because it reliably reverses these movements
4. DReport the movements, assess them with a scale such as the AIMS and ask for a medication review

A woman with a severe intellectual disability and limited speech has started hitting her face and refusing food. What should the nurse consider first?

1. AThat she is trying to manipulate the staff
2. BThat she needs an antipsychotic to control her behaviour
3. CA physical cause such as dental pain, an ear infection or constipation
4. DThat the behaviour is part of her disability and needs no assessment