Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Why should nurses usually avoid asking patients "why" questions, such as "Why did you do that?"

1. AThey make assessment shorter
2. BThey can make the patient feel judged and defensive
3. CThey are too open
4. DThey are always against the law

Which finding is typical of a manic episode?

1. AA decreased need for sleep with high energy
2. BSlowed speech and movement
3. CSleeping 14 hours a day
4. DFeelings of worthlessness

A patient's arm stays in an odd raised position for a long time after the nurse moves it. What is this called?

1. ATardive dyskinesia
2. BEchopraxia
3. CWaxy flexibility
4. DAkathisia

A patient who started a high-dose corticosteroid (prednisolone or prednisone) a week ago is now euphoric, sleeping little and talking very fast. What should the nurse suspect?

1. ALithium toxicity
2. BA normal reaction to feeling better from the treatment
3. CMood changes caused by the corticosteroid
4. DAlcohol withdrawal

Which treatment is recommended first-line for chronic insomnia in adults?

1. ADrinking alcohol in the evening to fall asleep
2. BLong-term daily benzodiazepines
3. CStaying in bed for longer each morning
4. DCognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

How should a patient take sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone tablets?

1. ACrush the tablet and mix it with a spoonful of soft food such as yoghurt
2. BLet the tablet dissolve completely under the tongue without chewing or swallowing it
3. CChew the tablet quickly and then swallow it with juice so that it reaches the stomach faster
4. DSwallow the tablet whole with a large glass of water

A patient with borderline personality disorder says, "If you don't make Anna my nurse again tomorrow, I'll cut myself." What is the most appropriate response?

1. ATell her that if she cuts herself again, she will be discharged from the ward at once without any follow-up
2. BAgree to assign Anna to her every day so that she stays safe
3. CTake the statement seriously, assess her risk and explain that nursing assignments are decided by the team
4. DIgnore the threat, because she is only trying to manipulate staff

A patient with schizophrenia reports chest pain. A colleague says, "He's always complaining. It's just anxiety." What should the nurse do?

1. ATell him to lie down in his room, rest and stop worrying so much about his health
2. BIgnore the complaint until he mentions it again
3. CAssess him physically, with vital signs and an ECG if indicated
4. DAgree with the colleague and give him a PRN anxiolytic