Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which sequence describes the cycle of violence often seen in intimate partner abuse?

1. AReconciliation, acute violence, then tension-building with no further violence
2. BTension-building, acute violence, then reconciliation (the "honeymoon" phase)
3. CAcute violence, then permanent separation of the partners
4. DTension-building, then a calm phase that lasts for the rest of the relationship

The nurse asks a patient, "What does 'people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones' mean?" Which ability is being assessed?

1. AOrientation
2. BImmediate memory
3. CAbstract thinking
4. DLevel of consciousness

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

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

A patient at risk of suicide is admitted. Which environmental check is most important?

1. AMake sure the patient has a television in the room
2. BLet the patient keep all his personal belongings, including his belt and phone charger, to help him feel at home
3. CRemove items that could be used for self-harm, such as belts, cords and sharp objects
4. DPlace the patient in a room at the end of the corridor for privacy

Which criteria are needed for a diagnosis of intellectual disability?

1. AMemory loss and confusion that start for the first time after the age of 65
2. BAn IQ score alone, measured at any time in adult life
3. CProblems with reading only, with normal everyday functioning
4. DLimits in both intellectual and adaptive functioning, starting in childhood

Which communication approach is best with a patient who has paranoid personality disorder?

1. ABe very warm and joke often to put the patient at ease
2. BAvoid explaining anything so that the patient does not become suspicious
3. CTalk about the patient with colleagues in whispers within his sight
4. DBe clear, honest and business-like, and explain the reasons for actions

A 20-year-old recovering from a first episode of psychosis smokes cannabis every day. What should the nurse include in teaching?

1. ACannabis has no effect on mental health
2. BCannabis use increases the risk of psychotic symptoms returning
3. CSmoking more cannabis will help him sleep and prevent relapse
4. DCannabis protects against psychosis and can replace his medicine

Which finding best helps to distinguish serotonin syndrome from neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

1. ASweating occurs only in neuroleptic malignant syndrome
2. BHyperreflexia and clonus with a rapid onset suggest serotonin syndrome
3. CConfusion occurs only in neuroleptic malignant syndrome, never in serotonin syndrome
4. DFever is present only in serotonin syndrome