Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which drug class is the main treatment for alcohol withdrawal?

1. AAntipsychotics as first-line treatment
2. BBenzodiazepines
3. COpioids
4. DSSRIs

After shouting at his partner, a man buys her flowers and cooks her a special dinner to "make it go away". Which defence mechanism is this?

1. AProjection
2. BUndoing
3. CDenial
4. DSublimation

Bupropion is used as an antidepressant in some countries, such as the US. What else is it commonly used for?

1. AHelping people stop smoking
2. BTreating acute mania
3. CTreating alcohol withdrawal seizures
4. DReversing opioid overdose

A woman with advanced dementia keeps asking for her mother, who died many years ago. Which response is most appropriate?

1. A"Your mother will visit you later this afternoon."
2. B"Your mother died 30 years ago. You know that."
3. C"You're thinking about your mother. Tell me about her."
4. D"Please stop asking about her now and finish your lunch before it gets cold."

Which monitoring is important for a patient starting valproate?

1. AEye pressure only
2. BHearing tests
3. CLiver function and signs of pancreatitis, and counselling about pregnancy risks
4. DLung function and regular chest X-rays, because of the risk of pulmonary fibrosis

A patient says, "I feel like I'm dying inside." Which nurse response best uses the technique of exploring?

1. A"Everyone feels that way sometimes."
2. B"Tell me more about what that feeling is like for you."
3. C"You shouldn't say things like that."
4. D"Let's talk about something more cheerful."

In the working phase of the relationship, a patient who has been talking openly starts missing sessions and changes the subject whenever her childhood is mentioned. What is the best interpretation?

1. AShe no longer needs any help, so the sessions should end at once
2. BThe nurse has made a serious mistake and should hand her care to a colleague immediately
3. CShe may be showing resistance as painful topics come closer, which the nurse can gently explore
4. DShe is being rude to the nurse on purpose and should be warned

On the second day after his last drink, a patient has a marked tremor, sees insects on the walls, a heart rate of 124/min, a blood pressure of 170/100 mmHg and heavy sweating. What is the priority?

1. AExplain that the insects are not real and leave him to rest
2. BGive him a small amount of alcohol to settle the symptoms, then let him sleep it off in a quiet side room with the door closed
3. CTreat it as possible delirium tremens: get urgent medical help, give benzodiazepines as prescribed and keep him safe
4. DRestrict his fluid intake